Systems Administrator

Job Description:

Our client is seeking a skilled Systems Administrator to support the University''s technology infrastructure and ensure the availability, reliability, security, and performance of critical systems supporting students, faculty, staff, and administrative operations.

The Systems Administrator will be responsible for administering and maintaining server infrastructure, operating systems, identity and access services, virtualization platforms, storage, backups, and enterprise applications. This role will work closely with network, cybersecurity, application, and help desk teams to troubleshoot issues, implement infrastructure improvements, and maintain a secure and highly available computing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer, monitor, and maintain Windows and/or Linux server environments.
• Manage physical and virtual server infrastructure, including VMware or other virtualization technologies.
• Support Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, authentication, and identity management services.
• Monitor system availability, performance, capacity, and resource utilization.
• Perform system upgrades, patches, configuration changes, and routine maintenance.
• Manage enterprise backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
• Troubleshoot complex server, operating system, application, and infrastructure issues.
• Support Microsoft 365 and other cloud-based services as required.
• Assist with cybersecurity initiatives, including endpoint protection, vulnerability remediation, access controls, and system hardening.
• Implement and maintain system monitoring and alerting tools.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, procedures, and knowledge-base materials.
• Participate in infrastructure projects, migrations, implementations, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Collaborate with network engineering and cybersecurity teams to resolve cross-functional infrastructure issues.
• Assist with disaster recovery and business continuity planning and testing.
• Participate in an on-call or after-hours support rotation as required.
• Ensure systems are maintained in accordance with University policies, security standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor''s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience administering enterprise IT systems or infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server and/or Linux administration.
• Experience with Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and enterprise authentication.
• Experience with virtualization technologies.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals, TCP/IP, routing, switching, and security concepts.
• Experience with backup, recovery, and disaster recovery technologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience with VMware, Microsoft Azure, AWS, or other cloud platforms.
• Microsoft certifications such as Azure Administrator or related credentials.
• CompTIA Server+, Network+, Security+, or equivalent certifications.
• Experience with Power Shell, Bash, or other scripting/automation tools.
• Experience supporting enterprise identity management and Microsoft 365.
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and structured change-management processes.

Core Competencies:

• Enterprise systems administration
• Infrastructure troubleshooting
• Cybersecurity awareness
• Systems monitoring and performance management
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Automation and scripting
• Documentation and change management
• Customer service
• Collaboration and communication
• Ability to work effectively in a higher education environment

Success in This Role:

Success will be measured by the stability, security, and availability of the University''s systems; timely resolution of infrastructure issues; effective implementation of technology projects; and the ability to provide reliable technology services to the University''s academic and administrative communities.

Salary/Rate: $40-$45/HR (depends on experience level). This is a contract position with candidates expected to work 40 hours/ week. Upon conversion the salary: $100,000 - $115,000 (depends on experience level) + benefits.