What does a data center technician do?

A data center technician is an information technology (IT) professional who ensures the optimal performance of data servers and the network of a data center. Datacenter technicians are required to protect company data by preventing the overheating of data center components and replacing failing parts promptly. They need to collaborate with software and network engineers to work on the organization’s cybersecurity and network efficiency. Datacenter technicians must keep track of developing trends in data center technologies and provide advice about the procurement of new data center equipment.

Here are examples of responsibilities from real data center technician resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

• Oversee and manage to SAN environment.
• Manage job schedules via Autosys, Tivoli, & Zeke.
• Manage email communication and assets; calculate costs; solve major incidents.
• Manage server uptime including monitoring production servers daily by checking system, application, and security logs.
• Manage communications and connection solutions, including local area network, wide area network, intranet, and the Internet.
• Manage proactive network monitoring, repair, and maintenance for TDM, SS7, VoIP, and DWDM platforms.
• Maintain systems running OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, and other routing protocols.
• Maintain compliance with all state regulations, (FDA, OSHA, CLIA, and cGMP).
• Support protocols and services are OSPF, BGP, ATM, VTG, VRF, PVC, MPLS, and L2TP.
• Implement change requests through working knowledge of BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, and static route protocols.
• Resolve hardware issues utilizing Linux base tools and standard troubleshooting techniques.
• Upgrade ESXi on remote servers from 4.1 to 5.0 and then 5.1.
• Repair and maintain CRAC units.
• Determine HCT and protein levels via finger stick.
• Perform troubleshooting on Cisco routers/switches and MPLS circuits.
• Wear proper PPE and follow OSHA and FDLE regulations.
• Serve as backup management point of contact when necessary.
• Support customers by troubleshooting RF and IP connectivity issues.
• Maintain all work areas in compliance with OSHA safety standards and the client’s cleanliness standards.
• Complete migration out of older data centers to new sites and cloud while running production workload.
• Process new donors into the system following Baxter and FDA regulations.
• Secure data in a cloud environment, backing up databases and replacing parity drives as necessary.
• Perform upgrades and additions to cabling infrastructure systems in order to increase functionality and usability.
• Follow FDA regulate procedure guidelines.
• Validate hand-off between vendor and system engineer with successful power-up and launch of OS.
• Develop and maintain schedules with vendors for regular preventative maintenance (PMs) of HVAC, electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain documentation relates to the installation, administration, and maintenance of network infrastructure.
• Interface with customers and appropriate support groups to escalate issues for resolution.
• Respond to alarms in accordance with department procedures and when appropriate, escalate issues quickly and efficiently.
• Implement, administer, and monitor NAT server/firewall providing Internet access to client computers through the corporate LAN.

Data Center Technician Traits

Communication Skills Communication skills show that you are able to relay your thoughts, opinions, and ideas clearly to those around you.

Analytical Skills Analytical skills have to do with gathering information from various sources and then interpreting the data in order to reach a logical conclusion that benefits the business.

Problem-Solving SkillsProblem-solving skills is the way that one is able to effectively solve a problem in a timely manner.

Data Center Technician Overview

When it comes to understanding what a data center technician does, you may be wondering, “should I become a data center technician?” The data included in this section may help you decide. Compared to other jobs, data center technicians have a growth rate described as “as fast as average” at 5% between the years 2018 – 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the number of data center technician opportunities that are predicted to open up by 2028 is 18,200.

Data center technicians average about $21.76 an hour, which makes the data center technician’s annual salary $45,265. Additionally, data center technicians are known to earn anywhere from $24,000 to $84,000 a year. This means that the top-earning data center technicians make $55,000 more than the lowest earning ones.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a data center technician. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That’s why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a technical systems engineer, technical support agent, information technology specialist, and technician support tier.