Systems Administrator
PALS Plus, a consortium of 21 public and academic libraries in Passaic, Essex, and Hudson Counties, is seeking a Systems Administrator to join our team and help keep the technology that connects our member libraries running smoothly.
Summary
The PALS Plus Systems Administrator will join a small, collaborative team responsible for administering and supporting the technology and shared services used by PALS Plus member libraries. The Systems Administrator reports to the Executive Director and works closely with PALS Plus staff, member library staff, committees, and technology vendors.
This is a hands-on position with a lot of variety. The position administers the consortium’s shared Integrated Library System (ILS), public PC and print management systems, and related applications; coordinates system upgrades; troubleshoots technical issues; develops reports and documentation; and provides training and technical assistance to member libraries. The position also oversees the consortium’s WordPress websites and contributes to the planning and implementation of new technologies and services.
Because PALS Plus is a small organization supporting a network of libraries, the Systems Administrator has the opportunity to work across a broad range of technologies and projects and to have a direct impact on services provided to libraries and their patrons. Success in the position requires strong technical and problem-solving skills, curiosity and a willingness to learn, and the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people with varying levels of technical expertise.
If you enjoy solving problems, learning new technologies, working with people, and having a direct impact on how libraries deliver services, this could be a great opportunity to put those skills to work.
The position is scheduled for 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and the work will be chiefly performed at the PALS Plus office located at 292 Piaget Avenue in Clifton, NJ. Occasional travel to member libraries for technical assistance, training, meetings, and other duties may be required. A valid driver’s license and access to transportation for work-related travel is therefore required.
PALS Plus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is not subject to New Jersey First state residency requirements.
What You’ll Do
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Administer and maintain the PALS Plus shared Integrated Library System (ILS) and related applications, ensuring system reliability, security, and data integrity.
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Oversee shared public PC and print management systems used by member libraries.
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Plan, coordinate, test, and implement system upgrades, enhancements, new modules, and other technology initiatives.
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Lead and manage data migrations, from planning and testing through implementation.
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Troubleshoot system issues, identify solutions, and work with vendors when additional support is needed.
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Serve as the primary liaison with vendors for ILS, PC management, and print management products.
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Support authentication and integration of third-party library applications and services.
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Develop and maintain documentation, procedures, and training materials.
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Provide training and technical support to member library staff through on-site visits, online sessions, webinars, and other formats.
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Develop and oversee statistical, usage, and administrative reporting for member libraries and PALS Plus.
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Oversee the consortium’s WordPress websites, including updates, plugins, security, and performance.
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Monitor developments in library technology and make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding emerging tools and services.
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Participate in PALS Plus committees, task forces, and working groups focused on technology, policies, procedures, and best practices.
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Ensure systems are maintained in accordance with PALS Plus security policies.
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Provide occasional backup support for the Network Administrator.
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Travel to member libraries occasionally for technical assistance, meetings, and training.
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Take on other projects and responsibilities as needed.
What We’re Looking For
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A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
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At least three years of experience administering an ILS or comparable enterprise system.
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Experience with public PC and print management software.
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Experience working with relational databases and developing reports.
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Familiarity with library operations, particularly circulation and technical services.
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Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with people with varying levels of technical expertise.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines.
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Experience providing training in a variety of formats, including one-on-one, group, and online training.
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Proficiency with the Microsoft 365 suite of applications.
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Familiarity with SirsiDynix WorkFlows is preferred.
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Experience administering WordPress websites.
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Understanding of common network protocols and services, including DNS, DHCP, HTTPS, and TCP/IP.
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Working knowledge of Group Policy.
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Familiarity with MySQL, PDQ Deploy, and Windows operating systems.
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Ability to travel to PALS Plus member libraries as needed.
Compensation
Salary: $65,000
Benefits include: Health insurance and 403(b) retirement plan
Submission
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Executive Director, Luca Manna at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.