IT Systems Administrator

Canadian Opera Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks an IT Systems Administrator to support its diverse staff across various functions in Toronto. The role involves maintaining IT infrastructure, managing access to applications, and providing technical assistance. Ideal candidates are proactive problem solvers with strong communication skills and relevant IT experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in systems administration and end-user support.
• Knowledge of system security and data backup.
• Professional certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and inventory servers and technology tools.
• Lead the IT helpdesk and implement systems for assistance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for system security.

Skills

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Communication

Technical Support

Systems Administration

Network Management

Scripting

Self-Motivation

Education

Education in Information Technology

Tools

PowerShell

Python

Perl

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Canadian Opera Company’s IT Services team is seeking an enthusiastic, technically savvy individual to be our new IT Systems Administrator. The ideal candidate is someone who brings a positive track record of experience, is an excellent multi-tasker, and is at their best when supporting others.

The IT Systems Administrator will be integral to the day-to-day functioning of the IT Services department. Our team provides technical guidance and support to administrative, artistic, production, and event staff at all company locations in Toronto. Departmental responsibilities include maintaining all computer, networking, and telecom-related equipment, all related equipment which supports these processes, as well as supporting departmental and end-user reporting requirements.

ABOUT THE TEAM, AND WORKING AT THE COC

The IT Services team is a small but talented group. We provide day-to-day support and assistance, participate in departmental initiatives related to technology, and lead projects related to the core systems and infrastructure. Each member of the team takes part of the responsibility for the ultimate success of the department. Our team participates and collaborates as needed to support positive outcomes for COC stakeholders.

We support administrative, artistic, and production staff, artists, and the public including volunteers through the various platforms and tools IT supports. If you enjoy variety, and something different from the traditional office environment, you will find it working at the COC.

Reporting to the Director, Information Technology, key responsibilities include:

• Maintain and inventory servers, network assets, and technology tools
• Manage licensing and access to key business applications
• Participate during onboarding and off-boarding processes for employees. Set up accounts (AD / Azure AD, Hybrid Exchange / Microsoft 365, etc.) and workstations
• Monitor performance and maintain systems according to requirements
• Lead the IT helpdesk, and evaluate and implement the systems required to provide technical assistance and troubleshooting as needed
• Work collaboratively with departmental stakeholders to ensure security through access policies and controls
• Keep systems up-to-date by monitoring for new releases and patches
• Develop expertise to train staff on current and new technologies by keeping up-to-date with latest trends and best practices
• Build and maintain department technical documentation, manuals, and IT policies

The IT Systems Administrator may be asked to perform additional duties other than outlined above at the direction of the Director, Information Technology, or other senior management personnel.

YOU WILL ENJOY THIS JOB IF YOU:

• Enjoy working collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Are comfortable with unique challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Would like to work in an environment where your efforts can have a large impact

In order to be a success in this role, the ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in similar role performing systems administration and end-user support
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including excellent customer service acumen
• Experience with networks (internal and external), virtualization, and patch management
• Knowledge of system security (e.g. firewalls) and data backup/recovery
• Ability to create scripts in PowerShell, Python, Perl or other languages
• Familiarity with various Windows server and desktop operating systems and platforms
• Motivated self-starter who takes the initiative to find and recommend areas for improvement
• Resourceful at finding solutions to problems, both day-to-day and more complex issues
• Ability to occasionally lift heavy objects (racking servers / network equipment, etc.)
• Education in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline (or equivalent working experience)
• Professional certification (e.g. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator / Solutions Expert (MCSE / MCSA) etc.) is a plus

You will possess the following soft skills:

• Eager to make a difference. You anticipate challenges and opportunities, taking initiative to prevent problems before they arise and capitalize on emerging trends to drive progress towards your goals.
• Quick learner. You rapidly incorporate new information and skills with a determination to expand your knowledge and expertise, persevering through challenges and actively seeking opportunities to apply them effectively in your work.
• Collaborative. You enjoy working with cross-functional teams and are able to build consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities.

As a service-based team in a dynamic environment, innovative and unique ideas and approaches are often required. The IT Systems Administrator will be asked for creative input and to operate in a supportive and collaborative way within the working environment, and will be encouraged to optimize and find more efficient ways of approaching the various systems administration and end-user support resolution tasks undertaken. A positive, motivated. and solutions-oriented attitude is essential to this role.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested persons are invited to submit their application by July 31, 2025.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team with Music Director Johannes Debus. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.