Server Systems Administrator Midrand

American International School Of Johannesburg; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent international school in Gauteng seeks a Senior Server and Systems Engineer to manage enterprise server systems and mentor the IT support team. This role involves planning, implementing, and automating data server and storage systems, ensuring high levels of uptime. Candidates should possess a BSc in Computer Science and relevant certifications, with a strong background in managing complex networks and security. Excellent communication and project management skills are required for success in this position.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience with enterprise server and storage systems.
• Proven expertise in managing network servers and storage solutions.
• Experience in project managing the implementation of enterprise technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of enterprise network servers.
• Manage backups and server logs across multiple sites.
• Ensure systems comply with best practice security standards.
• Oversee anti-virus management across the enterprise.

Skills

Data server management

Automation using PowerShell

Active Directory management

Cyber security skills

Project management

Education

BSc degree in Computer Science or relevant field

ITIL MCP, MCSE, MCITP or related certificates

Tools

Microsoft Active Directory

Hyper-V

Sophos

Veeam

Office 365

Job description

Position Overview

Working closely with the Technology Manager, the Senior Server and Systems Engineer is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing enterprise server systems that support and facilitate the school's technological vision.

Provide guidance and mentorship for the IT support team, while providing a high level of support and best practice knowledge to administrators and teachers in accordance with the learning goals of the school.

The Senior Server and Systems Engineer's role is to develop, implement and support data server and storage systems across the organization, ensuring high levels of uptime and availability, integration, and automation.

The Senior Server and Systems Engineer is responsible for leading and developing ongoing data server and storage system initiatives, data exchange between various systems, and the automation of data exchange.

The Senior Data Systems Engineer will in addition evaluate and advise on all technology components, such as software, hardware, and networking capabilities, for data server and storage systems and applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of complex enterprise-level network servers and storage systems.
• Manage and administer complex enterprise-level network servers and storage systems.
• Plan, design, and implement identified special technology projects related to enterprise-level network servers and storage systems.
• Use scripts and commands to automate tasks and to change settings in bulk.
• Ensure systems are setup as per industry best practice.
• Ensure successful integration of different systems.
• Ensure servers, network, user devices, and software comply with best practice security.
• Install public and local certificates on a variety of servers and systems every year.
• Managing anti-virus like Sophos across the enterprise.
• Assemble and load servers with the Hyper-V role, understanding how networking and storage work with Hyper-V.
• Manage virtual clustering and troubleshooting hypervisors.
• Ensure cloud servers are working and tested on a cloud infrastructure like Azure.
• Perform root cause analysis of complex enterprise-level network servers and storage system problems and provide corrective action.
• Proactively monitor backups and server logs across multiple sites.
• Work with the IT Manager to identify single points of failure, develop and implement Disaster Recovery plans.
• Proactively address and resolve alerts raised by alert software e.g. PRTG.
• Coordinate the troubleshooting and the support calls with external providers.
• Develop and maintain technical and functional documentation for required systems.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for relevant servers and systems.
• Work with a change control policy on any changes.
• Make recommendations to the IT Manager on budget items.
• Make recommendations to the IT Manager for improving systems and processes.
• Stay abreast of the latest technology and work with the IT Manager on potential upgrades.
• Compile monthly reports for the IT Manager.
• Execute duties in accordance with ITIL framework guidelines.
• Travel to our Pretoria campus for system support when needed.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, and supervisory sessions, and accept the responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested.
• Perform and support other tasks as identified by the Technology Manager.

Professional Attributes

• Friendly and personable demeanor.
• Possesses a degree of creativity and latitude.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collaborate with IT team to maintain standards and SLAs.
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities.
• Self-starter and self-motivator.
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility.
• Possess the drive to learn and is adaptable to change / new technologies.
• Ability to critically analyze a symptom, diagnose a fault, plan and take appropriate action.
• Willing to work overtime when and if needed.
• Ability to participate in and establish collaborative working relationships.
• Demonstrate great attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure to complete work and meet deadlines.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Matric Certificate ITIL MCP, MCSE and MCITP or other related certificates.
• Enterprise server and storage hardware and software.
• BSc degree in Computer Science or relevant field.
• At least five years expert / advanced level skills and experience in project managing the implementation of enterprise technology server and systems.
• Installing, configuring, and maintaining blade servers, storage systems, networking, and Pro Liant servers in large enterprises.
• PowerShell scripts and commands to automate tasks and to change settings in bulk.
• Managing Microsoft Active Directory in a large enterprise, including creating bulk user accounts, deleting and modifying user accounts, setting up email and home directories with the TCP / IP v4 and v6 protocol, DHCP, DNS, SNMP, SMTP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, ICMP.
• Installing public and local certificates on various systems.
• Managing antivirus in an enterprise, e.g., Sophos.
• Managing backups in an enterprise, e.g., Veeam.
• Managing hypervisors, e.g., Hyper-V and Azure.
• Virtual clustering and troubleshooting with Hyper-V and Azure.
• Collaboration tools, e.g., Office and Google Workspace.
• Designing, implementing, and managing Office in large enterprises, including but not limited to Exchange Online, Azure, Share Point, One Drive, ADFS, etc.
• Designing, implementing, and managing Google Workspace in large enterprises, including but not limited to Gmail, Google Calendars and Contacts, Google Drive, including shared drives, G-Workspace applications.
• Enterprise network server and storage hardware and software troubleshooting.
• Enterprise printing solutions.
• Cyber security skills in large enterprises.
• Managing and maintaining Apple Mac and Mac OS‑X in an enterprise.
• Technology analytical and design skills.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery methodologies and practice.
• Project management skill and experience.

Package & Remuneration

• School hours: This is a 45‑hour per week position and may be required to work longer hours from time to time.