IT Specialist

*Applicants who applied under posting will be considered and do not need to reapply.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today

This is the position of Information Technology (IT) Specialist in the Chandra Operations Control Center (OCC) of the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will take a lead role in performing all aspects of computer network management on a network of Windows and Linux workstations and servers and serves as a resource of expertise for other staff. The employee is responsible for network maintenance and security, user accounts and services (such as on-line user documentation and user training), and utilities, scripts and system procedures.

Duties at the grade 12 may include, but are not limited to:

1.Install, maintain and troubleshoot Cisco and other networking equipment.

2.Monitor and troubleshoot network elements to ensure that problems are discovered and resolved in a timely manner.

3.Design, recommend, and implement network security improvements. Resolve security problems. Stay current with Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) advisories and vendor-supplied security alerts, and implement security modifications as needed.

4.Evaluate OCC computing needs and network performance. Plan new services and expanded roles for the network. Design and implement network improvements such as system backup and recovery strategies, network performance enhancement, and optimization of system resources (disk, CPU, memory).

5.Provide user support. Serve as point of contact for OCC computer users requiring assistance or instruction in the use of the OCC local area network. Write utilities and scripts to improve the user experience.

6.Maintain current knowledge of hardware and software products, including those from Cisco and other manufacturers, as well as Windows and Linux products and public domain utilities.

7.Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

In addition to the above duties at the grade 13 may include but are not limited to:

1. Act as Lead Systems Administrator by providing technical direction and serving as a main point of contact for system information and procedures.
2. Interfaces with other Chandra group leaders, computer specialists, engineers, and scientists in evaluating needs for the LAN and system software, defining requirements, developing implementation plans, and supporting software design and development, Configuration Management, testing and integration, and other OCC and site needs.
3. Support Windows and Linux servers and desktops. Develop plans for implementing new services and expanding roles of servers.
4. Responsible for LAN security by staying abreast of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) advisories and vendor-supplied security problems and fixes. Designs, recommends, and implements security improvements and security problem resolutions.
5. Conceive, implement, and make recommendations based on studies relating to OCC computing needs and performance including system backup and recovery strategy, LAN performance, optimization of systems resources (disk, CPU, memory), application evaluation, writing utilities such as shell scripts to provide LAN resource information to users, and others as required by the supervisor.
6. Interface with manufacturers of hardware and software to provide up-to-date information on available products. This includes review of Windows/Linux products, those available from third parties, and public domain utilities.
7. Serve as point of contact for OCC computer users requiring assistance or instruction in the use of the OCC LAN.
8. Fulfills other systems related responsibilities as requested by supervisor.