Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation. ONC is as a not-for-profit society that operates and manages innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria that supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to various scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, and Arctic environments. ONC's cable arrays host thousands of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land-based assets strategically located, instruments that address key scientific and policy issues (subsea earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean acidification, marine biodiversity, etc.) within a wide range of environments.

The Observatory Systems Analyst is responsible for the ONC data centres, shore stations and cabled observatories. Continued status and performance monitoring of all systems as they relate to the flow of data from underwater instruments through shore stations to the data centre, and to users.  Core responsibilities include the installation and administration of computer servers, both physical and virtual; network design and administration; database deployment and administration; performing upgrades on all systems and ensuring continuity of service for end users; and troubleshooting and identifying issues to prevent potential data loss in a timely manner. Responsibilities include conducting systems analysis and troubleshooting; design and development; completing systems integration; investigating hardware, software, data communications and service innovations for user suitability.

The work is performed primarily at the University of Victoria Ocean-Climate campus (Queenswood) with occasional travel to ONC shore and field stations. Positions in Systems Operations rotate on a week-to-week schedule to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week support.

In addition to the salary, this position receives compensation for on-call duties.

*This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*

Job Summary

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation for science, society and industry. 

ONC monitors the west and east coasts of Canada and the Arctic to continuously deliver data in real-time for scientific research and discovery and technological innovation. ONC is a Major Science Initiative funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and is governed as a not-for-profit society that operates world-class innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria. 

The observatories supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to a broad suite of scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, environments. ONC’s digital networks host thousands of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land based assets (e.g., ferries, autonomous gliders, moorings, and coastal radars) that provide essential data. ONC makes these data publicly available, free, and in near real-time through ONC’s powerful online data management system Oceans 3.0, the most visible aspect of ONC and the only means by which ONC’s diverse user communities can access, analyze, visualize, and present observatory data.  

These strategically located instruments and big data management enable evidence-based decision-making on ocean management, public safety, and environmental protection, address key scientific and policy issues. Along with national and local governments ONC also works in collaboration with educators, students, communities, and indigenous peoples on ocean monitoring initiatives along all three of Canada’s coasts. 

ONC’s Observatory Digital Operations division reflects the critical nature and value of digital infrastructure to ONC and its stakeholders. Without the efficient, effective flow of quality data, ONC would not be able to meet its primary science mandate. 

The Systems Operations team maintains the ONC networks and data center infrastructure, and provides 24/7 monitoring and support of the sub-sea, mobile, and shore-based infrastructure.

The Observatory Systems Analyst is responsible for the ONC data centres, shore stations and cabled observatories. Continued status and performance monitoring of all systems as they relate to the flow of data from underwater instruments through shore stations to the data centre, then to users. Core responsibilities include the installation and administration of operating system, network and database systems; implementing upgrades on all systems and ensuring continuity of service for end users; and troubleshooting and identifying issues resulting in potential data loss is completed in a timely manner.

Responsibilities include conducting systems analysis and troubleshooting; design and development; completing systems integration; investigating hardware, software, data communications, and service innovations for user suitability. 

The work is performed primarily at the University of Victoria Queenswood campus with travel to ONC shore and field stations.

Positions in Systems Operations rotate to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week and additional compensation is distributed for on-call support duties. 

Job Requirements

This position requires an undergraduate degree in Computer Science plus a minimum of 5 years of experience in at least two of the following: Linux system administration, data storage, Ethernet networking, and database systems. 

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Essential Experience:

• Linux, system administration
• Database experience including: basic administration of relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL and non-relational databases such as Cassandra
• Ethernet networking 
• Programming for Systems Integration
• System automation and virtualization
• Design and configuration of new enterprise hardware and software
• Safeguarding digital infrastructure by identifying and solving potential and actual security problems

Essential Knowledge:

• Installation and configuration of Linux hosts, in both a physical and virtual environment
• Enterprise storage systems such as NetApp
• Maintenance of development tools such as Git, and Atlassian Confluence and Jira 
• Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery procedures
• Monitoring database systems
• Network monitoring systems and SNMP 
• Messaging systems such as ActiveMQ
• Ethernet networks; IP networking, VLAN and firewall usage; Cisco-like networking equipment installation and configuration
• Knowledge of Python, Bash, or similar programming languages
• Container technologies, such as Docker or Podman

Competencies:

• Results Oriented: Relentlessly pursues improvement and results. Flexible, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate a high level of responsibility and multiple priorities. Creates a culture of mutual accountability.
• Analytical Skill: Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Problem Solving: Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Communication: Communicates effectively with strong written and verbal skills. Ability to write coherent technical and user documentation
• Independence: Ability to work independently, is self-motivated and works well within a team environment
• Flexibility: Ability to work in an effective and organized manner in a complex environment with a willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things.

In addition, this position requires: 

• Willingness and ability to acquire new computing and other related skills independently

Assets:

• Experience with:
  • Troubleshooting in unusual operating conditions
  • SONET / DWDM communications
  • Data centre infrastructure
  • Cameras and video recording
• Knowledge of Cloud environments such as GCE, AWS

Conditions of employment:

This position requires a valid class 5 driver’s license
This position will require obtaining Canadian Government Security Secret (Level II) Clearance
On-call support duties are required

Link to apply: https://uvic.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/11934