Careers

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Physics Junior Systems Administrator (Clerical Assistant) configures, maintains, and supports the computer systems operated by the Physics Department. These computer systems, and the services they deliver, provide mission critical services to Physics faculty and staff. These services include file and print sharing, group collaboration, messaging and calendaring, managed server and workstation security, and heterogeneous endpoint management. Additionally, this person recommends new technologies and participates in implementation and special projects as required.

Essential Functions

• Troubleshoot, repair and upgrade mission critical PC and Mac workstations and peripherals.
• Troubleshoot, install and upgrade software applications and operating systems on network attached workstations.
• Install workstation peripherals and setup software and the operating system to allow workstations to connect to the University network and computing resources.
• Perform System Imaging, data recovery, and workstation lifecycle maintenance.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot connectivity problems including but not limited to, problems involving network operating systems, applications, servers, printers, workstations, and cabling.
• Monitor and tune workstation performance.
• Keep current with information security practices, common attack vectors, established and emerging network standards and protocols, server operating systems, Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, software applications, hardware platforms and peripherals, and Industry certifications.
• Make software, hardware, and services recommendations to department clients. This requires staying abreast of current hardware, software, and service technology trends and assessing their usefulness and appropriateness to the campus. Participates in planning, installation, and expansion of local area network systems, equipment and services.
• Accurately create and document procedures.
• Manage, document, and record work performed in Service Now.
• Document systems.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all tech help requests.
• Automate and improve departmental technology, systems, and procedures.

Other Functions

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• One (1) year of relevant experience.
• Associate degree or higher can substitute for the relevant experience.
• Education toward such a degree or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
• Valid Driver's License. 
• Experience working with multiple computer systems in a networked client/server environment. Must have working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, the management of shared resources in a networked environment and security management.
• Experience in meeting the demands of complex production-oriented environments where timeliness and availability of information is considered critical.
• Hands on experience must include installation and maintenance of enterprise class server operating systems; installation, configuration, and maintenance of network client software and operating systems; software and hardware problem resolution.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral especially, as consultation and accurate communication with non-technical individuals on technical matters is a requirement for this individual. Ability to converse well in person and by telephone.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows, Linux (RHEL and Ubuntu), MacOS, JAMF, KACE, Active Directory, Group Policy, and other system administration/automation tools.
• Experience with scripting languages such as PowerShell, Bash, Python, etc.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow detailed instructions and make independent judgments, and strong technical analytic abilities. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• A passion for technology with an accompanying desire for constant growth.
• Ability to pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background check.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, travel to other campuses, and perform repetitive movements.
• Lift 50Lbs independently and heavier loads with assistance.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday; 9AM – 3:30PM. 20 hours/week.
• This is a non-benefited, temporary position.

Salary Information

• $15-$25/ hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. 

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan).