Critical Operations Associate

QTS Data Centers; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Paid volunteer days

Stock Purchase Plan

Holidays and holiday pay

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking a Critical Operations Associate to monitor building systems, assist customers on the Data Center floor, and support ticket resolution in a 24x7 environment. The role includes routine system checks and escalation of issues to senior technicians as needed.

This position requires shift work and completion of the career pathing qualifications within two years of start date. Candidates should have a high school diploma or technical training and basic MS Office skills, with

Qualifications

• High school diploma, Technical college degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• One or more years of technical training, military training, or equivalent professional work experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Applies learning, knowledge, skills, and company policies to IT, electrical and mechanical equipment, controls, and operating systems.
• Assist with preventive and/or corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Create and/or update tickets within the established ticketing system to address customer calls.
• Performs routine tours of the facility to ensure all equipment operates as designed.
• Monitor critical and non-critical system equipment to ensure safe and compliant operation.
• Respond to building emergencies and customer requests.
• Complies with policy for safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Skills

Customer focus

Strong communication

Team player

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma

Technical college degree

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

It’s exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history— and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. Our world‑class data centers empower our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure. As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting‑edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals. At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission‑driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we’re achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

And we’d like to invite you to join us.

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:

• Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
• Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
• Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
• 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
• Pet and Legal Insurance
• Q‑Rest Sabbatical Program
• Q‑Anniversary Service Award Program
• Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

The Critical Operations Associate is responsible for monitoring operations and conducting routine and ongoing assessment of the building systems, operations, and performance. The role is also responsible for assisting customers on the Data Center floor both in person and via the telephone, assisting with customer equipment installs, providing support on low and medium priority tickets within the ticketing system, escalating alerts and/or customer requests to senior technicians for resolution, and completing other tasks as assigned.

This role requires shift work hours to support a 24x7x365 data center environment. To be eligible for a position as Critical Operations Associate, the candidate must agree to successfully complete all career pathing qualifications for the Critical Operation Associate and COT I within two years of their start date.

Responsibilities, Other Duties May Be Assigned.

• Applies learning, knowledge, skills, and company policies to a wide range of tasks pertaining to IT, electrical and mechanical equipment, controls, and operating systems.
• Assist with preventive and/or corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Create and/or update tickets within the established ticketing system to address customer calls, data center facility, network and/or system related alerts.
• Performs routine tours of the facility to ensure all equipment is operation as designed
• Monitors critical and non‑critical system equipment and components to ensure safe and compliant operation.
• Responds as required to building emergencies and customer requests.
• Complies with departmental policy for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma, Technical college degree, or equivalent professional experience
• One or more years of technical training, military training, or equivalent professional work experience
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of electrical, mechanical, and/or network infrastructure concepts and theory
• One or more years of work experience in a mission‑critical or similar environment

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Customer focus with strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels within the organization
• Ability to function in a team environment.
• Ability to analyze operations of various systems, determine the cause of problems and malfunctions and take corrective action as required.
• The ability to pass job‑related skills assessments based on pre‑determined scoring criteria and time frames.
• Computer skills and familiarity with MS Office, Outlook, and web‑based computer applications.
• The ability to acquire and apply job‑related knowledge within set guidelines and expectations.

Position may involve frequent typing, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching and lifting. Lifting requirements may range from <10 lbs. - 50 lbs. on a regular basis, with heavier weights done in conjunction with other individuals or lifting aids.

TOTAL REWARDS

• This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.
• This position is Bonus eligible.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

Pay Transparency Policy Is Available Here

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

QTS - Powered By People