Data Center Operations Specialist

Who we are:

For over 20 years, Global Relay has set the standard in enterprise information archiving with industry-leading cloud archiving, surveillance, eDiscovery, and analytics solutions. We securely capture and preserve the communications data of the world's most highly regulated firms, giving them greater visibility and control over their information and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations.

Though we offer competitive compensation and benefits and all the other perks one would expect from an established company, we are not your typical technology company. Global Relay is a career-building company. A place for big ideas. New challenges. Groundbreaking innovation. It's a place where you can genuinely make an impact – and be recognized for it.

We believe great businesses thrive on diversity, inclusion, and the contributions of all employees. To that end, we recruit candidates from different backgrounds and foster a work environment that encourages employees to collaborate and learn from each other, completely free of barriers.

Your role:

The Data Center Operations Specialist provides technical support of Global Relay's mission-critical data center facilities, server environments and related infrastructure. This includes specification, installation, and testing of server and storage systems and peripherals within established standards, as well as development and maintenance of data center support systems such as automated system provisioning, asset tracking, space planning, cable management, equipment monitoring and maintenance. Activities include timely troubleshooting of hardware including servers and storage systems, and the use of monitoring tools and operating systems to monitor, diagnose, and resolve unique, non-recurring problems. These responsibilities require independent and team-based analyses, initiative and sound judgment, effective communication, and strong problem-solving skills while working with minimal supervision. This role will be based in Merritt, BC, where the successful candidate will play a key role in helping build out a modern data center site from the ground up and providing long-term operational support as the facility grows over the coming years.

Your responsibilities:

• Assist operations staff with the installation, configuration and ongoing usability of servers, storage systems, peripheral equipment and software.
• Work with vendor support contacts to resolve technical problems with computer, mechanical and electrical equipment and related software.
• Interact with numerous computer platforms in a multi-layered client/server environment.
• Create and maintain a well-organized inventory of all equipment, parts, software licenses and maintenance agreements.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation on usage procedures and policies.
• Recommend and perform upgrades on systems to ensure longevity.
• Assess functional needs to determine specifications for purchases.
• Assist in maintaining the mechanical systems required to support the facility, including assisting with the installation and maintenance of rear-door cooling systems.
• Perform asset tracking and space provisioning tasks as part of equipment deployments.
• Receive, unpack, assemble, rack and cable servers, storage systems and related components.
• Ensure the facility is maintained to the highest standards possible to ensure 100% uptime is achieved.
• Maintain service logs and records for electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Perform routine test procedures on redundant mechanical and electrical systems to ensure operational availability.
• Escort and supervise mechanical and electrical contractors when performing maintenance and repair work to ensure work does not jeopardize system availability.
• Assist in periodic security reviews and audits to ensure the facility is always secure.
• Perform rotating shift coverage to meet all support needs, including night shifts and emergency coverage.
• Provide on-call coverage to support operations outside regular business hours.
• Implement and manage monitoring tools.
• Mentor L1 and L2 Data Center Specialists.
• Manage automation tools for patching and security requirements.

About you:

• Minimum 6 years of experience as a Data Center Operations Specialist
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science and/or experience in supporting servers and data center needs within a mission critical environment.
• A good understanding of Microsoft Windows server and Linux environments.
• Require excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical power distribution systems and how they are used in a data center.
• Familiarity with mechanical equipment systems (CRAC, CRAH, evaporative cooling, and modern rear-door cooling systems) an asset.
• Experience working in a mission critical data center facility.
• Excellent judgement skills in making critical decisions.
• Ability to lift and move large and awkward equipment safely.
• Working knowledge of VMware virtualization both on the server and client side an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of a large variety of server hardware configurations, able to perform installation and maintenance of server equipment, including modern high-powered GPU systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently in an effective and organized manner in a complex and challenging environment.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced hardware troubleshooting skills
• Completion of training on HPE OneView and other server management tools (or equivalent industry-standard platforms).
• Strong organization skill and initiatives.
• Knowledge of scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell, an asset.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving abilities.
• Excellent cable management skills required.
• Familiarity with modern network topologies (e.g., leaf-spine architectures) and SNMP-based monitoring tools an asset.
• Experience with asset management systems (e.g., Device42 or similar enterprise asset tracking tools) an asset.

Working conditions / physical requirements:

• Must be available after hours and / or weekends for emergency related work, service impacting incident resolution, or maintenance that is required during maintenance windows (outside of regular business hours).
• Must be able to work with heavy equipment.

Compensation:

Global Relay advertises the pay range for this role in compliance with British Columbia's pay transparency laws. Individual pay rates are determined by evaluating factors such as expertise, skills, education, and professional background. 

The range below reflects the expected annual base salary, which is only one element of our comprehensive total rewards package designed to reflect our company pay philosophy, culture and values. We aim to foster an inspiring work environment and support employees' work-life rhythms. We provide a comprehensive extended health benefits program, including virtual healthcare and a wellness allowance. Employees also receive annual allotted vacation days, which increase based on tenure. Other benefits include: Paid sick days, maternity/parental enhancement program, bonus, and an RRSP contribution matching program. 

For Vancouver-based employees, we provide a subsidized meal program, courtesy of our talented in-house culinary team

What you can expect:

At Global Relay, there's no ceiling to what you can achieve. It's the land of opportunity for the energetic, the intelligent, the driven. You'll receive the mentoring, coaching, and support you need to reach your career goals. You'll be part of a culture that breeds creativity and rewards perseverance and hard work. And you'll be working alongside smart, talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with complementary knowledge and skills.

Global Relay is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We seek to ensure reasonable adjustments, accommodations, and personal time are tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual.

To learn more about our business, culture, and community involvement, visit