Data Center Operator I

Sam Houston State University; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University is seeking a Data Center Operator I to support the university's data center facilities. The role involves monitoring environmental systems, handling routine infrastructure tasks, and assisting with hardware installation under guidance from senior staff.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, with an associate’s degree or IT certification desirable. Shift schedules may vary, and safety procedures must be followed to ensure continuous operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Information Technology desirable.
• No experience required beyond education; prior data center experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitors data center environmental systems (power, cooling, temperature, humidity) and responds to alerts.
• Performs routine infrastructure tasks including equipment racking, cabling, labeling, and power connections under supervision.
• Assists in receipt, staging, and installation of data center hardware per rack elevation standards; maintains asset records and cable docs.
• Performs scheduled operational tasks such as tape rotations, backup media handling, and equipment inspections.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Information Technology

Job description

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package , competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Requisition 202600347S Title Data Center Operator I FLSA status Non-Exempt Hiring Salary This position is a pay grade 10. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/636763.pdf Occupational Category Technical/Para-Professional Department Research Technologies Division Information Technology Open Date 10/28/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree or technical certification in Information Technology or a related field is desirable. No experience required beyond education. Prior experience in a data center, facilities, or infrastructure support role is desirable. Experience in a state institution of higher education is desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered. Nature & Purpose of Position Performs entry-level technical work supporting the physical operations, monitoring, and maintenance of the university’s data center facilities and infrastructure within the Division of Information Technology. Primary Responsibilities Monitors data center environmental systems, including power, cooling, temperature, and humidity, responding to alerts and escalating anomalies to senior staff in accordance with established procedures. Performs routine physical infrastructure tasks including equipment racking, cabling, labeling, and power connections under the direction of senior staff. Assists in the receipt, staging, and installation of data center hardware in accordance with rack elevation standards and cable management procedures; maintains accurate physical inventory records including asset tags, rack diagrams, and cable documentation. Performs scheduled operational tasks, including tape rotations, backup media handling, and equipment inspections, in accordance with defined runbooks. Follows established safety, access control, and change management procedures for all data center activities. Pursues relevant data center or infrastructure certifications and professional development. Ensures compliance with applicable institutional policies and divisional directives. Performs other related duties as assigned. Other Specifications Requires basic knowledge of computer hardware, data center infrastructure, cabling, power, cooling, and environmental monitoring concepts. Requires mechanical aptitude and basic analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize operational issues, follow established procedures and runbooks, and expedite problems appropriately. Must possess strong organizational, customer service, written, and verbal communication skills and be self-motivated and detail oriented. Requires the ability to maintain accurate equipment, inventory, and infrastructure documentation and follow established safety, physical security, access control, and change management procedures.
May be required to work extended or irregular hours and participate in after-hours, on-call, or emergency support. Must be able to perform the physical activities and lift equipment and materials necessary to complete assigned data center work.
The hours for position will be one of the below shifts ( TBD ); subject to change
Saturday - Wednesday | 9pm - 7am
Tuesday - Saturday | 9pm - 7am
Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm - Position flexible to cover the other 7 to 3 shifts Sat and Sun
Sunday - Thursday | 7am - 3pm
Tuesday - Saturday | 7am - 3pm
Sunday - Wednesday | 1pm - 11pm
Wednesday - Saturday | 1pm - 11pm
This position is designated as a critical infrastructure role and requires the employee to undergo periodic reviews of their criminal history and potential connections to foreign adversaries, as required by applicable policies and regulations. See HR-19 and FO-71 for additional details. Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/49081

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report