1. Assist the NACS-DCS Manager with the operational aspects of managing
this group
Distributed Computing Support (DCS) provides UNIX system administration,
network integration, technical advice, technical coordination and
consulting for numerous research groups and departments at UCI.
In addition to this position and the manager, the group includes
6 full-time career staff and 3-5 part-time student and casual staff.
The Assistant Manager is responsible for coordinating day to day
technical operational and routine client service issues, including
identifying priority conflicts. S/he is responsible for assigning
student workers to assist professional staff and work on projects
under the supervision of these staff. S/he is responsible for identifying
issues of workload, operational efficiency, and coordination as
well as formulating proposed courses of action.
Supervises work on DCSlib, a collection of operating system and
application software widely used on campus and provided as a campus
service by NACS. S/he is responsible for directing development and
maintenance of both the software in DCSlib and the systems and mechanisms
through which DCSlib is made available and supported. This includes
supervising the documentation, usage tracking, software selection,
and client feedback.
Coordinates DCS client communication including announcements of
general interest, presentations, and regular status reports
Coordinates operational communications between DCS and other groups
within NACS and coordinates operational communications with other
technical staff on campus whose work includes support of DCS clients.
Based on consultation with system administrators, end-users, and
management, make software recommendations for introduction, continuing
maintenance, updating, or phase-out end-user and system-administration
support.
2. Provide Direct System Administration Support and Services
Provide comprehensive multi-user system administration, network
integration, and UNIX technical support (principally Sun and Linux)
to researchers, instructional personnel, and graduate students across
the UCI campus. This support of UNIX systems includes their role
in providing services to the full range of systems found in the
heterogeneous computing environment described above.
Install system and application software, patches, and new releases;
test and verify correct operation of new software; make documentation
available. Guarantee that system security, file system integrity,
and system operation are maintained.
Plan, specify, and configure new equipment and software installations.
Monitor system usage and adjust system parameters and setups per
user needs, including the delivery of UNIX-based services to the
full range of systems found in the heterogeneous computing environment
described above.
Provide in-person, phone, and electronic mail support to NACS-DCS
clients and their designated associates. Advise supervisor and colleagues
of technical issues that affect support of other clients. Maintain
a helpful, supportive attitude in the client community and promote
a good image of NACS.
3. Provide Technology Assessment, Consultation, and Coordination:
Monitor communications channels (web, e-mail lists, newsgroups,
periodicals, shared e-mail) to learn of new software and enhancements
to existing software. Analyze software and methods in use both at
UCI and at other universities and research sites for potential uses
at UCI. Evaluate pre-release products for use at UCI.
Consult with and advise users of campus, departmental, and private
computing systems on the use of UCI standard software and networking
solutions. Write or obtain documentation on a wide variety of software
and hardware related topics.
Maintain effective, pro-active relationships with key NACS DCS
clients. Regularly interact with faculty and their representatives
to understand research goals toward ensuring the application of
appropriate technology solutions. Work with DCS manager and staff
toward refining services to ensure they match evolving client needs.
Provide recommendations for planning, development, implementation,
maintenance, and documentation of multiple computer operating systems.
Interface to groups across organizational boundaries affecting multiple
academic units, research units, and campus departments. Document
these activities for campus use.
The Assistant Manager reports to the Manager of Distributed Computing
Support.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Manger:
" Student employees of Distributed Computing Support.
Peers:
" Other members of the staff of Distributed Computing Support
Campus Ties:
" Participate in the UCI School Computing Coordinator and Computing
Support Coordinator groups
" Help represent NACS to faculty and professional staff.
