Senior Systems Administrator - NR
"Attention tech enthusiasts! We're on the lookout for a Senior Systems Administrator with four years expertise in Microsoft Windows server and exchange management, mastering data center hardware and Storage Area Networks. Dive into securing servers, managing confidential data, and honing intricate system skills. Join us at VTA to lead the charge in data security and ace server operations!"

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org

About the Technology Department:Divisions - Home (sharepoint.com)

The Technology Department strives to provide the highest quality technology-based services and solutions, in the most cost-effective manner, to facilitate the needs of our customers within VTA and the customers VTA serves. 

To meet the needs of our customers we will:

1. Provide effective technology support for personal computers, CCTV, audio/visual, ERP-SAP, records management, communications and web-based applications, enterprise infrastructure and services to all areas of VTA.
2. Promote and facilitate the effective integration of technology into the basic fabric of VTA through planning, programming, training, consulting, and other support activities.
3. Develop, enhance, and manage the VTA enterprise wired and wireless networks to provide high speed, reliable, and highly functional connectivity among all information resources.
4. Develop and maintain highly effective, reliable, secure, and innovative information systems to support all business functions across VTA.
5. Facilitate the printing, collection, storage, security, proper destruction and integrity of electronic data while ensuring appropriate access.
6. Provide capabilities including the ability to develop and manage the distribution (and marketing) through broadcast, narrowcast, broadband, software, web and other telecommunications technologies VTA programs, products and services both within and beyond the VTA mission.
7. In partnership with the Innovation program, promote new uses of information technology within VTA through the support for exploratory and innovative applications.
8. Enhance our customer's experience using VTA's services via the use of innovative Technology programs and systems (CLIPPER, Wi-Fi, digital signage, Blue Tower Phones, RTI etc)
9. Provide leadership for effective strategic and tactical planning in the use of technology, and Chair the Technology Working Group and Technology Steering Committee in support of our effort to deploy the best solution possible.
10. Provide fast and reliable access to all required information systems.

Technology maintains a Help Desk during normal business hours 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and Emergency support services for Mission Critical services after hours, on weekends and holidays. Behind the help desk is a dedicated professional staff that maintains and continuously upgrades the data centers, servers, computers, network, and the 50 plus business applications. It is our VTA employees that make the difference in bringing VTA quality and reliable service each and every day. The Help Desk phone number is (408) 546-7401.

The key parameter in Technology is change. To properly manage change we implemented a Program Management Office in 2010, trained our senior technical staff on program management skills, and in 2006 put in place the Technology Working Group committee (TWG) and the Technology Steering Group (TSC). Any and all new business applications or new technology is to be reviewed by the TWG prior to it becoming an active project, this ensures knowledge sharing across all divisions and departments, recognition that technology comes with a cost and technology impacts the business process. The TSC is made of every division chief and helps to guide Technology decision making in meeting VTA’s mission and goals.

Our Community 

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines. 

The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

The Ideal Candidate  

• The ideal Senior Systems Administrator brings four years experience in Microsoft Windows server administration, adeptly managing data center hardware and Storage Area Networks. They excel in maintaining a secure server environment, combatting intrusions, and securing confidential data and email. This candidate is proficient in complex system analysis, backups, restorations, and handling sensitive information like personnel files and legal records. Their expertise extends to managing confidential user accounts, security profiles, and permissions on VTA servers, showcasing their pivotal role in ensuring data security.

Definition

Under direction, the Senior Systems Administrator-NR leads and participates in the work of staff responsible for technical email and data system security administration support, performs complex and confidential data searches, and analyzes and resolves system operation problems.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This non-represented classification performs advanced journey-level duties related to analyzing, searching, compiling, accessing, configuring, installing, operating, and maintaining VTA’s data and email systems, servers, and cloud infrastructure. Incumbents perform the most confidential, difficult, and responsible types of activities related to email and data server administration, as well as performing the full array of search, installation, and troubleshooting duties. Duties include serving as project lead over staff responsible for providing technical systems administration support to VTA’s servers and analyzing, researching, and restoring restricted email and data systems.

This class is distinguished from the classifications of Information Systems Supervisor and Technology Infrastructure Supervisor in that the latter are supervisory classifications and have full supervisory authority and responsibility, whereas the former is a lead classification that is non-represented due to access to restricted and confidential data and systems.

