IT Systems Administrator

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid leave

Retirement plans

Telehealth

Job summary

The State of Montana's Department of Natural Resources and Conservation seeks an IT Systems Specialist to provide technical assistance for DNRC IT systems and tools. You will support software, hardware, system access, and security, working under the Technical Services Manager to ensure a stable environment for DNRC employees.

Responsibilities include server administration, user support, policy management, documentation, and vendor coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible IT support experience.
• Experience with hardware deployment, software installation and management.
• Ability to work in a client services support environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide IT systems administration and end-user support for DNRC employees.
• Install, configure, patch, back up, and maintain server and desktop environments.
• Manage user accounts, access permissions, and system documentation.
• Configure Group Policy, security tools, and vendor-specific hardware/software.
• Coordinate with SITSD, vendors, and internal teams on IT projects.
• Maintain security, backup, and disaster recovery procedures.

Skills

Server administration

User support

Access control

Documentation

Backup & recovery

Security patching

Group Policy

Vendor coordination

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related field

Tools

Active Directory

Microsoft Windows

Group Policy

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

PowerShell

Job description

First Review Date: September 15, 2026

Background Check: This position requires a background check as a condition of employment. The successful candidate must pass a criminal history background check, which may include fingerprinting, to ensure suitability for work involving sensitive investigative information, coordination with law enforcement, and potential court testimony. A valid driver’s license is required, and the incumbent must maintain an acceptable driving record for operation of state vehicles.

Work Unit Overview: The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides quality, effective information technology solutions to enable the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to fulfill its mission “to ensure Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.” OIT provides end user support, application development, data and systems management, and GIS development services, as well as coordinating department operations with the State Information Technology Services Division and other State agencies. The Technical Services team provides end user support.

Job Overview: The IT Systems Specialist is responsible for providing technical assistance for IT related systems and tools for DNRC. This position and the included duties and responsibilities are critical in facilitating an innovative, stable, accurate, and efficient technology environment for DNRC and its employees. The incumbent in this position reports directly to the Technical Services Manager. This position provides basic and advanced technical support to all DNRC employees for software, hardware, system access, and other technology-based systems and tools used within DNRC. This includes troubleshooting software applications or hardware issues when problems occur by conducting research, working with vendors, working with the State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD), or working within a team to identify solutions, provide recommendations, and assisting in the implementation of the chosen solutions. This position will manage assigned IT systems utilized by DNRC employees or OIT personnel to perform their job functions including but not limited to: applications, software, computer systems, mobile devices, network tools and features, security tools and features, and other IT systems. This work may include scheduling, conducting, and coordinating computer software or hardware installation and configuration, customization of new or existing software or hardware, and maintaining or patching of existing IT Systems. The incumbent will also install, configure, backup, and maintain assigned server environments located in DNRC offices throughout the state. Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring all assigned IT systems comply with State and DNRC system, security, and network standards.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.

IT Systems Administration and Support:

• Assist customers and users with server, computer, mobile or other technology-related problems.
• Creates, modifies, updates user accounts.
• Creates, modifies, updates, suspends, or deletes user access permissions.
• Ensures employees have the necessary access to effectively execute their duties.
• Assist customers and users with system access issues.
• Answer questions and train users about computer policies, processes, procedures, and guidelines.
• Create, review, or modify documentation on IT systems, processes, procedures, or guidelines for end users.
• Maintain records of technical issues, customer problems, and actions taken to resolve problems.
• Install, image, update, maintain, and wipe server, computer, and mobile hardware systems and software.
• Perform or assist in the Installation of copierprinter scanner hardware and drivers.
• Work with vendors to configure and install vendor specific hardware or software.
• Work with vendors to resolve issues related to their specific hardware or software.
• Configure hardware and software to meet State, DNRC, SITSD, or vendor requirements.
• Install, configure, maintain, backup, and troubleshoot assigned software applications used by OIT personnel.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Microsoft Group Policy objects and other network related IT features and tools.
• Resolve technical support issues for non-technical users.
• Schedule, perform, and monitor regular system maintenance or other tasks.
• Maintain system backup, recovery, and security protocols.
• Assist with identifying server and computer specifications and testing.
• Test and evaluate existing server, network, and computer systems.
• Evaluate and optimize system performance for IT systems.
• Analyze, review, and implement appropriate technical tools to troubleshoot or enhance existing systems.
• May assist the work of software developers or network systems analyst to ensure new system meets needs of the organization.
• Research and develop requirements for new technology adoption.

Security:

• Respond to security issues and resolve when possible, elevate when needed.
• Implement and monitor server, computer and other system security patching.
• Configure security software to meet system requirements.
• Research or review recent security alerts, trends, procedures, and threats.
• Assist in computer system vulnerability assessments.
• Analyze and recommend security enhancements for existing or planned computer systems or mobile devices.

Other Duties as Assigned: This position performs a variety of other duties in support of ongoing Division and Department operations. This includes managing special projects, representing the Division or Department at various meetings and conferences, and participating in ongoing training and educational programs. Supervision – It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

-Note from the Manager

Dear Prospective Applicant,

As the manager of the DNRC Technical Services Team, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your decision to apply for this position. DNRC has an exciting opportunity to join our technical team. Over the years, our team has forged a stellar reputation for providing outstanding customer service and we are thrilled to be affiliated with one of the best agencies in the State of Montana.

As you move forward in the application process, please know that we value your time and effort. We take every application seriously and appreciate your commitment to joining our team. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and we look forward to reviewing your application materials in detail. Your interest is a testament to the promising future we are building here at DNRC.

-Jeanette Prevel

Benefits:

Live and work in Helena, Montana, which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance.
• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.
• Longevity pay with continued state service.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.
• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Special requirements:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Frequent travel is required to attend meetings, conferences, and events as a representative of the Department.

For a complete job description, please contact Becky Quick at [e-mail].

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, business administration with a minor in computer science or information systems, or closely related field
Four years of progressively responsible experience in the information technology support field. The four years of experience can come from computer systems administration or information technology support experience and should include hardware deployment, software installation, configuration, and management in a client services support environment.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A strong customer service focus, with ability to maintain positive working relationships;
• Comprehensive knowledge of information processes and network technologies, including the various hardware platforms, software applications (both server and workstation), hardware and software configurations, peripherals, and troubleshooting and diagnostics tools and techniques;
• Knowledge of the following hardware: Computers, servers, printers, mobile devices, wireless access points, and other department-supported hardware as implemented;
• Extensive knowledge of the following software: Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Windows, Group Policy Management, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Knowledge of the following software: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Microsoft Server, Microsoft PowerShell, security software and tools, and other department- supported software as implemented;
• Ability to function effectively as a member of a team and independently;
• Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts in one-on-one and teaching situations;
• Ability to write clear and usable instructions for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines while maintaining consistently high levels of product quality;
• Knowledge and experience with project management principles and best practices;
• Ability to apply innovative thinking in conjunction with an understanding of emerging technologies to address the needs and problems of end users and customers;
• Ability to assess and solve complex problems; devise methodologies and solutions; perform analyses; relate relevant information about hardware and software operation, data management and analysis in management applications and interactions; and interpret results.
• Strong aptitude for learning new skills, adapting to new technologies, and implementing new methodologies.

Special Information:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

Eligibility to Work:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce, within three days of hire, documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a “green card”. The State of Montana does not sponsor.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After you accept a job offer and complete Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification.