System Administrator

SURGE Staffing; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SURGE Staffing seeks a Systems Administrator to maintain a secure, reliable IT infrastructure. You will administer servers, virtualization platforms, storage, backups, user accounts, and core network services while providing advanced technical support to employees.

The ideal candidate combines troubleshooting with proactive performance, security management, strong judgment, and the ability to manage priorities while protecting confidential information.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least three years of relevant experience in systems administration, technical analysis, and infrastructure support.
• At least three years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Windows Server 2016 or later and Microsoft Exchange 2016.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server.
• At least three years of experience administering Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, network permissions, and Group Policy.
• At least three years of networking experience involving VLANs, switches, wireless networks, network infrastructure, cabling, and fiber.
• Experience supporting VMware ESX, Veeam Backup & Replication, and SAN environments.
• Familiarity with network administration and troubleshooting tools such as WinSCP, PuTTY, and Wireshark.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours for planned maintenance and emergency support.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain VMware ESX environments and Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure, including Windows Server 2012, 2016, and 2019.
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, domain accounts, security groups, permissions, and file services.
• Maintain core infrastructure services, including DNS, DHCP, SMTP, and SNMP.
• Monitor and optimize server performance, availability, capacity, and security.
• Support storage area network (SAN) technology and related storage infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot TCP/IP connectivity and network issues in coordination with other IT team members.
• Identify infrastructure limitations and capacity needs to support business growth and minimize service disruptions.
• Administer Veeam Backup & Replication and monitor backup operations.
• Troubleshoot backup failures and support data restoration and disaster recovery activities.
• Perform server hardening and maintain appropriate access controls.
• Identify system vulnerabilities, performance concerns, and operational risks; recommend and implement improvements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling payroll, human resources, personnel, and financial information.
• Resolve escalated help desk tickets involving servers, computers, printers, storage, mobile devices, and business applications.
• Investigate complex hardware, software, and network issues to determine root causes and implement immediate and long-term solutions.
• Support the internal 3CX VoIP phone system, including user administration, feature changes, and troubleshooting through the administrative console.
• Assist employees with presentation and conferencing equipment and applications.
• Provide clear, professional communication throughout troubleshooting and resolution.
• Create and maintain system procedures, technical documentation, and end-user instructions.
• Maintain accurate inventories of hardware, software, and related IT resources.
• Assist with onboarding and employee training, including refresher training as needed.
• Implement system improvements and monitor results to confirm reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT colleagues and other departments to support business needs.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance outside normal business hours and respond to urgent system issues as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent work

Education

AS/AA in CS/IT or related field

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

VMware ESX

Veeam Backup & Replication

Microsoft Exchange 2016

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

Group Policy

SQL Server

WinSCP

PuTTY

Wireshark

3CX VoIP

Job description

Reports To: Vice President of Network & Systems

FLSA Classification: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Systems Administrator maintains a secure, reliable, and efficient IT infrastructure. Working closely with the IT team, this individual will administer servers, virtualization platforms, storage, backups, user accounts, and core network services while providing advanced technical support to employees.

The ideal candidate combines strong troubleshooting skills with a proactive approach to system performance, security, and business continuity. This role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while protecting confidential information.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Administration & Infrastructure

• Administer and maintain VMware ESX environments and Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure, including Windows Server 2012, 2016, and 2019.
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, domain accounts, security groups, permissions, and file services.
• Maintain core infrastructure services, including DNS, DHCP, SMTP, and SNMP.
• Monitor and optimize server performance, availability, capacity, and security.
• Support storage area network (SAN) technology and related storage infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot TCP/IP connectivity and network issues in coordination with other IT team members.
• Identify infrastructure limitations and capacity needs to support business growth and minimize service disruptions.

Backup, Recovery & Security

• Administer Veeam Backup & Replication and monitor backup operations.
• Troubleshoot backup failures and support data restoration and disaster recovery activities.
• Perform server hardening and maintain appropriate access controls.
• Identify system vulnerabilities, performance concerns, and operational risks; recommend and implement improvements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling payroll, human resources, personnel, and financial information.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Resolve escalated help desk tickets involving servers, computers, printers, storage, mobile devices, and business applications.
• Investigate complex hardware, software, and network issues to determine root causes and implement immediate and long-term solutions.
• Support the internal 3CX VoIP phone system, including user administration, feature changes, and troubleshooting through the administrative console.
• Assist employees with presentation and conferencing equipment and applications.
• Provide clear, professional communication throughout troubleshooting and resolution.

Documentation & Operational Support

• Create and maintain system procedures, technical documentation, and end-user instructions.
• Maintain accurate inventories of hardware, software, and related IT resources.
• Assist with onboarding and employee training, including refresher training as needed.
• Implement system improvements and monitor results to confirm reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT colleagues and other departments to support business needs.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance outside normal business hours and respond to urgent system issues as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least three years of relevant experience in systems administration, technical analysis, and infrastructure support.
• At least three years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Windows Server 2016 or later and Microsoft Exchange 2016.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server.
• At least three years of experience administering Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, network permissions, and Group Policy.
• At least three years of networking experience involving VLANs, switches, wireless networks, network infrastructure, cabling, and fiber.
• Experience supporting VMware ESX, Veeam Backup & Replication, and SAN environments.
• Familiarity with network administration and troubleshooting tools such as WinSCP, PuTTY, and Wireshark.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours for planned maintenance and emergency support.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PowerShell scripting experience to automate routine administrative tasks and improve efficiency.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests while maintaining accuracy and service quality.
• Clear communication skills, including explaining technical issues to nontechnical users.
• Patient, professional, and service-focused approach.
• Strong organizational skills, personal integrity, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a team.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and contribute to continuous improvement.