Sr. System Administrator

Job Description

The Senior System Administrator is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation, optimal performance and safeguarding of our expansive IT infrastructure with a strong focus on server platforms, virtual environments, storage systems, cloud services, network components, and enterprise applications as well as participation in the education of junior team members.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Server Infrastructure Management

• Installation, configuration, and maintenance of physical and virtual servers across various operating systems, including Windows Server, Linux, and Unix.
• Resource management to ensure optimal performance and availability, including CPU, memory, and storage.
• Execution of routine maintenance tasks such as software updates, patch management, and system backups.

Virtualization Platform Management

• Implementation and Administration of virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V.
• Provisioning and management of virtual machines, encompassing resource allocation, network configuration, and snapshots.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting of virtual infrastructure performance.

Active Directory Management

• Implementation and administration of Active Directory services, covering user and group management, permissions, and group policy implementation.
• Assurance of reliability, security, and scalability of Active Directory infrastructure.
• Timely resolution of Active Directory-related issues.

Storage Systems Management

• Implementation and administration of Storage Area Network (SAN) and Network-Attached Storage (NAS) systems for scalable storage solutions.
• Configuration of storage arrays, RAID setups, and volume management for optimized performance and data integrity.
• Monitoring of storage usage, performance, and availability, with capacity planning as necessary.

Cloud Services

• Configuration and management of Azure services, including virtual machines, storage accounts, networking, and security features.
• Monitoring of Azure resources for performance, availability, and cost optimization.
• Implementation of Azure security best practices.

System Monitoring and Security

• Deployment and configuration of system monitoring tools for proactive monitoring of network, server, and application performance.
• Implementation of security policies, standards, and procedures to protect IT assets.
• Rapid response to security incidents and implementation of corrective actions.

Backup, Disaster Recovery, and Patch Management

• Development and implementation of backup and disaster recovery strategies.
• Management of patching processes across operating systems, applications, and firmware.
• Coordination of patch testing, deployment, and rollback procedures.

Network Infrastructure Administration

• Configuration, deployment, and maintenance of network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting of network performance and connectivity issues.
• Optimization of network configurations for efficiency and security.

Enterprise Applications

• Support for enterprise applications like MS Exchange, SQL, and SharePoint, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Collaboration with vendors and stakeholders for issue resolution and enhancement implementation.
• Ensuring availability, reliability, and security of enterprise applications.

Documentation, Training, and Knowledge Sharing

• Creation and on-going maintenance of documentation on system configurations and procedures.
• Participation in the development of IT policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Educate junior team members on network technologies and best practices. Provide mentorship and guidance to help them develop their skills and advance their careers.
• Collaborating closely with other team members to promote a culture of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and teamwork.
• Facilitating cross-training opportunities to ensure broad skill development within the team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

Knowledge Experience

• 10+ years of experience in IT systems administration.
• Experience with server administration, including Windows Server, Linux, and Unix.
• Proficient with administrating Microsoft Active Directory Services (including Azure AD), DHCP, DNS and other core functions.
• Experience with administrating storage technologies, including SAN and NAS (Dell PowerStore experience a plus)
• Experience with virtualization technologies, such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V (Cisco UCS-X experience a plus).
• Experience with cloud services, particularly Azure, including virtual machines, storage, networking, and security.
• Experience with managing enterprise applications including Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, and SQL Server.
• Experienced with data backup systems and processes (Veeam experience a plus).
• Strong understanding of system monitoring tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of backup and disaster recovery best practices and tools.
• Experience in patch management.
• Proficiency in administering Cisco and Fortinet network components such as routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Able to conduct research into issues and products as required.
• Self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Able to conduct research into issues and products as required.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, VMware Certified Professional) are strongly desired.