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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Technical Administrator

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

Information TechnologySystems AdministrationIT Support

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Technical Administrator to become the backbone of our IT infrastructure. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the seamless administration, maintenance, and optimization of our company's servers, networks, and software systems. You will ensure the highest levels of availability, performance, and security for our critical IT environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for technology, who thrives on ensuring system stability and providing exceptional technical support to end-users. You will be instrumental in safeguarding our digital assets and empowering our teams to work efficiently and securely.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician (Tier 2/3)
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Network Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Systems Administrator / Senior Technical Administrator
  • IT Manager / Infrastructure Manager
  • Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect
  • Network Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Database Administrator (DBA)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Administer, configure, and maintain our multi-site server environment, encompassing both Windows and Linux operating systems, to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security.
  • Manage core network services, including Active Directory (AD), Group Policy (GPO), DNS, and DHCP, to control user access, enforce security policies, and ensure network-wide connectivity.
  • Proactively monitor system performance, availability, and resource utilization, identifying potential bottlenecks and implementing solutions before they impact business operations.
  • Act as a key escalation point (Tier 2/3 support) for complex technical issues, performing advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for hardware, software, and network incidents.
  • Oversee user account lifecycle management, including creation, modification, and deletion of accounts, permissions, and access rights across various platforms and applications.
  • Implement, manage, and regularly test comprehensive backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and business continuity in the event of a system failure.
  • Administer and maintain the corporate virtualization infrastructure, primarily based on VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, including the deployment and management of virtual machines.
  • Manage the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) ecosystem, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, and user licensing, ensuring efficient collaboration and communication.
  • Develop, schedule, and execute a robust patch management program for all servers, workstations, and network devices to mitigate vulnerabilities and maintain system integrity.
  • Design, implement, and enforce IT security policies and procedures, including managing firewalls, VPNs, and endpoint protection solutions to defend against cyber threats.
  • Create and diligently maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system configurations, network diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and issue-resolution knowledge bases.
  • Automate routine administrative tasks and system processes through scripting languages such as PowerShell or Bash to improve efficiency and reduce manual error.
  • Manage and secure company resources within cloud environments like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS), including IaaS and PaaS deployments.
  • Respond to, investigate, and resolve system alerts and security incidents in a timely and effective manner, coordinating with other teams as necessary.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to provide insights for IT and business stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the organization's IT strategy and technology roadmap by evaluating new technologies and recommending improvements to existing infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with business units and department heads to translate their operational needs into technical requirements for IT projects and system enhancements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies as part of a cross-functional IT project team.
  • Manage relationships and escalations with third-party vendors and service providers for hardware procurement, software support, and technical services.
    largely to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Conduct regular audits of system access, software licensing, and security configurations to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of IT projects, including technology refreshes, office relocations, and major system migrations.
  • Provide training and guidance to end-users and junior IT staff on new technologies, best practices, and security awareness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Operating Systems: Deep expertise in administering, securing, and troubleshooting Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and proficiency with Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu).
  • Directory Services: Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, including Group Policy management, user/group administration, and federated services (ADFS).
  • Virtualization: Hands-on experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere/ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V.
  • Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with administering core services in Microsoft Azure or AWS (e.g., EC2, S3, Azure VMs, Azure AD).
  • Networking: Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and experience configuring switches, routers, and firewalls.
  • Microsoft 365 Administration: Proficiency in managing the M365 suite, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, and Intune.
  • Scripting & Automation: Proven ability to automate tasks using scripting languages, particularly PowerShell.
  • Backup & Recovery: Experience with enterprise backup solutions (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, Acronis) and disaster recovery principles.
  • Security Tools: Knowledge of endpoint protection, vulnerability scanners, SIEM systems, and firewall/VPN configuration.
  • Hardware Management: Experience troubleshooting and maintaining server hardware, storage arrays (SAN/NAS), and network appliances.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to systematically diagnose complex technical issues, identify root causes, and implement effective, long-term solutions.
  • Strong Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and document procedures.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Capable of managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Customer-Service Orientation: A dedicated and patient approach to supporting end-users and resolving their technical problems efficiently.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to configuration, documentation, and security to minimize errors and ensure system integrity.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within an IT team and collaborate with other departments to achieve common goals.
  • Adaptability: A keen willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving business and technical requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

An Associate's degree in a technology-related field OR equivalent experience combined with relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Security+).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Management Information Systems (MIS)
  • Network Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of hands-on experience in a systems administration, network administration, or a similar IT infrastructure role.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience managing a hybrid environment of on-premises and cloud (Azure/AWS) infrastructure.
  • Industry certifications are highly desirable, such as: Microsoft Certified (Azure Administrator, MCSA/MCSE), CompTIA Network+/Security+, CCNA, or VCP-DCV.
  • Experience working in an environment that adheres to compliance standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.