Senior Systems Administrator

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Annual leave and holidays

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to oversee critical IT infrastructure in Pietermaritzburg. You will manage Windows and Linux servers, networks, and security to ensure high availability of services.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and hands-on expertise with virtualization and backups. This role offers a stable environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration with Windows and Linux.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
• Experience with virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V) and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux server environments.
• Manage network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Perform system monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning.
• Implement backup and disaster recovery solutions.

Skills

Windows Server

Linux

Networking

VMware/Hyper-V

PowerShell/Bash

Backup & DR

Security best practices

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

VPNs

Firewalls

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution, is seeking a highly competent and experienced Senior Systems Administrator to oversee and manage their critical IT infrastructure. This role, located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is essential for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of the company's server environments and network systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of system administration best practices, strong troubleshooting skills, and experience with enterprise-level hardware and software. You will be responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and support of servers (Windows and Linux), network devices, and related technologies. This is a hands‑on position requiring excellent problem-solving abilities and a commitment to ensuring high availability of all IT services. The candidate must be able to work effectively within a dedicated IT team to support business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux server environments.
• Manage network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Perform regular system monitoring, performance tuning, and capacity planning.
• Implement and manage backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Ensure the security of IT systems through patching, vulnerability management, and security best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues promptly.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide technical support to end-users and other IT staff as needed.
• Participate in IT projects, including system upgrades and migrations.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration.
• Proven experience managing both Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols and concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching).
• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• Hands‑on experience with firewalls and network security appliances.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) for automation.
• Experience with backup and recovery solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., MCSA, MCSE, RHCSA, CCNA) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.Opportunities for professional certifications and training.
• A stable and secure work environment within a reputable organization.
• Exposure to diverse IT infrastructure technologies.
• Potential for long-term career growth.