Systems Administrator

CalArts Extended Studies; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CalArts Extended Studies in Santa Clarita, CA seeks a Systems Administrator to provide technology services for the School of Film and Video, enabling innovative film and video creation.

The role reports to the Lead Systems Administrator and requires managing OS deployment, network security, backups, and user support across faculty and students.

This full-time, non-exempt position emphasizes reliability, documentation, and collaboration within the IT team.

Qualifications

• Expertise with Mac, Windows and Unix OS and ability to master new versions.
• Scripting or programming abilities desirable.
• Strong problem solving for hardware/software issues.
• Excellent technical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage time efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to work independently following complex instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Proficiency in Office, Google and Adobe apps.
• Critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and test computer hardware, networking software and OS.
• Configure, update and deploy disk images for workstations.
• Yearly packaging, testing, and installation of OS/app software.
• Maintain server systems, network file systems and accounts.
• Plan and implement network security measures and updates.
• Perform routine network startup/shutdown and maintain records.
• Provide technical support for server room, classroom and lab upgrades.
• Provide end-user technical documentation.
• Maintain system administration documentation and inventory.
• Maintain ticketing/online resource website and respond to tickets.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Coordinate daily ops with other film/video system admins.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and configurations.
• Monitor network performance and plan future changes.
• Gather data on user needs to identify requirements.
• Maintain parts inventory for emergency repairs.
• Consult with CalArts IT on software acquisitions and networking.
• Attend regular staff meetings and research new technologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mac/Windows/Unix

Scripting

Troubleshooting

Communication

Physical robustness

Office/Adobe

Critical thinking

Time management

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Position Identification

Department: School of Film and Video

Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt, UAW-Represented Staff Position

Schedule: 7.5-hour workday; 37.5-hour workweek

Summary

The Systems Administrator is responsible for providing technology services to faculty and students in the School of Film/Video to enable the creation of innovative, non-conventional forms of film and video making. Takes direction from the Lead Systems Administrator.

Essential Job Functions

• Design, configure and test computer hardware, networking software and operating system software and send hardware out for repair as needed.
• Configure, update, test and maintain image creation, scripting, packaging and deployment management tools to distribute disk images for all School of Film/Video workstations.
• Perform yearly packaging, testing, compiling and installation of operating system and application software.
• Maintain server systems, network file systems and administer account services. Maintain logs related to network functions as well as maintenance and repair records.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures in order to protect data, software, and hardware. Maintain and monitor regular security and application software updates (such as OS patches, application and web browser patches, anti-virus, malware, firewall, etc.) on all server and workstation systems and perform approved system patches and updates.
• Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures and maintain control records.
• Provide technical support for server room, classroom and lab networking and infrastructure upgrades.
• Provide end-user technical documentation.
• Maintain system administration documentation including software and hardware inventory.
• Maintain School of Film/Video’s technical support ticketing/online resource website, respond to tickets and assign tickets where appropriate.
• Perform data back-ups and disaster recovery operations.
• Coordinate daily operations with other School of Film/Video system administrators.
• Recommend changes to improve systems and network configurations, and determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
• Monitor network performance in order to determine whether adjustments need to be made, and to determine where changes will need to be made in the future.
• Gather data pertaining to user needs, and use the information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements
• Maintain an inventory of parts for emergency repairs.
• Consult with CalArts IT regarding common software acquisitions, technical issues and networking services when necessary.
• Attend regular staff meetings.
• Research new technology keeping abreast of current network, server, application software and hardware developments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Expertise with current Mac, Windows and Unix operating systems and ability to master new versions as needed.
• Scripting, programming abilities desirable.
• Effective hardware and software problem solving abilities.
• Excellent technical and communication skills.
• Ability to manage time efficiently with the ability to work under pressure handling different duties at the same time.
• Ability to work independently and follow complex multi-part instructions and adhere to established IT best practices.
• Ability to lift, carry and push equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe applications.
• Critical thinking skills required.

Education

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in related field.

Experience

• Three years relevant experience in system administration preferably in an academic environment.