Role Overview: The Senior System Specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance, support, and maintenance for both on-premises and cloud-based IT infrastructure. This role encompasses managing and securing systems, software, and hardware environments, with a focus on high availability, system performance, and data protection. The specialist will oversee a wide range of systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Office 365, Azure, Google Cloud, and endpoint security solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Infrastructure Management:
- Manage and maintain OS environments (Windows, Linux, Mac), IIS, web servers, clustering, NLB, RAID controllers, SAN/NAS storage, blade servers, rack servers, and backup devices.
- Handle patch management for applications, servers, and workstations, ensuring patches are tested before organizational rollout.
- Implement best practices for system hardening and collaborate with security administrators to develop system-level policies and procedures.
- Maintain CCTV, access control systems, and perform regular health checks.
- Cloud and Server Administration:
- Work extensively with cloud services such as Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, handling VM creation, backups, networking, and storage.
- Administer Office 365 E5, Teams, OneDrive, and other cloud collaboration tools.
- Ensure High Availability and 24x7 uptime for business-critical services.
- Daily backups of OS, applications, databases, and user data, ensuring data integrity.
- Endpoint Security & Vulnerability Management:
- Manage and deploy endpoint security solutions like antivirus and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response).
- Conduct vulnerability assessments, implement remediation measures, and ensure compliance with international security standards.
- Active Directory & Disaster Recovery:
- Maintain Active Directory infrastructure, including DNS, DHCP, file servers, print servers, and clustering.
- Implement disaster recovery plans for critical systems, including regular audits and recovery testing.
- Backup & Restore:
- Handle backup systems using tools like Symantec Backup Exec and Veeam.
- Configure backup jobs for OS, applications, web servers, and databases, and troubleshoot failed backup jobs.
- Software & Hardware Management:
- Evaluate, test, and deploy software updates, hotfixes, and service packs.
- Manage an inventory of all hardware, software licenses, and ensure renewal in advance of expiration.
- Support purchasing efforts by preparing RFPs and technical specifications for IT projects.
- Network & Server Monitoring:
- Monitor network performance, including routing and switching, and ensure optimal system behavior.
- Configure and maintain firewalls (Palo Alto, FortiGate, and Sophos) and other network security measures.
- Collaboration & Communication:
- Document and maintain internal IT procedures, ensuring they align with ITIL and MOF frameworks.
- Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports on system health, backups, patching, and security compliance.
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelors degree in a relevant field.
- Experience: 10-15 years of hands-on experience in IT system administration.
- Certifications:
- Microsoft Office 365, Azure Cloud, and Google Cloud certifications.
- Endpoint security certifications and experience with EDR solutions.
- Network certifications (optional).
- ITIL v4 certification preferred.
- Technical Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of Windows, Linux, and Mac OS environments.
- Expertise in cloud platforms (Azure, Google Cloud), Office 365 E5, and Exchange server.
- Strong understanding of endpoint security, disaster recovery, clustering, and NLB.
- Familiarity with network protocols, firewalls, load balancers (F5), and backup solutions.
Key Competencies:
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and handle emergency situations.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
This role requires a dedicated individual who can maintain the organization's IT infrastructure and ensure optimal system performance, availability, and security. You will be expected to stay current with industry best practices and manage day-to-day operations while handling complex projects.
