Windows Systems Administrator — Information Technologist I

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University Libraries is seeking a Windows Systems Administrator to manage Windows and Hyper-V servers, implement automation with PowerShell, and administer clusters, storage, and security.

Join a small, dedicated team and contribute to documentation, upgrades, and support for research projects, while collaborating with campus IT and Library staff to ensure reliable services.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in a related IT field or equivalent work experience.
• 1–3 years of IT experience with Windows environments and virtualization.
• Strong scripting and documentation skills; ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Administer Windows servers and Hyper-V virtualization environments.
• Develop PowerShell scripts for monitoring and automation.
• Manage Windows Failover Clusters and storage administration.
• Maintain firewall policies and network/security configurations.
• Document operations procedures and upgrades.
• Collaborate with Library staff and campus IT units.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PowerShell

Windows Server

Hyper-V

Active Directory

DNS

IIS

System Center / VMM

SQL Server (Availability Groups)

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Windows Systems Administrator

Position Summary

Primary focus will be the administration of Windows and Hyper-V servers for the MSU Libraries. The Libraries Systems and Development group is a small, dedicated team of less than 10 staff members with a passion for excellence and service to the Libraries. Responsibilities include Hyper-V virtualization and storage administration; Windows Failover Clustering; administration of Windows servers including writing PowerShell scripts for monitoring servers; management of firewall policies; and performing other IT-related duties as assigned. Duties may develop and evolve based on the interests and competencies of the chosen candidate.

Support Provided

• Install, configure, and deploy server environments including hardware and both standard and custom software.
• Develop and implement procedures and automated scripts to monitor and maintain proper operation (e.g. adequate disk space, backup schedules, network connections, memory & CPU usage).
• Provide support for, and troubleshoot issues regarding, system hardware and software.
• Develop detailed documentation of operations procedures and implementations.
• Plan and execute required upgrades, replacements, and modernization of legacy systems.
• Be an active and eager team participant in group discussions and projects.
• Review and perform regular patches and other maintenance procedures.
• Provide technical support for systems, including diagnosing complex hardware and software failures.
• Provide assistance to Library staff members to the fullest extent possible with regard to both supported and unsupported applications.
• Prepare documentation and instructions for Library staff.
• Consult with and support Library faculty and staff engaged in research projects and experimental proposals.
• Manage and document database servers and databases.
• Manage and monitor database performance, permissions and activity to ensure data security.
• Communicate with other university IT staff to set up services and to identify and resolve issues external to the unit.
• Communicate on an on-going basis with vendors for problems/support issues.
• Communicate with Library staff on a regular basis.
• Meet regularly with Library & MSU IT units to provide specialized support.
• Meet regularly with system administrator colleagues.
• This position may involve occasional physical demands, including but not limited to climbing ladders, lifting, carrying, or moving equipment

The MSU Libraries Strategic Plan guides our current and future work. The candidate will collaborate with campus partners to help develop a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or related information technology field, with coursework in an information technology specialization related to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in an information technology area related to the duties to be performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in teams
• Willingness to continually advance technical skills through self-study
• Ability to take ownership of a project and see it through to completion
• Experience creating administration scripts and performing other tasks using PowerShell
• Familiarity with Microsoft Virtual Machine Manager and System Center
• Competent with administering Windows Failover Clusters and Hyper-V
• Competent with IP networking and firewall management
• Competent with administering Windows, Active Directory, and DNS
• Familiarity with administering Internet Information Server (IIS)
• Have experience administering Microsoft SQL servers and Availability Groups
• Familiar with backup systems and best practices
• Have an understanding of database normalization with knowledge of proper use of SQL data types, indexes, and foreign keys
• Ability to collaborate well with others and help to foster a welcoming environment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three references (2 must be present/past supervisors).

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

lib.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends

October 13, 2026, 11:55 PM