Systems Administrator

Saia Communications, Inc; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saia Communications, Inc is looking for a Systems Administrator located in Buffalo, NY to provide end-user support and manage core infrastructure. This role involves Windows administration, system monitoring, and ensuring security-minded operations. A Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in IT security principles are required, along with a valid driver's license. Ideal candidates should have strong technical skills in Microsoft 365, PowerShell, and SQL Server. Occasional travel to customer locations may be necessary.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with core Windows systems including Active Directory and Group Policy.
• 2+ years of experience with Microsoft 365 administrative tools.
• 2+ years of experience with Microsoft PowerShell and SQL Server.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and user training for end users.
• Monitor system status and respond to alarm conditions.
• Maintain patch management for all Windows-based devices.

Skills

Technical support

Windows administration

System monitoring

Security-minded operations

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Relevant certifications (Security+, CISSP, GSEC)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Microsoft PowerShell

Microsoft SQL Server

Group Policy

Active Directory

Job description

Saia Communications provides a comprehensive range of services that support two-way radiocommunications across Western and Central New York. We are seeking a talented and responsible Systems Administrator to support end users, core infrastructure, system monitoring, security-minded operations, documentation, and automation across the organization.

ROLE SNAPSHOT

Service Area: Western and Central New York

Schedule: Primarily standard business hours; occasional response to alarm conditions outside normal hours

Travel: Occasional travel to company or customer locations using a company vehicle when necessary

Role Focus: End-user support, Windows administration, deployments, monitoring, security-minded operations, and automation

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support and user training for internal and external end users.
• Provision user accounts and deploy client hardware, software images, and peripherals.
• Apply configuration changes across supported applications and services.
• Assist in monitoring system status and respond to alarm conditions, including occasional after-hours support.
• Maintain patch management for all Windows-based devices in the domain.
• Deploy pre-configured network equipment such as switches and routers.
• Coordinate with the Systems Engineer on end-user security training, password hygiene, and phishing tests.
• Assist with integration to external systems such as building controls and data acquisition devices, typically low-voltage systems.
• Utilize and maintain existing automation scripts; improve and expand automation of maintenance tasks in coordination with the Systems Engineer.
• Update system documentation, including change reports, and perform all work with a clear understanding of system security and availability impacts.
• Occasionally travel within the service area to company or customer locations and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor with coworkers and customers.

CORE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Comprehensive understanding of modern IT security principles.
• 3+ years of experience with core Windows systems, including Active Directory, Azure / Entra ID, Group Policy, DHCP Server, and DNS Server.
• 2+ years of experience with Microsoft 365 administrative tools.
• 2+ years of experience with Microsoft PowerShell.
• 2+ years of experience with Microsoft SQL Server.
• Imaging and deployment of client devices, including hardware and software setup.
• Troubleshooting peripheral hardware issues.
• Basic network troubleshooting skills across OSI Layers 1–3.

Application note: Candidates with experience in the preferred systems and technologies listed below should explicitly include them in their application.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE TO HIGHLIGHT

• High-availability technologies such as Windows Server Failover Clustering or SQL Server Always On Availability Groups.
• Administration of email services.
• Administration of multifactor authentication solutions.
• Common Linux services such as Apache, NGINX, or Postgres.
• Python programming language.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a field directly related to systems administration and 4+ years of directly related work experience; or, for candidates without a degree, 6+ years of directly related work experience.
• Relevant education, certification, or work experience that demonstrates competency in core IT security principles, such as Security+, CISSP, or GSEC.
• Ability to pass a background check, including criminal history.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets eligibility requirements to operate a company vehicle.