Your role:

The Data Center Operations Specialist provides technical support of Global Relay’s mission-critical data center facilities, server environments and related infrastructure. This includes specification, installation, and testing of server and storage systems and peripherals within established standards, as well as development and maintenance of data center support systems such as automated system provisioning, asset tracking, space planning, cable management, equipment monitoring and maintenance. Activities include timely troubleshooting of hardware including servers and storage systems, and the use of monitoring tools and operating systems to monitor, diagnose, and resolve unique, non-recurring problems. These responsibilities require independent and team-based analyses, initiative and sound judgment, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills while working with minimal supervision. This role will be based in Merritt, BC, where the successful candidate will play a key role in helping build out a modern data center site from the ground up and providing long-term operational support as the facility grows over the coming years.

Your responsibilities:

• Assist operations staff with the installation, configuration and ongoing usability of servers, storage systems, peripheral equipment and software.
• Work with vendor support contacts to resolve technical problems with computer, mechanical and electrical equipment and related software.
• Interact with numerous computer platforms in a multi-layered client/server environment.
• Create and maintain a well-organized inventory of all equipment, parts, software licenses and maintenance agreements.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation on usage procedures and policies.
• Recommend and perform upgrades on systems to ensure longevity.
• Assess functional needs to determine specifications for purchases.
• Assist in maintaining the mechanical systems required to support the facility, including assisting with the installation and maintenance of rear-door cooling systems.
• Perform asset tracking and space provisioning tasks as part of equipment deployments.
• Receive, unpack, assemble, rack and cable servers, storage systems and related components.
• Ensure the facility is maintained to the highest standards possible to ensure 100% uptime is achieved.
• Maintain service logs and records for electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Perform routine test procedures on redundant mechanical and electrical systems to ensure operational availability.
• Escort and supervise mechanical and electrical contractors when performing maintenance and repair work to ensure work does not jeopardize system availability.
• Assist in periodic security reviews and audits to ensure the facility is always secure.
• Perform rotating shift coverage to meet all support needs, including night shifts and emergency coverage.
• Provide on-call coverage to support operations outside regular business hours.
• Implement and manage monitoring tools.
• Mentor L1 and L2 Data Center Specialists.
• Manage automation tools for patching and security requirements.

About you:

• Minimum 6 years of experience as a Data Center Operations Specialist
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science and/or experience in supporting servers and data center needs within a mission critical environment.
• A good understanding of Microsoft Windows server and Linux environments.
• Require excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical power distribution systems and how they are used in a data center.
• Familiarity with mechanical equipment systems (CRAC, CRAH, evaporative cooling, and modern rear-door cooling systems) an asset.
• Experience working in a mission critical data center facility.
• Excellent judgement skills in making critical decisions.
• Ability to lift and move large and awkward equipment safely.
• Working knowledge of VMware virtualization both on the server and client side an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a large variety of server hardware configurations, able to perform installation and maintenance of server equipment, including modern high-powered GPU systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently in an effective and organized manner in a complex and challenging environment.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced hardware troubleshooting skills
• Completion of training on HPE OneView and other server management tools (or equivalent industry-standard platforms).
• Strong organization skill and initiatives.
• Knowledge of scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell, an asset.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving abilities.
• Excellent cable management skills required.
• Familiarity with modern network topologies (e.g., leaf-spine architectures) and SNMP-based monitoring tools an asset.
• Experience with asset management systems (e.g., Device42 or similar enterprise asset tracking tools) an asset.

Working conditions / physical requirements:

• Must be available after hours and / or weekends for emergency related work, service impacting incident resolution, or maintenance that is required during maintenance windows (outside of regular business hours).
• Must be able to work with heavy equipment.