Internals

Desktop Engineering Consultant

  • Hourly Rate: 18.25
  • Summer Commitment: Required

Department Overview

The Client Technology Services (CTS) unit of Student Affairs, Information Technologies (SAIT) provides and supports computing equipment and services that enhance the productivity and communication of SA. Currently, CTS supports the client computing environment and provides front line technical customer service for all of our administrative staff.

Position Overview

The Desktop Engineering Team works closely with both front-line support teams and Windows System Administrators in order to provide a reliable and secure workstation environment for the Student Affairs administrative staff and students using the Academic Services Centers (ASCs). The Desktop Engineering Team specifically focuses on newer technologies involving large-scale workstation management and software virtualization, acting also as a resource for other IT Staff.

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Desktop Engineering Consultant, the Desktop Engineering Consultant primarily works with patch management and virtualization systems, writing and testing code for a variety of purposes, and capturing operating system and software installations for deployment in virtual packages. Because of the high number of machines and users relying on our systems, the Desktop Engineering Consultant must be accountable for carefully tested and documented work. In addition to daily operational duties, the Desktop Engineering Consultant performs analysis at all levels, including design, testing, installation, operation, maintenance, upgrades, and repair. The position researches and evaluates new technologies and methodologies to ensure best possible procedures, systems, and equipment are being utilized. The Desktop Engineering Consultant must also be highly familiar with systems and practices in use, and serve as a reference for the Desktop Support and Desktop Administrator Teams.

Qualifications

Required: Experience working in a desktop support environment; experience with Mac OS X and Windows operating systems; knowledge of hardware configurations for both the Windows and Mac platforms; experience with software packages such as Microsoft Office, email clients, and web browsers; familiarity with desktop engineering concepts such as desktop imaging, registry editing, and command-line utilities; ability and motivation to quickly learn new technologies with minimal support and guidance; familiarity with desktop security tools and firewalls; knowledge of network technologies including remote desktop and ssh; good documentation and training skills; effective communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of clients and staff; ability to work productively with others; minimum GPA of 2.0.

Preferred: Knowledge of one or more scripting languages, such as VBScript or WSH; experience with programming practices in a professional environment; understanding of patch and software management; familiarity with Microsoft's Active Directory and Group Policy; experience with campus applications, services, and policies; working knowledge of virtualization systems; minimum G.P.A. of 2.3.

Note: The abilities in the preferred section are not necessary for being hired; after training, it is necessary that the applicant will possess several of the listed skills.

Terms of Employment

  1. The period of employment for this position commences upon hiring and continues through the 2012-2013 academic year, with the possibility of employment through the 2013-2014 academic year.
  2. The Desktop Engineering Consultant is paid a wage of $18.25 per hour. The position's classification title is Student Assistant IV. The Desktop Engineering Consultant must be a currently enrolled UC Berkeley student with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (2.3 or higher preferred). Students with less than a 2.3 GPA may be asked to limit their work hours.
  3. The incoming Desktop Engineering Consultant will participate in required training that will take place during the Spring 2012 semester, beginning in March and continuing through April, 2012.
  4. The Desktop Engineering Consultant is required to work 20 hours per week during the summer of 2012.
  5. The Desktop Engineering Consultant is required to work 10-15 hours per week during the academic year. A work schedule will be determined in consultation with the Lead Desktop Engineering Consultant.
  6. It is a requirement that anyone in this position work in a safe and responsible manner while not putting him/herself or others at risk. This includes complying with applicable policies and regulations, using personal safety gear, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting unsafe conditions.
  7. This position is subject to a criminal background check. Driving is preferred. If driving, a DMV check for valid driver's license and driving record is required. Position meets the following criteria:
    • Possession of key or card access to computer storage areas.
    • Care, safety and security of property, and staff files on the network and computer hard drives.
    • Operation of University vehicles as part of assigned job duties.
  8. Employment with the Information Technologies unit is subject to the applicant's ability to provide appropriate documentation and sign necessary papers for employment in conformance with state laws and University regulations.
  9. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory job performance evaluation by the Desktop Engineering Supervisor and the Lead Desktop Engineering Consultant.

Job Duties

(55%) Technical Engineering and Desktop Management

  • Independently research, resolve, and respond to complex questions and operational problems received via Helpdesk or direct user communication.
  • Assist with centrally managing a complex computing environment through standardized machines, patch management, and inventory control.
  • Install, configure, monitor, troubleshoot, upgrade, and maintain SAIT hardware and software on a Tier 3 level.
  • Respond to, resolve, and document Helpdesk tag from a consolidated service desk.
  • Proactively manage and analyze network and desktop resources to identify potential performance bottlenecks, increase uptime, improve response times, and quickly resolve problems.
  • Manage, create, and deploy software security updates using BigFix, our patch management system.
  • Develop new procedures and processes to increase productivity and team performance.
  • Write programs and scripts to configure and install software for distribution to the desktop environment.
  • Create original utility programs aimed at automating user profile setups, regional specific setups, network connections, and custom menu programs for all laptop configurations.
  • Plan, develop, and test standards relating to the desktop architecture.
  • Build and maintain desktop images for desktops, laptops, registers and more using Windows Deployment Services and Mac equivalents.

(25%) Documentation and Training

  • Lead and participate in the training of the desktop support and management teams, including the training of new and current staff members.
  • Document installation, configuration, and troubleshooting procedures in the ITwiki.
  • Ensure that all team projects are documented (ongoing status reports and summary reports).
  • Participate in the development of short-term and long-term plans for the evolution of information technologies within the department.

(10%) Project Management

  • Lead or participate in projects that enhance the operational efficiency, develop or improve services, and the quality of support for unit and departmental users.
  • Collaborate with other teams to plan, develop, and complete project objectives.
  • Assist in overseeing projects for the Desktop Management Team, including response to and resolution of workstation, server, and networking problems.

(5%) Leadership

  • Act as a reference for the Desktop teams to provide necessary support and team collaboration.
  • Attend cross-functional and other departmental meetings.

(5%) Administrative Duties

  • Update online calendar and check email regularly.
  • Follow and maintain Helpdesk tickets.
  • Update equipment inventory for tracking purposes.
  • Attend required weekly meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

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