Senior Systems Administrator

Overview

Target Hiring Range: $87,475.00 to $97,195.00

The purpose of this position is to provide system administration and maintenance of the City-wide data network, storage, virtual infrastructure, and server-based systems. This position also maintains and administers essential network security components.

• Serve as City-wide systems administrator, including installing, configuring and maintaining virtual host servers, SANs, virtual machines, switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, wireless LAN controllers, wireless access points, and adjunct network devices; monitor and optimize network performance, update firmware, and maintain configuration backups.
• Maintain web content filtering, antivirus systems, firewall, and IPS/IDS administration; monitor and respond to network/system alerts; apply best practices for network security; collaborate with third-party vendors to provide security assessments.
• Handle complex second- and third-tier technical problems. Conduct research and make recommendations on projects, services, protocols, and standards. Study industry trends and vendor products, evaluate and recommend based on best practices.
• Actively monitor change requests, project queues, and the group ticketing system to document work and facilitate communications with end users, the project manager, and key stakeholders. Maintain detailed equipment inventories and technical documentation. Adhere to City and Departmental policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changing technologies to stay current and support unique technology demands. Participate in the design and deployment of support strategies and in the evaluation and recommendation of new technologies.
• This position is responsible for monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures. Provide back-up, support, and guidance for other IT staff and perform other duties as assigned.

• Must have at least an associate’s degree in computer science, information technology, or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a system support technician or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A background in public safety or government is preferred.
• This position typically performs duties independently, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight, and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Ability to be self-managed and a self-starter, take ownership of the work assigned, and deliver results timely, reliably, and correctly is a must.
• Work requires advanced skills and knowledge of approaches and systems that affect the design and implementation of major organization-wide programs and processes. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
• The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to follow industry-standard troubleshooting procedures and established process documentation. Ability to utilize vendor and third-party tools for diagnostic troubleshooting and support.
• Must have advanced ability to diagnose/correct problems and optimize services across the technical stack (network, server, storage, etc.). Solid working knowledge of Cisco switches, routers, and routing protocols; thorough understanding of server virtualization, storage systems (SANs), and Active Directory infrastructure.

Responsibilities sometimes require working evenings and weekends, sometimes with little advanced notice and on-call support. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IT operating procedures and standards, as well as emerging technologies; willing to pursue future training and certification. Must be able to pass an FBI criminal background fingerprint check and comply with state and federal requirements for criminal justice information security standards.

Valid Texas driver s license with a good driving record and ability to maintain while employed. Certifications with Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, Palo Alto, Nutanix, and VMware are preferred.