Systems Administrator - Windows & Linux

Badger & Bird Talent; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 357,000 - 391,000; Full time

Job summary

Badger & Bird Talent seeks a Systems Administrator to manage a hybrid Linux/Windows estate, spanning on-prem Proxmox and Azure cloud. You will supervise Docker workloads, backups, and DR planning, while running SQL queries and maintaining Microsoft 365 tenant settings.

You’ll write Bash, PowerShell, or Python scripts and leverage AI tools to streamline daily operations. Initial 3-month contract with potential to become permanent, hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a SysAdmin or Infrastructure Engineer covering Linux and Windows servers.
• Solid working knowledge of Azure, Proxmox (or similar virtualisation like Hyper-V/VMware), and Docker containers.
• Comfort with SQL queries, networking fundamentals, and using AI tools to get things done faster.
• A calm approach when things break and a self-starter mindset to take ownership of the whole department without needing hand-holding.

Responsibilities

• Take Ownership of the Infrastructure: Manage and maintain Linux and Windows servers on-prem via Proxmox, plus Azure cloud environments.
• Maintain Health and Performance: Oversee Docker workloads, monitor uptime, patching, backups, and disaster recovery schedules.
• Handle Database and Admin Duties: Run basic SQL queries for troubleshooting and reporting, manage Microsoft 365 tenant administration.
• Automate and Work Smarter: Write scripts using Bash, PowerShell, or Python, and integrate AI tools into your workflow to speed up tasks.

Skills

Linux

Windows Server

Azure

Proxmox

Docker

SQL

Microsoft 365

Bash

PowerShell

Python

AI tools

Tools

Proxmox

Azure

Docker

Microsoft 365

SQL Server

Job description

Systems Administrator

Location: Hyde Park, Johannesburg (Hybrid)

Salary: R32-35,000 per month

Type: 3-Month Contract with transition to Permanent

Why This Role Beats Your Current SysAdmin Job

If you are stuck being a ticket-shuffler in a massive enterprise, this is your way out. You will run a entire infrastructure estate across cloud, on-prem, and virtualised environments. There is no bureaucratic red tape and no one telling you to do things the slow way just because that is how it has always been done.

You get the autonomy to build, maintain, and scale systems, with full backing to use modern AI and LLM tools to speed up your daily scripting, admin, and troubleshooting. Once you prove yourself in the initial period and transition to permanent status, you also unlock performance incentives.

What You Will Be Doing Every Day

• Take Ownership of the Infrastructure: Manage and maintain Linux and Windows servers running on-prem virtualisation via Proxmox, alongside Azure cloud environments.
• Maintain Health and Performance: Oversee Docker workloads, monitor uptime, handle patching, backups, and disaster recovery schedules.
• Handle Database and Admin Duties: Run basic SQL queries for troubleshooting and reporting, and manage Microsoft 365 tenant administration.
• Automate and Work Smarter: Write scripts using Bash, PowerShell, or Python, and integrate AI tools into your workflow to streamline routine tasks.

How The Working Arrangement Works

• Contract to Permanent: You start on a 3-month contract to ensure a mutual fit, transitioning directly into a permanent full-time position upon passing probation.
• Onboarding Phase: During probation, you will work on-site at the Hyde Park office every day to get up to speed with the estate and the team.
• Hybrid Schedule: Once permanent, your routine shifts to a predictable hybrid setup with remote work on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What You Need To Hit The Ground Running

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a SysAdmin or Infrastructure Engineer covering both Linux and Windows servers.
• Solid working knowledge of Azure, Proxmox (or similar virtualisation like Hyper-V/VMware), and Docker containers.
• Comfort with SQL queries, networking fundamentals, and using AI tools to get things done faster.
• A calm approach when things break and a self-starter mindset to take ownership of the whole department without needing hand-holding.

If you're looking for a role with responsibility and impact, lets talk!