We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Data Center Operations Specialist

University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
United States, California, San Francisco
Aug 23, 2025

Data Center Operations Specialist

IT Data Center Svcs General

Full Time

85895BR

Job Summary

The Data Center Operations Specialist will play a critical role in coordinating UCSF's central IT data center operations, with a primary focus on optimizing the physical infrastructure of data centers. The Data Center Operations Specialist is accountable for ensuring the continuous operational integrity of the physical infrastructure, rigorously monitoring environmental conditions to maintain optimal hardware performance, and strategically coordinating power distribution to data center equipment. This role also entails developing and implementing advanced physical security measures to safeguard the data center from unauthorized access and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

The Data Center Operations Specialist will plan and execute data center capacity strategies, continuously monitoring performance metrics to ensure the data center operates at peak efficiency. They will oversee the maintenance and optimization of hardware, software, and networking equipment within the data center environment. They will ensure the delivery of high-reliability services to the University by collecting and documenting requirements, assembling network and computer hardware, and managing escalated, complex assembly tasks. This role will guide team members, ensuring all data center systems are meticulously configured, optimized, and monitored for maximum uptime and performance. The Data Center Operations Specialist will partner closely with the Lead of Data Center Operations and the Manager of Data Center Services to deliver reliable and efficient data center services to UCSF stakeholders.

The Data Center Operations Specialist will positively impact UCSF's operations and culture by ensuring UCSF's IT infrastructure is operable, secure, efficient, and effective in service of the University's mission. The Specialist will advance the University's mission by delivering exceptional information technology services comprehensively and consistently across customers and stakeholders. This role will execute UCSF's vision while modeling UCSF's culture and values.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

our placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $138,000 - $207,000 (Annual Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Department Description

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is distinguished as a leading academic healthcare organization, home to groundbreaking discoveries, world-class education, and exceptional healthcare services. Infrastructure Services (IS) is the backbone of the technological infrastructure, assuring the technical services that enable the academic, medical, and research missions of the organization. Beyond a focus on maintaining systems and resolving issues, we are committed to nurturing the potential of our team members and empowering them to excel. UCSF Infrastructure Services provides 24/7 support to the University community, always upholding the highest level of responsiveness and reliability for our customers. IS values innovation and excellence in ensuring secure and efficient Information Technology (IT) services, regardless of the hour or complexity of the issue.

The Platform Services team within Infrastructure Services is committed to empowering the academic, medical, and research mission of UCSF by ensuring that all customers have seamless, secure, and accessible technological support. The team oversees the management and maintenance of various technology platforms, including systems, databases, and cloud services, to guarantee they are secure, readily available, and performing optimally. Platform Services handles the management of critical software, such as Epic, ensuring it supports the highest level of medical service delivery by operating at peak performance. The team also oversees data center operations, including server management, storage, and networking equipment, to ensure the reliable delivery of health services. Additionally, it manages enterprise databases, Oracle, SQL, and other defined databases with a focus on data security, availability, and top-tier performance. All these tasks are critical not just for the smooth operation of the University's technological infrastructure, but also for enhancing productivity, enabling the provision of high-quality health services and learning, and ultimately, improving patient and student outcomes.

Required Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of experience/training, in one or more of the following fields: Data Center management, computer science, engineering, computer information systems, etc.
  • 5 years of experience working in one or more of the following fields: information technology, data center services, network operations, cloud/server services, etc.
  • Significant experience in data center management, including hardware, virtualization technologies, and networking equipment. Advanced understanding of IT and data center operations.
  • Thorough understanding of servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and their configurations.
  • Demonstrated experience in information technology, platform services, or storage and backup administration.
  • Demonstrated experience with backup software and solutions (e.g., Veritas NetBackup, Commvault).
  • Extensive knowledge of safety policies, practices, and procedures relevant to data center operations. Considerable experience with on-premises hosting and colocation.
  • Experience using data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools. Extensive knowledge of environmental monitoring systems and software.
  • Experience managing UPS systems, HVAC systems, and other physical infrastructure associated with temperature control and power systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of power distribution systems, including generators and power distribution units. Advanced familiarity with environmental controls, including temperature, humidity, and airflow.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and other industry best practices for data center management.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware and infrastructure issues. Extensive skills in performing routine maintenance and repairs on data center equipment.
  • Ability to monitor and analyze data center performance metrics. Proficiency in generating clear and concise reports on data center performance and incidents.
  • Ability to maintain detailed documentation of data center infrastructure and operations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate technical ideas to a diverse community of colleagues and stakeholders. Can relay technical information to audiences of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Able to establish and advance positive working relationships and a strong rapport with a diverse community of colleagues, including team members, stakeholders, and customers.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to balance competing priorities and deliver concurrent projects to various stakeholder types.
  • Experience working in a project-based environment using leading project management practices, including schedule management, status reporting, and communication of project risks and issues.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, ability to uncover the root of difficult problems and scope solutions based on knowledge of available resources and timelines as well as awareness of vision and strategy. Seeks information from multiple and diverse sources to inform solutions. Demonstrated ability to make decisions with integrity.
  • Ability to think creatively and introduce innovations such as the incorporation of new technologies or processes. Thrives in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications


  • 7 years of experience working in one or more of the following fields: information technology, data center services, network operations, cloud/server services, etc.
  • CompTIA or equivalent certifications
  • Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP)

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Organization

Campus

Job Code and Payroll Title

000520 SYS ADM 4

Job Category

Clinical Systems / IT Professionals

Bargaining Unit

99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)

Employee Class

Career

Percentage

100%

Location

San Francisco, CA

Campus

Mission Center Building (SF)

Work Style

Fully On-Site

Shift

Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends

Shift Length

8 Hours

Additional Shift Details

M-F, 8-hour shift. As required after hours, weekend, and escalation support

Applied = 0

(web-5cf844c5d-sn4fz)