Systems Administrator

Job Summary

The System Administrator is responsible for effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems (server and network) hardware and software and related infrastructure. Duties include providing support to end users in resolving moderate to complex system or IT operation problems, performing computer operations functions, including planning, integration, and verification for IT systems. Recommending system configuration solutions and providing support, solutions, and suggestions to the development team; drafting system administrator manuals and maintenance service plans; provides remediation and troubleshooting for system-related change requests.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with the management and operation the Data Centre and ensures optimal operations.
• Assists with the maintenance and monitoring of the Councils network and communication services.
• Maintains regular and effective network backup and restore strategies for the Councils network.
• Assists the Service Desk in managing support calls.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by any duly authorized person(s).

Required Activities

Assists with the management and operation the Data Centre and ensures optimal operations.

• Assists with the installation, configuration, and testing of workstations, server hardware and software systems.
• Conducts performance tuning.
• Monitors operating systems, and management systems, monitor server and system logs
• Designs and runs system load and stress tests.
• Configures server and backup performance monitoring tools under direction of the Infrastructure Manager.
• Troubleshoots server and system related problems and escalate to the Infrastructure Manager as required.

Assists with the maintenance and monitoring of the Councils network and communication services.

• Assists with the installation, configuration, and testing of network hardware and software systems switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points, etc.
• Configures network performance monitoring tools under direction of the Senior Security Analyst.
• Deploys end-point security policies and mechanisms.
• Monitors event logs and security alerts.
• Troubleshoots network related problems and escalate to the Senior Security Analyst as required.

Maintains regular and effective network backup and restore strategies for the Councils network.

• Maintains routine backup cycles.
• Performs ad hoc backup as requested.
• Performs routine testing of backup media and recovery procedures.
• Assists with the development of a retention schedule for all systems and provides application database support including analysis of SQL code.
• Works with the records management team in maintaining and securing electronic records.

Assists the Service Desk in managing support calls.

• Responds to network related issues as indicated in the Service Level Agreement.
• Acts as a point of escalation for the User Support Coordinator.
• Responds to end-point security issues.
• Deploys communication services.

Performs other related duties as may be assigned by any duly authorized person(s).

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree BSc in Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Information Technology Management or in a related discipline from a recognized university.

OR

• CompTIA A+, MSCE, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA or similar certification in addition to five (5) years relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related work experience as a System/Network Administrator.
• MSCE and/or CCNA or similar certification preferred.
• Working familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server
• Experience with any of the following would be an asset: Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visual Basic and Microsoft SQL queries.
• ITIL professional certification is preferred.

Core Competencies 

• Ability to think analytically, troubleshoot and solve issues, and know when to seek advice.
• Strong technical and business communication skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments, projects and requests in a high-pressure environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Contract management skills.

Organisational Relationships

• Interacts frequently with Infrastructure Manager, Senior Database Administrator, Senior Security Analyst and Application Developers.
• Liaises with all network and computer users within CXC.

External Contacts 

• Hardware and Software Suppliers
• Service Contractors