Data Center Operator I

Sam Houston State University; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University invites applications for a Data Center Operator I. The role supports the university's data center facilities, monitors environmental systems, and assists with hardware installation and maintenance. You will follow runbooks, ensure safety, and maintain documentation.

This is an entry-level position with opportunities for certification and growth. The schedule includes multiple shifts; on-site work in Huntsville, TX, with a focus on reliability and teamwork in IT

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree or technical certification in IT desirable.
• No experience required beyond education.
• Prior experience in a data center, facilities, or infrastructure support role desirable.
• Experience in a state institution of higher education desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitors data center environmental systems, including power, cooling, temperature, and humidity, responding to alerts and escalating anomalies to senior staff.
• 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 inventory records and documentation.
• Performs scheduled operational tasks, including tape rotations, backup media handling, and equipment inspections, per runbooks.
• Follows safety, access control, and change management procedures for all data center activities; pursues relevant certifications and development.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or technical certification in Information Technology

Job description

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 elevate 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

Quicklink:

https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/49081

EEO Statement:

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