Hiring: Systems Analyst 2/VDI Administrator

Systems Analyst 2/VDI Administrator

Austin, TX (Hybrid)

10 months Contract with possibility to extension

Serves as a VDI Administrator in the Information Systems Division. The VDI Administrator performs advanced work including design, delivery, maintenance, administration and innovation of the Virtual Desktop systems ensuring alignment with the Client’s strategic goals, business needs and management priorities. Work involves highly complex operational tasks and projects related to the systems lifecycle, including analysis, design, innovation, implementation, integration, evaluation, testing, documentation, training, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, administration and security of infrastructure, systems, services and applications. Works under general supervision of the Enterprise Systems Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Functions

VDI Infrastructure Setup and Configuration:

Conduct design, implementation, administration and support of the virtual desktop infrastructure including VMware data-center products, Horizon View and related components, server and data storage systems and systems software. Ensure capacity, performance, usability, security, reliability, modularity and sustainability.

User Access and Management:

Manage virtual desktop environment user profiles, roles and groups using role-based best practices and ensuring user profile data is adequately and appropriately permissioned, located and stored.

Virtual Desktop Deployment and Maintenance:

Conduct design, implementation, administration and support of virtual desktops. This includes creating and managing virtual machine templates, deploying virtual desktop pools, configuring group policies, installing, configuring and updating system and desktop applications to ensure optimal user experience and productivity while maintaining security and current update levels.

Performance Monitoring, Optimization and Issue Resolution:

Monitor the virtual desktop environment and take necessary steps to optimize efficiency and improve performance. This includes investigating and diagnosing problems, coordinating with other teams and vendors as necessary, and implementing solutions to optimize the user experience and minimize disruptions to end users.

Innovation:

Conduct assessment, planning and design review sessions with Client staff to gather information concerning the current environment. Research, assess and evaluate new and developing technologies to determine suitability for current and future agency enterprise computing needs. Provide recommendations including new features, licensing requirements, high-availability, identity integration and risk assessment as appropriate.

Documentation and Training:

Develop and document all aspects of the VDI environment as well as best practices and operating procedures. Actively collaborate with and train Service Desk staff and others to ensure proper troubleshooting and other methods, and to ensure the overall desktop user experience is polished, consistent and meets customer needs. Perform analysis, validation and revision of existing documents for currency, accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness. Follow and adhere to ITSM standards and methodologies including Change Management.

Backups and Disaster Recovery:

Participate in disaster recovery including planning, documentation, backup management and exercises to ensure preparedness to respond to disasters and other unplanned situations and events, which could affect system availability for business operations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Comply with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety and standards of conduct.
• Perform on-call or scheduled after hours work as required.

Education and Training:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in data processing, computer science, management information systems, business or related field; or attainment of a diploma from a two-year technical school with specialization in computer technology. Each year of related experience over the required minimum may be substituted for one year (30 semester hours) of required college credit.

Required Experience:

• Requires 4-5 years of experience with Virtualization Technologies including strong knowledge and hands-on experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware Horizon View, vCenter, vSphere.
• Requires 4-5 years of experience in deploying and managing virtual desktop environments, including virtual machine creation, provisioning, and maintenance. Knowledge of image management, application virtualization, and user profile management
• Requires 2-3 years of experience in system administration with an understanding of Windows Server operating systems, Active Directory, group policies, and network fundamentals
• Prefer experience with profile management and related applications such as Dynamic Environment Man
• Prefer 2-3 years of networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, subnets, VLANs and firewalls
• Prefer 2-3 years of familiarity with storage technologies, such as SAN and NAS, and their integration with virtualization platforms
• Prefer scripting and automation skills and experience such as PowerShell, task scheduler, logon group policies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience collaborating with other administrators, support teams, and vendors to ensure a smooth virtual desktop environment.

Preferred Certifications:

VMware Certified Professional - Desktop and Mobility (VCP-DTM), MCSE, CompTIA Server+, Security+ and similar certifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of administration of an enterprise server environment.
• The ability to identify and define user task needs; to process information logically; to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to follow established procedures and assist in the development of new procedures; to work in a team environment; and handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Uses all knowledge, skills and abilities to apply critical thinking to all aspects of the job.
• Must be self-motivated.