Data Centre Technician at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

Monitor, Support & Execute efficient & effective 24/7 Data Centre Operations and make recommendations for operations improvements. This includes delivering the following with limited to NO business disruption:

• Server availability to meet business requirements & as per agreed SLA’s
• Server Access to standard
• Server Maintenance
• Server Upgrades
• Server replacements
• Server performance monitoring (utilisation, environmental impact)

Job Description

DC Technical Delivery & Support

• Work embedded as part of a Data Centre execution team and take personal accountability & responsibility for deeply understanding the data centre including all equipment, layouts etc.
• Understand data centre operational plans and how these impact on the role of Data Technician (what needs to be done & when)
• Execute operational plans to standard (time, quality, cost). This includes executing the following technical data centre operations tasks:
• Support the implementation of infrastructure platforms & or their components e.g. Mainframe, Tandem, Unix, Windows, Storage Technologies, Networks
• Support the implementation & monitoring of capacity management & infrastructure Risk / Security Management on various platforms
• Support IMAC activities
• Hardware support on X86/intel based hardware
• Support installation & de-installation & change requests on cabling infrastructure (per SLA’s)
• Change & Configuration management (where applicable) including use of configuration management systems in day to day DC operations
• Configure the infrastructure environment (as above & holistically) as required by the service being implemented or revised.
• Manage end to end DC infrastructure operations delivery – pre (initiation), during & post (review) implementation
• Take accountability for delivery to plan & according to SLA’s, OLA’s, DC, risk, governance & compliance standards to ensure availability, efficiency & effectiveness, risk prevention & overall DC infrastructure compliance throughout an implementation (Run / Change)
• Leverage & coordinate specialised expertise to exercise / advise on Data Centre operations where applicable & relevant (aligned to internal process)
• Proactively identify issues and opportunities while executing day to day DC operational activities & enable the broader DC team to minimise and prevent risk & incidents
• Provide technical information & advice (where applicable) & make recommendations for data centre operations improvements
• Respond to user requests for assistance & ensure reliable, accurate, effect and prompt resolution of user queries
• Proactively educate users on DC facilities and enable their efficient & effective use of available infrastructure
• Proactively monitor the progress and performance of infrastructure implementation & delivery
• Develop, implement and maintain relevant infrastructure data e.g. capacity, layout & space utilisation, installation / de-installation information including implementation & progress updates etc. on appropriate systems (e.g. Service Now)
• Communicate progress & performance data as required to the broader Team & other relevant stakeholders (if required)
• Provide updates to team leader to ensure floor plan & capacity data is maintained
• Provide updates to their installation, de-installation activity stakeholders
• Ensure best practice, process, policy and controls are adhered to, identifying improvements across the data centre and computer room estate

DC Monitoring & Evaluation

• Ensure proactive monitoring of all critical systems within required system management tools and in some cases configure systems to enable monitoring
• Analyse system logs, identify potential issues with server systems & implement / escalate recommended actions to resolve / mitigate business risk
• Perform regular system monitoring, verify the integrity and availability of servers, review system and application logs, and verify completion of scheduled jobs such as backups aligned to DC policies, procedures & standards
• Take full accountability for delivering on DC SLA’s and OLA’s using regular monitoring & evaluation as a tool to do so
• Implement document management & governance procedures for all DC operational activity

People

• Take ownership for evolving own skills and capabilities aligned to the evolution of data centre technologies (e.g. virtualisation, infrastructure modernisation etc.)
• Contribute to the growth & development of team members by providing / guiding others based on own technical expertise
• Contribute to a high performance team environment & positive culture as a high performing contributor to team goals and objectives
• Work in both full time & standby capacity where required to deliver support on complex delivery
• Support the team as a stand in expert when required in meetings / other forums
• Proactively seek mentorship & coaching from others & consistently seek, respond to & provide feedback with the intention of improving team effectiveness
• Contribute constructively in team meetings – offering expertise and information that benefits the broader team

Education And Experience

• CDCP Certification
• 2 years' experience in a Data Centre environment

Education

• National Certificate: Information Technology