Senior Systems Administrator

Champaign County Information Technology

Senior Systems Administrator

Job Title: Senior Systems Administrator
Department: Information Technology
Reports to: Chief Information Officer
Grade Range: K (Salary Range $30.50 to $45.76 per hour DOQ)

Champaign County offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, life insurance, and employer contributions to a defined-benefit retirement plan. 

SUMMARY As a leading team member of the IT department, the Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for the reliability and integrity of the County's server and network infrastructure and works to ensure systems and services continue running smoothly and securely.  The position serves as a technical expert for systems administration, providing tier 3 support for any escalated complex issues, as well as operating as the key staff member for cybersecurity-related functions.  Duties can range from administering servers and networking equipment to finding, identifying, and mitigating network threats to safeguard assets.  Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Information Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Installs, configures, and maintains server and networking equipment.
• Monitors performance of server and network infrastructure.
• Monitors and reviews system logs to proactively detect, troubleshoot, and resolve problems.
• Performs administrative duties of Windows Server 12/16/19 (inlcuding AD, Hyper-V, File Services, DNS, DHCP).
• Performs administrative duties of Azure Active Directory and M365.
• Undertakes escalated tickets/issues unable to be resolved by others on the team.
• Reviews the work and proposals of team members, providing recommendations and guidance.
• Supports, inspires, and motivates team members.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and enforcement of various hardware and software policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Conducts capacity planning and analysis suggesting necessary improvements.
• Aids in coordinating the development, training, and testing for an updated County disaster recovery/business continuity plan.
• Ensures that data protection measures are in place through the use of techniques such as data encryption; email security configurations, malware prevention measures, and other security configurations.
• Functions as internal expert on matters relating to cybersecurity, including intrusion detection and incident response.
• Analyzes logs and alerts from various sources to identify threats and take appropriate action to safeguard County assets.
• Leads investigations and coordinated responses into discovered network intrusions/breaches or cyber security attacks.
• Discovers potential service problems by identifying patterns occurring across separate help desk tickets and customer reports.
• Documents support issues, cataloging problems encountered and resulting solution within help desk ticketing system.
• Evaluates vendor products and roadmaps, making recommendations for procurement/implementation.
• Collaborates with team to ensure the timely patching of systems/devices.
• Aids in keeping internal knowledge base documentation updated/current for IT support staff.
• Keeps project teams and department up-to-date on relevant activities and problems. 
• Remains informed of new technologies and trends; evaluates and makes technology recommendations to management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Associate's Degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school required; Bachelor's Degree desired.  Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration (networking and server) with a focus on network security and/or cybersecurity.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from County staff members. Ability to effectively communicate and partner with peers, management, and end users.

TECHNICAL SKILLS Advanced knowledge of information technology concepts and systems.  Strong administration skills with Windows Server (including AD, DHCP, file management, etc.).  Strong understanding of network routing and switching and experience supporting routers, firewalls, switches and wireless access points and controllers.  Knowledge of IT security, IT auditing, and forensic analysis.  Familiarity with M365 and Azure security and compliance controls.
 
REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS  Although not required, certifications in server administration, network administration, network security, and cybersecurity are HIGHLY desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Normal office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/champaign/onlineapp/ until filled.

EEO / AA / ADA