Data Center Technician

#CA-FT

The Data Center Technician will provide Level 1 and 2 engineering and operational support for the UC Davis Health technology portfolio. Responsibilities include operational duties of all physical layer aspects of data centers and IT closets, including cabling, connectivity, and documenting deployed infrastructure. The role also oversees installations for servers, storage, networks, and security systems across three data centers and 300+ IT closets.
The engineer will manage power infrastructure, including 200+ UPS units, 1,000+ Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs), TR security cameras and battery backup systems, as well as handle all UPS servicing, required change control submissions, and yearly telecommunications environmental maintenance of all IT spaces. The role includes inventory and asset management and acting as the primary liaison for vendor contracts and engagements, ensuring smooth communication between IT teams and data center service providers. The incumbent will also support the design, engineering, monitoring, and installation of new or existing telecommunications rooms.

This position reports to the Manager/Supervisor of Data Center Services and requires intermediate-level expertise in data center operations, design, and technology principles. You will perform Level 1 and Level 2 network testing, and be part of an on-call rotation, handling system failures, environmental alerts, and providing 24/7 service support.

Apply By Date: May 7, 2025 at 11:59pm. Selection process may start at any time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• A minimum of two of the following certifications are ideal: Certified Data Center Design, Management, or Energy Professional or equivalent certification Microsoft Windows, CompTIA or equivalent certification Structured Cabling Certification (Panduit) or equivalent certification
• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in related field and/or equivalent experience and or training
• 3 or more years of experience in data center operations with a strong understanding of infrastructure technologies, including UPS systems, PDUs, networking, storage, compute, and security systems
• 2 or more years of experience working with retail or wholesale data center vendors, focusing on supporting and managing power infrastructure.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a commitment to seeing issues through to resolution
• Positive, professional, and "can-do" attitude; fosters strong team relationships through respectful listening, flexibility, and knowledge sharing
• Demonstrated leadership qualities with the ability to instruct and guide DCS and ICS team members
• Hands-on experience supporting Windows Server infrastructure, including routine hardware maintenance (e.g., hard drive replacements, memory upgrades, and lifecycle refreshes)

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience working in a Level 1 NOC (Network Operations Center) or SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) function.
• Responsible for infrastructure installations, asset tagging, vendor coordination, and planning for cabling and power capacity
• Experience drafting Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Skilled in coordinating work across remote teams and external business partners that support IT
• Proficiency in fiber optic and copper connectivity methods, including Ethernet and WAN/LAN topologies
• Intermediate-level knowledge of physical storage systems, including installation, refresh cycles, asset tracking, and vendor coordination for cabling and power support

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Data Center Engineering & Operations
• 30% - Data Center Technician & Support
• 20% - Project Management Communications and Resources

Department Overview

The UC Davis Health Data Center & Communications Infrastructure team is responsible for the design, engineering, and management of all telecommunications spaces across the organization, including four enterprise data centers and over 300 telecommunications rooms (TRs). This department leads the development and maintenance of all TR rack elevations and infrastructure standards, ensuring optimal layout, airflow, accessibility, and performance across the entire physical IT environment.

The team provides critical Level 1 and 2 engineering and operational support for the UC Davis Health technology portfolio, with a focus on the physical layer-managing structured cabling, connectivity, documentation, and infrastructure consistency across all IT spaces. The department oversees the deployment and maintenance of core IT systems, including servers, storage, networking, and security devices, as well as the support and integration of those systems into the broader UC Davis Health data center environment.

A key responsibility of the department includes managing the power and environmental infrastructure for all communications spaces. This includes over 200 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, 1,000+ Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs), and TR-based surveillance and backup systems. The team leads all UPS servicing, environmental maintenance, and change control procedures, ensuring the reliability and availability of mission-critical infrastructure.

In addition to technical operations, the department manages inventory and asset tracking, supports vendor contracts and engagements, and acts as the primary liaison between UC Davis Health IT and external data center service providers. The team plays a vital role in the planning, design, monitoring, and execution of new and upgraded telecommunications rooms, contributing to the long-term scalability and resilience of UC Davis Health's IT infrastructure.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $3,176.25 - $5,858.24
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: COMM AND NETWORK TCHL ANL 3
• UC Job Code: 007566
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F
• Location: UCDHAS Building (HSP165)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This position is not an H-1B visa opportunity.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks