Physical Infrastructure Administrator - Department of Information Technology Services

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ADMINISTRATOR

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

JOB PURPOSE

This position is responsible for ensuring the stable operation of the University's environmental infrastructure for the data centres, server rooms, and network rooms. Physical Infrastructure Administrators are responsible for the various data centres, server rooms as well as network rooms. To provide technical operational support and implementation of all environmental factors, as well as to ensure that all standards are met in all the data centres/server/network rooms to operate the network and server infrastructure under optimal conditions. Ensure adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards and practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) support and maintenance:
• Analyse and resolve UPS performance incidents or problems;
• Report, monitor and resolve faults to vendors;
• Liaise with vendors to troubleshoot UPS incidents and problems;
• Provide explanation of technical UPS related procedures and processes to both technical and non-technical user/client/customers;
• Investigate and make recommendations with regard to size and standby time of UPS, based on client requirements;
• Ensure that new equipment is tagged with asset numbers as required;
• Ensure that installations are scheduled using the Enterprise Service Management platform;
• Ensure that installations are done according to supplier specifications and UP policies, procedures and standards;
• Ensure preventative maintenance measures are in place;
• Ensure that the UPSs are captured in the inventory list and monitoring system;
• Assist with monitoring of UPSs and batteries through the enterprise service management system;
• Ensure that maintenance and repairs on UPSs are done in the most cost-effective way;
• Rebuild battery trays with new batteries and do the necessary voltage measuring for quality assurance;
• Assist with technical aspects related to network room and UPSs on projects;
• Ensure installations are done correctly according to acceptable electrical standards;
• Assist with inspections;

• Infrastructure support and maintenance of data centres/server/network rooms:

• Conduct routine inspections of data centres/server/network rooms;
• Assess that the necessary environmental infrastructures are in place and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety, Audit, Network, and Security standards and procedures;
• Ensure that the environmental infrastructures are functional and the necessary corrective steps are taken regarding failures and/or problems;
• Ensure data centres/server/network rooms are neat, clean and in working order;
• Log calls where needed with relevant professional services to fix faulty infrastructure;

• Access control:

• Maintain and ensure that access control systems are in place at data centres/server/network rooms;
• Maintain access list that control access to the rooms together with security services;
• Ensure that new access control installations to network rooms are completed;

• Projects:

• Participate and contribute with teams in the planning phases of network rooms, distribution rooms and data centres;
• Provide specifications with regards to UPS and physical requirements as per UP standards;
• Implement according to project specifications;
• Advise and guide to ensure that the necessary quality assurance measures are in place for installations;

• Administration:
• Complete the enterprise service management processes;
• Configure and utilise the UPS call logging and monitoring system;
• Compile and submit reports as required;
• Attend relevant seminars and courses;
• Complete the asset verification process;
• Provide inspection reports for network rooms as well as UPSs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant Bachelor's or BTech degree, with
• A total of three years' experience in:
• UPS installations and maintenance;
• Data Centre management, engineering, operations, and performance analysis;
• Troubleshooting and analysis techniques in related fields;
• Working in project teams;

• Valid driver's license; OR

• A three-year National Diploma with;
• A total of five years' experience in:
• UPS installations and maintenance;
• Data Centre management, engineering, operations, and performance analysis;
• Troubleshooting and analysis techniques in related fields;
• Working in project teams;

• Valid driver's license; OR

• Grade 12 with;
• A total of eight years' experience in:
• UPS installations and maintenance;
• Data Centre management, engineering, operations, and performance analysis;
• Troubleshooting and analysis techniques in related fields;
• Working in project teams;

• Valid driver's license.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Knowledge:
• Knowledge of:
• Physical infrastructure architecture;
• Cabling and fibre Infrastructure;
• Data centre infrastructure and/or network room requirements;
• HVAC technologies and systems;
• Change control procedures;

• Technical competencies:
• Data Centre management;
• HVAC technologies and infrastructure;
• Physical infrastructure standards;
• Data cabling infrastructure;
• UPS technologies and systems;
• UPSs and batteries;
• Electrical standards and principles;
• Project management;

• Behavioural competencies:
• Ability to:
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients or customers by listening to the client/customer and understanding and responding to identified needs;
• Use specific equipment or machines to meet defined quality and quantity standards;
• Convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals, either verbally or in writing, to ensure that they understand the information and the message;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with others in order to encourage and support communication and teamwork;
• Demonstrate an understanding of applicable policies and procedures;
• Establish a culture of safety for employees, and to ensure that work processes are free from safety and health hazards;
• Keep up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise;
• Monitor environmental risks, if any, and quality control;
• Ensure actions are performed and/or implemented to achieve the results of the project;
• Demonstrate a methodical and logical approach to addressing customer needs, and the use of innovative solutions and/or designs where appropriate;
• Maintain social, ethical, and organisational norms;
• Act to achieve goals beyond what is required;
• Generate innovative solutions in work situations;
• Use efficient and cost-effective approaches to integrate technology into the workplace and improve program effectiveness;
• Listen to symptom descriptions; analyse problems; respond effectively, and to provide constructive feedback to the client on problem resolution.

PLEASE NOTE: The inherent requirements of this position include working in confined or restricted spaces and at heights, including on ladders, in line with applicable safety requirements. The incumbent will also be required to lift, carry and handle equipment and materials safely, and to wear and correctly use the prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. The role also involves local travel, and working overtime, weekends, standby and after-hours duties when operationally required.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• An Honours degree in an applicable field;
• Three years' experience in:
• Managing, developing and implementing Data Centre physical