Systems Administrator

Salary: $129,625.60 Annually
Location : 10 Park Plaza, Boston
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20832
Department: MBTA - Fare revenue
Area: 714-Fare Revenue Admin
Opening Date: 02/25/2025
Closing Date: 3/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: None Required
Union Affiliation: L453 Professional
Safety Sensitive: No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).
On-Call or 24/7: Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as directed by supervisory personnel.

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The AFC team is responsible for ensuring maximum uptime of MBTA's fare collection environment responsible for collecting revenue, processing Charlie card and Charlie ticket transactions and reporting revenue and ridership data. The AFC Systems Administrator will support end users and assist the AFC Systems Project Managers with the overall performance of Fare System software and some hardware including: analysis, testing, resolution and implementation of new updates and technology.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the daily operation (2 data centers, 80 station locations, 14 garages and 100 users) in a 24/7 environment.
• This role will be a combination of on-site and remote work.
• Ensure maximum availability of all customer service locations and field devices by responding to calls from HUB and Service Now.
• Utilize monitoring tools such as SIM, FGD and SolarWinds to manage system performance.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve hardware failures and potential systems issues in a fast paced and high demand operation. This may include swapping servers, switches, power supplies, or reconfigurations, etc.
• Rectify issues either remotely through Bomgar or directly at various stations, garages or internal customer locations.
• Work with Project Managers in the field to support projects such as replacing UPS's, upgrading antenna/access device communications, installing new user equipment in Charlie store, etc.
• Assist team with FareGo monitoring, troubleshooting and reporting.
• Review Security reports, decipher alerts to actionable items and resolve or disseminate to AFC maintenance.
• Maintain a PCI compliant environment.
• Review monthly scan results, determine remedy, test impact and remediate vulnerabilities.
• Support corporate system audits by maintaining accurate, comprehensive documentation and by providing timely responses to requests.
• Provide routine maintenance on field devices and in data centers including the management of disk space, replication, and other tasks to ensure high performance.
• Assist with setup, replication, imaging, configuration and day-to-day maintenance and administration of Windows systems (Windows XP/7 and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012).
• Assist with Windows best practices, anti-virus, firmware upgrades, and patch management for Windows operating systems.
• Maintain comprehensive spare parts inventory.
• Support Change Management process by adhering to CAB guidelines and providing timely and detailed documentation.

• Must be able to respond to unanticipated situations without notice and available for on call rotation.
• Become familiar with new fare collection systems and technologies as they become available and be ready to support.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of production Windows Operating System support experience.
• Two (2) years of experience with systems administration and troubleshooting in a mid to large enterprise organization.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces such as communication closets below main concourse or at platform level.
• Must be able to qualify for ROW certification and adhere to all safety notifications and practices.
• Experience with HP servers and Window workstations and some knowledge of networking equipment.
• Experience undergoing PCI audits on systems, architecture and familiar with tools for monitoring and methods for hardening environment.
• Knowledge of Endpoint security, file integrity monitoring and security industry best practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain Windows architecture best practices and standards, including procedures, templates, and relevant documentation.
• Experience using monitoring tools such as SolarWinds and Lansweeper.
• Understanding and experience with WSUS.
• Familiar with two factor authentication tools.
• Understanding of DNS, TCP/IP and LAN/WAN connectivity.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and ability to document processes so they are repeatable.
• Strong troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to lift servers and power supplies and re-rack heavy equipment. Ability to lift 30-40 lbs.
• Abide by regulations in accordance with MBTA standards.
• Must be able to work some off hours when issues arise to assist team with resolution when needed.
• Participate in a rotation for remote weekend duty system monitoring and user support once qualified.

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Five (5) years' experience with Windows operating systems, HP hardware and Cisco networking equipment.
• Five (5) years' experience supporting customer issues efficiently and congenially either in person or thru ticketing system - Service Now.
• Knowledge of networking equipment (Allied, Cisco and Telesis switches, access points).
• Experience with smart UPS configuration and installation.
• Ability to synthesize detailed performance data into high level summaries.
• Prefer experience in transportation and/or banking.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
01

Which of the following best describes your education and experience:

• I did not attain a High School Diploma or GED.
• A High School Diploma or GED with 9 or more years of production Windows Operating System support experience.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution with 5 or more years of production Windows Operating System support experience.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with 2 or more years of production Windows Operating System support experience.
• A master's degree in a related subject.

02

Do you have two (2) years of experience with systems administration and troubleshooting in a mid to large enterprise organization?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have five (5) years' experience with Windows operating systems, HP hardware and Cisco networking equipment?

• Yes
• No

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question