Joshua Zick
Data-Center Operations Technician
Summary
IT professional with extensive experience in troubleshooting, networking, and datacenter operations. Adept at managing hardware, optimizing infrastructure, and providing technical support. Experienced in large-scale project planning, including infrastructure deployments and process improvements. Passionate about virtualization and maintaining a Proxmox homelab for continuous learning and experimentation.
Experience
Liquid Web (2018-Present)
- Track inventory and maintain accurate recordkeeping.
- Test and troubleshoot hardware.
- Perform audits of datacenter infrastructure.
- Monitor incoming tickets, chats, and alerts. Provide initial hands-on response.
- Check IP status on RBLs and process as needed.
- Assembly, troubleshooting, and configuration of servers, firewalls, switches, etc.
- Installing various operating systems and applying base configurations.
- Communicating with customers via telephone, chat, and email to provide exceptional support.
- Perform hardware firmware upgrades, and learn new hardware platforms.
- Rack servers, install cabling, and assist with other infrastructure needs.
- Deploy complex, highly available infrastructure and services.
- Plan and execute large-scale infrastructure projects and improvements.
- Assist with additional duties as instructed by leadership/senior techs on the team.
Lowe's Home Improvement (2014-2018)
- Identified customer needs and provided solutions.
- Tracked and managed customer orders.
Party City (2013)
- Completed custom orders and stocked merchandise.
Walmart (2008-2013)
- Maintained inventory and ensured product availability.
U.S. Army Military Intelligence (2006-2008)
- Set up secure networks and communication systems.
- Diagnosed and repaired complex malfunctions.
- Maintained and calibrated critical communications equipment.
Skills
Server setup & maintenance
Networking & troubleshooting
OS installation & configuration
Hardware firmware upgrades
Virtualization (Proxmox, VMware, etc.)
Project Planning
Server Diagnosis
Process Improvement
Technical Support
Infrastructure Deployment
Network Automation
Projects
Proxmox Homelab
- Built and maintain a virtualized homelab using Proxmox.
- Automated network and VM deployments for rapid testing.
- Experimented with infrastructure-as-code and monitoring tools.
Datacenter Automation Scripts
- Developed Python scripts for inventory and hardware audits.
- Automated ticket triage and alerting workflows.
Professional Interests
Virtualization & Homelab Experimentation
Network Automation & Monitoring
Continuous Learning (Linux, Python, Cloud)
Tools & Technologies
Linux
Windows
Proxmox
Visual Studio Code
pfSense
OpenWRT
TP-Link Omada
PXE Network Boot
Unbound DNS
Pi-hole
Nextcloud