Surveillance Systems Administrator

Surveillance Systems Administrator is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of NCAT's video surveillance systems. The position purpose includes:

Installation: Deploying and setting up video surveillance hardware such as cameras, recording devices, and networking equipment.

Configuration: Configuring the VMS software to ensure proper functionality, including setting up user permissions, camera settings, and storage parameters.

Maintenance: Regularly maintaining and updating the VMS to ensure optimal performance and security, which may involve software updates, hardware repairs, and system optimizations.

Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving technical issues with the VMS, including diagnosing problems with cameras, network connectivity, software errors, and storage issues.

Training: Providing training and support to end-users and staff members on how to use the VMS client software effectively and efficiently.

Security: Ensuring that the video surveillance system complies with privacy regulations and security standards, including implementing encryption, access controls, and audit trails.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Campus Enterprises

Work Hours 8 to 5, Monday to Friday Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Required Competency Technical Knowledge Duties

Camera Installation and Configuration: Understanding how to physically install and configure surveillance cameras is fundamental. This includes mounting cameras securely, adjusting angles for optimal coverage, and configuring settings such as resolution, frame rate, and motion detection.

Networking: Proficiency in networking is crucial for IP-based surveillance systems. This involves knowledge of TCP/IP, routers, switches, VLANs, subnetting, and configuring network settings for cameras, recorders, and monitoring stations.

Video Management Systems (VMS): Familiarity with video management software, preferably Qognify Systems, is essential for monitoring and managing surveillance footage. This includes skills in installing, configuring, and using VMS platforms to view live feeds, playback recorded footage, and manage camera settings.

Storage Management: Understanding storage solutions for video surveillance is important. This includes knowledge of RAID configurations, NAS/SAN setups, storage capacity planning, and ensuring data redundancy and integrity.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving issues with surveillance systems is crucial. This includes troubleshooting hardware and software problems, performing routine maintenance tasks, and ensuring system reliability.

Regulatory Compliance: Understanding relevant regulations and privacy laws governing surveillance, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and local privacy ordinances, is important for ensuring legal compliance in surveillance operations.

Required Competency Technical Support Duties

System Installation and Configuration: Ability to install, configure, and set up the VMS software on servers and client machines. This includes ensuring compatibility with the hardware and network infrastructure, as well as configuring user accounts, permissions, and system settings.

Troubleshooting: Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving issues with the VMS software, cameras, and related hardware. This involves identifying the root cause of problems, troubleshooting network connectivity issues, software bugs, and resolving configuration errors.

Customer Service: Strong customer service skills are crucial for providing technical support to users experiencing issues with the VMS. This includes effective communication, active listening, and empathy to understand and address users' concerns promptly.

Remote Support: Ability to provide remote technical support to users located in different locations. This involves using remote desktop software, phone support, and email to troubleshoot and resolve issues without the need for on-site visits.

Documentation: Good documentation skills are essential for maintaining records of support tickets, troubleshooting steps, resolutions, and system configurations. Clear and concise documentation helps in knowledge sharing and ensures continuity in support processes.

Training and Education: Ability to train users on how to use the VMS software effectively. This includes conducting training sessions, creating user guides, and providing ongoing support and assistance to users as they familiarize themselves with the system.

Software Updates and Patch Management: Proficiency in managing software updates, patches, and upgrades for the VMS software and related components. This involves staying informed about new releases, testing and scheduling maintenance windows for deployment.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Ability to monitor the performance of the VMS system and optimize its configuration for optimal performance. This includes monitoring server resources, network bandwidth usage, and camera health, and making adjustments as needed to ensure smooth operation.

Security Management: Knowledge of security best practices for securing the VMS system and protecting it against unauthorized access and cyber threats. This includes implementing access controls, encryption, security policies, and staying informed about security vulnerabilities and patches.

Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively with other IT teams, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues and implement system improvements. This involves working closely with network administrators, security teams, and hardware vendors to ensure the overall reliability and security of the surveillance system.

Required Competency Communication Skills Duties

Clear and Concise Communication: Surveillance Systems Administrator should be able to articulate technical concepts and instructions clearly and concisely, whether communicating with users, colleagues, or management.

Active Listening: Active listening involves fully concentrating on what others are saying, understanding their perspectives, and responding appropriately, ask clarifying questions when necessary, and demonstrate empathy and understanding.

Patience: Calm and patient when assisting non technical users, guiding them through troubleshooting steps at their own pace and providing encouragement along the way.

Adaptability: Surveillance Systems Administrator should be able to adapt their communication style to suit the preferences and needs of different users. This may involve adjusting the level of technical detail provided, using different communication channels (e.g., phone, email, in-person), and adapting to users' communication styles.

Technical Writing: Written communication skills are important for documenting procedures, creating user guides, and responding to support tickets via email or ticketing systems. Should be able to write clearly and effectively, conveying technical information in a way that is easy for users to understand.

Collaboration: Collaborate with other IT teams, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve technical issues, implement system upgrades, and address security concerns.

Feedback and Follow-up: Provide feedback to users and stakeholders, as well as following up on support requests.