Staff Desktop Support Administrator

ARA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Staff Desktop Support Administrator to deliver end-user desktop support and manage a small Windows server environment. You will monitor VMware vSphere/vCenter, assist with backups, and apply patches while documenting procedures.

The role requires strong customer service, 4+ years of relevant experience, and the ability to obtain a security clearance (US citizenship). A BS in MIS/CS or equivalent experience is expected.

Qualifications

• Four or more years supporting desktops, laptops, and servers in Windows 11 and Server 2022/2025.
• Experience with Office 365, SharePoint, VPNs, firewalls, disk encryption, and antivirus.
• Active Directory administration experience.
• Troubleshooting hardware and network issues in physical and virtual environments.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.
• Customer service oriented with strong time management and prioritization.
• Effective written and verbal communication; able to work solo or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide desktop support and technical assistance to end users.
• Manage and support a small Windows server environment.
• Support VMware vSphere and vCenter environments.
• Independently identify, research, and resolve technical problems.
• Troubleshoot PC hardware and software issues.
• Set up and maintain user accounts.
• Manage file, print, and license servers.
• Administer and monitor data backups.
• Monitor and apply security patches and updates in a timely manner.
• Document and maintain IT related procedures.
• Maintain inventory and licensing records for hardware and software acquisitions.

Skills

Desktop support

Troubleshooting

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in MIS/CS

Tools

Active Directory

Office 365

SharePoint

VPN clients

Firewalls

Disk encryption

Antivirus software

VMware vSphere

vCenter

WSUS

Job description

What you’ll do as a Staff Desktop Support Administrator

• Provide desktop support and technical assistance to end users on a variety of issues.
• Take ownership managing and supporting a small Windows server environment.
• Support and maintain a VMware vSphere and vCenter environment.
• Independently identify, research, and resolve technical problems.
• Troubleshoot PC hardware and software issues.
• Set up and maintain user accounts.
• Manage file, print, and license servers.
• Administer and monitor data backups.
• Monitor and apply security patches and updates in a timely manner.
• Document and maintain IT related procedures.
• Maintain inventory and licensing records for hardware and software acquisitions.

Staff Desktop Support Administrator Requirements

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience, experience supporting desktops/laptops and servers; specifically, with systems running Windows 11, Server 2022/2025 on a Windows network, including printers and other peripherals. (Education may be counted in lieu of experience, one year of college is equivalent to two years of experience).
• Experience supporting an array of applications on Windows operating systems including, Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, email, VPN clients, firewalls, disk encryption, and antivirus software.
• Microsoft Active Directory administration experience
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing hardware and network problems in virtual and physical environments.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance, which includes US citizenship.
• Must be customer service focused and have excellent time management skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, proactive, well organized, and have ability to prioritize work.
• Requires ability to:
  • Communicate effectively (both verbal and written),
  • Work collaboratively with team members, and on an individual basis

Staff Desktop Support Administrator Preferences

• Experience with Ubuntu, Red Hat, or other Linux operating systems
• Experience with Windows Server 2022 and above
• Experience with Microsoft 365 office applications
• Experience with Veeam backup software
• Knowledge of Cisco VoIP phone administration
• Experience with VMWare vSphere virtualization and administration
• MCSE, A+, Net+, Security+, Linux+, LPIC, RHCSA certifications
• Antivirus and WSUS
• DoD experience
• Understanding of IT security best practices

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in MIS, CS, or other IT-related field or equivalent experience

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,300 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.