Data Center Operations Specialist (Local) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Operations Specialist (Local)
Company: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Location: Nashville, TN, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Server Administration, Infrastructure
Date Posted: 2025-08-03
Experience Level: 2-5 years

🚀 Role Summary

Maintain critical IT infrastructure in a 24/7/365 data center environment
Ensure facility systems operate smoothly and securely
Collaborate with stakeholders to manage incidents and provide remote hands support
Coordinate IT hardware destruction and manage physical security of assets

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on communication, adaptability, and dependability to thrive in a fast-paced, always-on data center environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Incident Management: Respond to incidents involving critical facility systems and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders
Monitoring & Maintenance: Monitor and maintain data center facility systems, including fire suppression, water infiltration, air cooling, and power infrastructure
Hardware Management: Install, uninstall, and relocate hardware; manage documentation and asset tracking using DCIM software
Access Control & Security: Manage physical access and maintain the security of all infrastructure and assets
Communication: Provide clear and timely communication through the standard ticketing system and serve as the point of communication during major incidents
Teamwork & Prioritization: Work independently and within a team to prioritize workloads and align with data center mission and VUMC goals

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on problem-solving, multitasking, and adaptability to manage shifting priorities and maintain data center uptime.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree or relevant work experience

Experience: 2 years of relevant work experience in data center operations, server administration, or a related field

Required Skills:

Physically able to move/rack equipment and lift 50+ lbs
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and standard desktop applications
Experience with server/network hardware rack-and-stack, ticketing systems, and material handling equipment (e.g., server lifts)
Ability to update asset management systems, use ticketing systems efficiently, and adapt to shifting priorities

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of data center and critical facility best practices
Experience with device racking/stacking, cable management (fiber & copper), environmental monitoring, surplus processes, monitoring enterprise health apps, incident facilitation, and mainframe job error monitoring
Certifications in data center technologies

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Documentation: Demonstrate strong documentation skills and experience with DCIM software for asset tracking
Incident Response: Showcase incident response experience and problem-solving skills in a data center environment
Teamwork & Communication: Highlight teamwork and communication skills through previous projects or case studies

📝 Enhancement Note: While a web portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating relevant skills and experience through case studies, testimonials, or certifications can strengthen your application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Based on market research for data center operations specialists in Nashville, TN)

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plans with employer match
Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
Employee discounts and wellness programs

Working Hours: 12-hour shifts (7 AM – 7 PM or 7 PM – 7 AM), 1-hour lunch, Pitman shift schedule, on-call requirements, and holiday work

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the application process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and academic research

Company Size: Large (Over 20,000 employees)

Founded: 1951

Team Structure:

Data Center Operations Center team, collaborating with various IT departments and stakeholders
24/7/365 operations with on-call and holiday work requirements

Development Methodology:

Incident-driven, with a focus on proactive monitoring and maintenance
Collaborative team approach, with regular communication and coordination among team members and stakeholders

Company Website: https://www.vumc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a large, complex organization with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Operations Specialist Level: This role requires a strong foundation in data center operations, server administration, and incident management. It offers opportunities for growth through certification, mentorship, and career progression within the IT department.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Data Center Operations Manager and works closely with various IT departments and stakeholders.

Technical Impact: The Data Center Operations Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and security of Vanderbilt University Medical Center's most critical IT infrastructure, ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare services and research facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

Pursue data center certifications (e.g., DCSE, DCOE) to advance technical skills and career prospects
Seek mentorship and training opportunities to develop leadership and management skills
Explore career paths within the IT department, such as senior data center operations specialist, data center manager, or related IT roles

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth opportunities in this role are tied to certification, skill development, and gaining experience in a dynamic data center environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, data center environment with 24/7/365 operations

Office Location(s): Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with a focus on team communication and incident management
Access to relevant tools, software, and documentation for data center operations
Opportunities for professional development and training

Work Schedule:

12-hour shifts (7 AM – 7 PM or 7 PM – 7 AM)
Pitman shift schedule (Week A: Mon/Tue/Fri/Sat/Sun; Week B: Wed/Thurs)
On-call requirements and holiday work

📝 Enhancement Note: The data center environment requires a strong focus on adaptability, communication, and teamwork to maintain critical IT infrastructure and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services and research facilities.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess communication skills and basic qualifications
On-site Interview: A tour of the data center and in-depth discussion of the role's responsibilities, required skills, and work environment
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of data center operations tasks, such as incident response, hardware installation, and cable management
Final Interview: A discussion of career goals, expectations, and next steps with the hiring manager and team members

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant experience in data center operations, server administration, or a related field
Showcase strong communication and teamwork skills through previous projects or case studies
Demonstrate a solid understanding of data center best practices and incident management processes

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with Vanderbilt University Medical Center's data center infrastructure and facility systems
Brush up on your hardware installation, cable management, and incident response skills
Prepare for a hands-on assessment of data center operations tasks

ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Server Administration, Incident Management, Facility Systems, Hardware Installation, Cable Management, Teamwork, Communication, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Data Center Certifications

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit within the data center operations team.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Center Infrastructure:

Fire suppression, water infiltration detection, air cooling, and power infrastructure systems
DCIM software for asset tracking and management
Ticketing systems for incident management and communication

Hardware & Server Technologies:

Rack-mounted servers, storage systems, and networking equipment
Familiarity with various hardware vendors and server platforms (e.g., Dell, HP, Cisco, Juniper)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Microsoft Office, Outlook, and standard desktop applications
Server hardware rack-and-stack, ticketing systems, and material handling equipment (e.g., server lifts)

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role does not require extensive knowledge of web development or web infrastructure, a solid understanding of data center operations, server administration, and incident management is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Reliability: Maintain critical IT infrastructure with minimal downtime and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services and research facilities
Proactivity: Monitor and maintain data center facility systems to prevent incidents and minimize their impact
Collaboration: Work closely with various IT departments and stakeholders to manage incidents and provide remote hands support
Adaptability: Respond to shifting priorities and changing data center requirements with flexibility and resilience

Collaboration Style:

Incident-driven, with a focus on proactive communication and coordination among team members and stakeholders
Collaborative team approach, with regular communication and coordination among data center operations team members
Knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities to develop technical skills and career prospects

📝 Enhancement Note: The data center operations team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center values collaboration, proactivity, and adaptability to maintain critical IT infrastructure and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services and research facilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Manage shifting priorities and adapt to changing data center requirements
Troubleshoot and resolve incidents involving critical facility systems
Maintain data center uptime and minimize the impact of incidents on healthcare services and research facilities

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Pursue data center certifications (e.g., DCSE, DCOE) to advance technical skills and career prospects
Seek mentorship and training opportunities to develop leadership and management skills
Explore career paths within the IT department, such as senior data center operations specialist, data center manager, or related IT roles

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and growth opportunities in this role are tied to certification, skill development, and gaining experience in a dynamic data center environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Describe your experience with data center operations, server administration, or a related field
How have you handled incidents involving critical facility systems in the past?
Can you walk us through a time when you had to adapt to shifting priorities or changing data center requirements?
How do you approach hardware installation, cable management, and incident response tasks?

Company & Culture Questions:

What attracts you to the data center operations role at Vanderbilt University Medical Center?
How do you see yourself contributing to our team's mission and goals?
How do you approach working in a 24/7/365 data center environment with on-call and holiday work requirements?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight relevant experience in data center operations, server administration, or a related field
Showcase strong communication and teamwork skills through previous projects or case studies
Demonstrate a solid understanding of data center best practices and incident management processes

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit within the data center operations team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this data center operations specialist position:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Prepare for a phone screen to assess communication skills and basic qualifications
Familiarize yourself with Vanderbilt University Medical Center's data center infrastructure and facility systems
Brush up on your hardware installation, cable management, and incident response skills
Prepare for a hands-on assessment of data center operations tasks
Research Vanderbilt University Medical Center's data center operations team, mission, and goals
Prepare for a discussion of career goals, expectations, and next steps with the hiring manager and team members

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Vanderbilt University Medical Center before making application decisions.

Data Center Operations Specialist (Local)