Classification Bargaining Unit: NON-REPRESENTED

Typical Tasks

• Leads and participates in the work of staff in providing technical systems administration support including delegating assignments and reviewing work performed by others;
• Provides a secure server environment and combats security intrusions;
• Conducts research that may include confidential data, information, or email;
• Performs complex analysis on trusted systems including back-ups and restorations;
• Prepares, investigates, and researches confidential data and email including those related to personnel files, confidential negotiations, and legal records;
• Maintains confidential user accounts, passwords, groups, security profiles, shared resources, permissions, and domains on VTA servers;
• Prepares confidential reports, memoranda, and other documents; makes verbal presentations on research, findings, and recommendations;
• Monitors server security operations and configurations to identify opportunities to improve security and compliance;
• Develops and implements system security improvements to enhance confidentiality;
• Establishes protocols to protect email, digital files and information systems against unauthorized access, modification, and/or destruction;
• Monitors networks, data, email system, and servers in real time to identify and combat security intrusions;
• Trains staff and others as needed in a formal setting, in a group, or one-on-one;
• Coordinates, configures, installs, and maintains new server hardware and software;
• Configures, manages, and operates Storage Area Networks (SANs);
• Installs, configures, maintains, and repairs VTA servers and peripheral equipment;
• Researches and recommends new hardware and software components;
• Documents installation and configuration procedures;
• Prepares computer system design specifications and coordinates with outside vendors as needed;
• Assists in the design of centralized server and storage systems;
• Administers or leads projects using VTA personnel, consultants, and vendors, as needed;
• Coordinates with vendors, consultants, and VTA staff as needed;
• Communicates classified project status and resolves project issues, problems, and changes;
• Reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures, and identifies and resolves problems;
• Maintains technical and functional competency in the applications utilized by the assigned department;
• May be required to monitor project expenditures, recommending adjustments as necessary;
• Performs related duties as required.

Interested applicants may only meet some of the requirements. We encourage applications from any person who believes they can thrive and grow within VTA. While we’re welcoming to a variety of different candidates, this position could be an excellent role for a number of different profiles, including those who:

· Want to be team players with strong interpersonal skills, working within the community and VTA to help elevate and integrate equitable transit initiatives throughout our work

· Are passionate, adaptable, and innovative team players who want to learn and contribute to the development of a visionary transit network through an equity lens

· Are interested in collaborative and impactful, transformative change; working with supportive diverse teams to help grow our service and lead our region.

Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and experience maintaining computer servers and workstations to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in computer science or a related field, and four (4) years of professional experience performing technical and analytical tasks in support of Microsoft Windows servers, data center hardware, and Storage Area Networks.
Additional professional-level experience providing technical systems administration support may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of server, email, and data security;
• Thorough understanding of the operational characteristics of Microsoft Windows server systems;
• Storage Area Network technologies and operations;
• Principles of data communications and computer networks;
• Methods and techniques used in analyzing system architecture;
• Principles and practices of maintaining and administering Microsoft Windows servers and workstations;
• Microsoft Windows Terminal Server and Microsoft Windows;
• Methods and techniques for analyzing server hardware and software performance;
• Diagnostic utilities used in a multi-platform environment;
• Methods and techniques for assessing the cost effectiveness of system enhancements and modifications;
• Public sector procurement processes;
• Methods and techniques of technology planning and project management;
• Principles and practices of lead supervision and training.

 
Ability to:

• Maintain security and confidentiality of agency email and data systems;
• Lead and direct the work of subordinate personnel;
• Train customers, staff, and others, as needed;
• Install, configure, enhance, and maintain servers and related devices;
• Prepare and present comprehensive and clear reports and recommendations;
• Evaluate server performance problems and develop cost-effective solutions;
• Troubleshoot complex Microsoft Windows, VMware, server operating and maintenance problems;
• Organize, administer, and create meeting agendas and notes for work units;
• Administer a server inventory system;
• Prioritize complex and demanding workloads and coordinate team schedules;
• Configure, manage, and maintain user accounts, groups, profiles, shared resources, permissions, and domains on Microsoft Windows servers;
• Analyze and assess cost effectiveness of system improvements and enhancements;
• Multitask with a strong attention to detail and shift from one project to another when priorities change;
• Keep current with business changes within functional area, such as methods, practices, and technologies;
• Work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays including on call (24/7/365);
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

What’s in it for You? 

Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and an option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Mental Health Days: 3 days: May 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.

Retirement:

- Participation in CalPERS

· Classic Members: 2%@55

· PEPRA Members: 2%@62

- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

· 457 pre-tax

· 457 Roth

· Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium

Additional perks:

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Professional Development Fund

- Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General Instructions 

Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of

your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, please click here.

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.