Systems Administrator I

Works as part of the Research Computing Facilitation group within NCAR Research IT, serving as a key partner dedicated to removing technical barriers so that scientists, researchers, and staff can focus on their research. This role provides hands-on facilitation, system administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh environments across NCAR labs. While technical aptitude is essential, outstanding customer service, empathy, interpersonal communication, and a passion for enabling scientific workflows are paramount for this position-at times taking priority over purely technical depth. The position is also expected to assist end users with minor AI facilitation, providing foundational guidance and troubleshooting within enterprise AI tools like Claude and Gemini. The successful candidate will excel at building strong relationships with lab personnel, understanding their unique computing needs, and advocating for customer-focused solutions that advance NCAR’s scientific mission within a supportive team environment.

The salary range for this position is $63,290 - $79,120., Serves as a primary liaison and direct point of contact for NCAR labs and employees, helping end users overcome IT obstacles to advance their scientific work. Delivers high-touch in-person, online, and telephone assistance using active listening, patience, and clear communication. Follows NRIT workflows to resolve issues reported through Service Desk and direct channels. Collaborates with partner technical teams (network engineers, multimedia support) to advocate for and deliver seamless user-centric solutions.

Systems Maintenance & Automation:

Assists in the ongoing maintenance and optimization of NRIT-managed Windows and Mac workstation environments. Tasks include writing utility scripts to automate routine tasks, installing and upgrading operating systems and software, monitoring system performance to ensure dependable daily operations for lab personnel, maintaining pools of loaner equipment, organizing and maintaining our supply closets, viewing backend reports, and working with end users to ensure that our systems are up to date and backed up.

Scientific & AI Workflow Consultation:

Partners directly with lab staff and researchers to understand their computing challenges, research new hardware/software tools, and define custom workstation setups tailored to their scientific requirements. Provides minor AI assistance to users, guiding them through basic onboarding, usage, and troubleshooting within organizational Claude and Gemini AI environments to support productivity and scientific tasks.

User Empowerment & Documentation:

Empowers end users through ad-hoc coaching and guidance on NRIT-managed hardware, software, AI tools, and services. Creates and maintains accessible self-help guides, documentation, and internal technical knowledge bases.

Meetings & Collaborative Committees:

Attends check-ins, technology demonstrations, and internal NRIT meetings. Represents NRIT and the Research Computing Facilitation group on org-wide focus groups and committees, ensuring user needs are represented and bringing relevant insights back to the team.

Asset & Lifecycle Management:

Assists with workstation hardware and software lifecycle management. Maintains accurate inventory records and collaborates with property administrators on equipment tracking to ensure smooth onboarding and offboarding for lab personnel.

Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant customer-facing IT experience (e.g., Associate’s degree and four years of hands-on technical support experience)., * Operates with a facilitation mindset, prioritizing user success, obstacle removal, and clear communication alongside technical problem resolution.

• Works with moderate supervision and manages multiple support requests and tasks effectively.
• Independently resolves individual software and hardware issues of moderate scope and complexity, escalating to senior team members when appropriate.
• Proposes enhancements to improve user experience, system efficiency, security, and performance across NRIT environments. Conducts testing and coordinates implementation steps with the team.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Customer service skills in all areas of IT support, with a responsive and helpful attitude toward assisting scientific, administrative, and technical staff.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including gathering details from issue reporters, creating clear technical documentation, and explaining technical concepts to non-technical users in an accessible manner.
• Familiarity with enterprise AI tools (such as Claude and Gemini) to assist users with basic access, everyday usage questions, and routine troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of workstation administration in a Windows and/or Apple Macintosh environment.
• Foundational understanding of operating systems, networking, storage, and system component interoperability.
• Basic understanding of PC and/or Apple hardware, peripherals, and local storage, with the ability to set up, test, and troubleshoot workstation equipment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage work queues, and meet deadlines within project plans.
• Good problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting software and hardware issues. Ability to work effectively within a team environment, collaborating with colleagues across functional areas to support shared goals. *

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
• Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer