Senior Systems Administrator; Information Systems Specialist

Senior Systems Administrator (Information Systems Specialist
7)

Position Type:
Limited Duration, Full‑time – anticipated to last until June
30,2027 with possible extension.

Agency:
Water Resources Department.

Work Location:

North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St.NE SuiteA, Salem Oregon 97301. Hybrid/Remote Work: 1–2 days per week in office, schedule agreed with manager.

Monthly Compensation: $6,846–$10,344 before PERS, $7,323–$11,070 after PERS.

Only current State of Oregon employees in a permanent position may apply for this job rotation. Applicants must attach manager approval.

The Senior Systems Administrator provides expert‑level consulting and leadership for the infrastructure unit, focusing on networking, security, compliance, troubleshooting & optimization, backup, and disaster recovery. The role supports internal teams and works with Enterprise Information Services to modernize and stabilize the agency’s IT infrastructure.

• Ensure secure, reliable operation of agency‑wide systems, networks, servers, and cloud services.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and rapid incident response to minimize downtime.
• Support compliance with statewide cybersecurity, data protection, and COOP requirements.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, modernization efforts, and long‑term capacity planning.

• Option(a):
  Six (6) years of experience in systems administration, networking, security, troubleshooting, and backup/recovery.
• Option(b):
  Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field plus four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Option(c):
  Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field plus two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Option(d):
  Master’s degree in the same fields, substituting for all experience requirements.

• Strong collaboration across Infrastructure, Database Administration, Service Desk, Application Development, Security, and Leadership teams.
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, visual, and active listening.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills with structured troubleshooting methodology.
• Customer‑focused mindset with prioritization, time management, and service delivery practices.
• Adaptable, intellectually curious, and committed to continuous learning across infrastructure domains.
• Mentoring ability and contributions to operational standards and best practices.

• Infrastructure & Systems Administration – enterprise server environments, operating systems, virtualization, patch management, lifecycle management, automation.
• Networking – TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, VPNs, firewalls, performance troubleshooting.
• Security, Identity & Compliance – vulnerability management, identity & access management, privileged access, compliance initiatives.
• Monitoring & Performance Optimization – troubleshooting across layers, monitoring, logging, observability.
• Backup, Recovery & Business Continuity – enterprise backup solutions, disaster recovery planning, test validation.
• Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure – cloud platforms, governance, cost optimization, security controls.
• Automation & Scripting – scripting, infrastructure management tools, operational efficiency.

• High‑volume quality work required within tight time frames with minimal supervision.
• Requires concentration in an open office with frequent interruptions.
• Manages multiple competing priorities; may require irregular work hours, nights, or weekends.
• Frequent, extended periods of desktop/laptop use.
• Excellent oral and written communication; conflict resolution.
• Light lifting up to 50lb; occasional state travel using a state vehicle.

• PEBB insurance with medical, vision and dental plans; employee contribution 1–5% of premium.
• Leave accrual: start at 8hrs sick and 8hrs vacation per month; increase every 5years.
• Four discretionary leave days: 3days personal business, 1day Governor’s Leave.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Membership in PERS – pension and Individual Account contributions.
• Optional benefits: term life, long‑term/short‑term disability, long‑term care,…