IT Specialist (SysAdmin), (IS-2210-11/12)

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. The position is a Software Administrator role, working with a variety of enterprise software platforms. The incumbent should understand IT concepts, including network, compute, and storage technologies, and be skilled in planning, executing, and monitoring application projects across short- and long-term timelines.

Requirements

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as the duties listed above.
Experience and knowledge in software installation, support, maintenance, and upgrades.
Knowledge of security protocols and best practices for enterprise software administration. Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, system hardening, access control, encryption, and vulnerability mitigation.
Knowledge of and skill in deploying software containerization platforms as well as integration with cloud environments.
Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
The ability to write concise, readable, user-oriented documentation for software and/or hardware systems, and to write system maintenance documentation, is essential.
Knowledge of operating systems, databases, APIs, authentication services, and cloud environments.
Skill in scripting/automation to support deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting
Knowledge of ITIL, change management, and configuration management practices.

Responsibilities

Skillfully install and configure a wide range of enterprise software applications, including ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), CRM platforms, collaboration tools, including Google Suite, MS Teams, and Slack. Ensure applications are properly integrated into existing systems. Participate in regular software maintenance tasks, including applying updates, patches, and security fixes to critical enterprise applications. Participate in the execution of major software upgrades for enterprise applications.
Provide technical support to end users by promptly addressing their software-related queries, concerns, and issues. Utilize a strong problem-solving approach to troubleshooting complex issues in enterprise and legacy software applications. Monitor performance metrics of enterprise applications and proactively identify areas for improvement. Optimize configurations to enhance user experience and efficiency.
Participates in planning, testing, and deploying new systems, upgrades, and modernization initiatives. Evaluates emerging technologies and contributes to requirements development. Coordinates with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support system lifecycle activities.
Maintain comprehensive documentation of software installations, configurations, and troubleshooting steps for various enterprise applications. Share knowledge to expedite problem resolution across platforms. Provides technical advice to project teams, end users, and leadership on software capabilities, limitations, and best practices. Participates in planning for new software acquisitions, upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
Implement stringent security measures, access controls, and authentication mechanisms to safeguard enterprise software systems. Implements and enforces security controls in accordance with agency policies, NIST standards, and cybersecurity directives. Responds to and takes action on information provided by vulnerability scans, implements patch management, and system hardening. Supports audits, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.