IT Network Systems Administrator

Elbert County, Colorado; Kiowa (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Elbert County, Colorado seeks an IT Network System Administrator to design, build, and maintain a highly reliable IT infrastructure. You will install, configure, and support end-user, network, server, and security systems while coordinating with vendors for escalations and new installations.

This role requires monitoring performance, patching, backup testing, and incident response, with after-hours on-call support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in PC technical support and management of Microsoft Windows, PCs and MS Office.
• 3+ years in systems administration for enterprise environments.
• 3+ years or more of experience with Powershell, Office365, Windows Server Administration, and Active Directory. Cross-platform experience with Hyper-V, Microsoft Server OS, enterprise collaboration services, file share management, and backup technologies.
• Microsoft certifications preferred or applicable work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in computer-related field or equivalent work experience.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, maintain, and automate configurations for all IT systems.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights in accordance with security requirements.
• Serve as SME for end-user equipment and escalation point for the IT help desk.
• Review, test, deploy, and monitor software patches across all IT systems.
• Monitor security alerts, manage vulnerabilities, and maintain endpoint protection and MFA.
• Review and investigate cybersecurity incidents, document findings, and support incident response.

Skills

Active Directory

Group Policy

Microsoft 365

Powershell

Windows Server

Hyper-V

Linux

Networking

Security & incident response

Scripting & automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer-related field

Tools

SIEM

Backup software

MDM software

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The IT Network System Administrator is responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and improving highly reliable, sustainable, cost-effective, and secure IT infrastructure. The position installs, configures, and supports end-user, network, server, and security systems, and works with vendors for escalations and new installations when appropriate. Responsibilities include system performance monitoring and tuning, patching, user access management, backup and disaster recovery testing, and general maintenance of all IT systems. The position also monitors, investigates, and responds to security alerts and cybersecurity incidents. Provides higher-tier support for problem escalation, including after-hours maintenance and on-call support as needed. The IT Network System Administrator communicates clearly with technical and non-technical audiences and provides outstanding customer service that contributes to the County's mission of utilizing information technology to improve workflows.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, deploy, configure, maintain, and automate configurations for all IT systems, including but not limited to:
  • Microsoft environment: Active Directory, Group Policy, and Microsoft 365
  • Network infrastructure: Firewalls, core and access switches, wireless access points, VPN, DHCP, DNS, and VoIP phone system
  • Server environment: Physical and virtual Windows and Linux servers, Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisors, SAN storage, backup systems, and SIEM with automated alerts
  • End-user environment: Laptops, desktops, printers, mobile devices, MDM software, and SSO
  • Security systems: Badge access and security cameras, administered in-house
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights in accordance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as Subject-Matter Expert (SME) for all end-user equipment and as an escalation point for the IT help desk.
• Review, test, deploy, and monitor software patches across all IT systems.
• Monitor and respond to security alerts, manage vulnerabilities, and maintain endpoint protection and multi-factor authentication.
• Review and investigate cybersecurity incidents, document findings and root causes, recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence, and support incident response and reporting to management.
• Perform routine backup restoration testing and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity documentation.
• Implement industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies and procedures, including life-cycle management of hardware, software, and storage.
• Maintain hardware and software inventories, licensing, and warranty tracking, and provide procurement recommendations.
• Maintain and improve system auditing and availability monitoring tools to ensure compliance and security requirements are met.
• Propose and implement enhancements to improve system performance and reliability.
• Evaluate and deploy new technologies, identifying appropriate use cases.
• Define, document, and support IT project objectives, timelines, and deliverables that align with organizational goals, in collaboration with staff and management.
• Work with vendors as appropriate for escalations, project planning, and implementation, including escalated support and new installations.
• Document system configurations, changes, and operations thoroughly.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance and on-call support as needed.
• Cross-train with team members to ensure coverage across systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences, including staff, management, and vendors.
  • Provide timely, accurate updates on incidents, outages, and project status throughout their life cycle.
  • Explain technical issues and security risks in plain language to support informed decision-making.
  • Build collaborative working relationships with staff and team members to deliver responsive, customer-focused service.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• IT Network System Administrator:
  • 3+ years of experience in PC technical support and management of Microsoft Windows, PCs (hardware and software), and MS Office Applications.
  • 3+ years of experience in systems administration supporting enterprise environments required or equivalent technical experience.
  • 3+ years or more of experience with one or more of the following technologies: Powershell scripting, Office365, Windows Server Administration, and Active Directory Administration. Cross-platform experience with Hyper-V, Microsoft Server OS, enterprise collaboration services, file share management, and backup technologies.
• Licensure/Certification/Registrations: Microsoft certifications preferred or applicable work experience.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in computer-related field or equivalent work experience required.
• Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated capability of managing enterprise-level Microsoft environments, with thorough knowledge of Windows operating systems and support, Group Policy, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 user and email management. Solid working knowledge of centralized desktop and mobile device management tools. Strong understanding of computer hardware, server virtualization (Hyper-V), Linux and Windows server environments, and networking fundamentals, including VPN, DHCP, DNS, wireless, and telecommunications. Knowledge of IT security best practices and their real-world implications, including vulnerability management and incident response. Good scripting skills and familiarity with automation techniques. Sound judgment and proven analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to perform in-depth root cause analysis, identify the lowest-risk and least disruptive solutions, and devise or modify procedures and systems to solve complex problems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical audiences and to efficiently document and track technical support issues. Strong customer service orientation and the ability to collaborate and build relationships with peers, customers, and vendors to align IT services with strategic goals. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and coordinate appropriate resources.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license issued by the State of Colorado and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Must pass a criminal background check before employment.