Systems Administrator II

Job Summary:

The NC DHHS System Administrator II is responsible for supporting a highly available hybrid IT infrastructure that includes both on-premises Windows and Linux servers as well as cloud-based environments. This role ensures seamless connectivity between cloud and on-premises systems, supports database migration initiatives, and maintains secure, reliable, and high-performance enterprise services. The position requires strong expertise in system administration, networking, load balancing, and cloud operations. Responsibilities:

• Support and maintain cloud-integrated infrastructure including Windows and Linux VMs, storage, identity platforms, and connectivity across on-premises and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or hybrid).
• Design, establish, and optimize secure connectivity between cloud environments and on-premise data centers using VPNs, direct connect, routing, and identity federation.
• Participate in planning, coordinating, and executing database replication and migration between on-premises and cloud-managed database services.
• Perform system administration tasks such as patching, automated deployments, configuration updates, performance tuning, log analysis, backups, and capacity planning.
• Administer and troubleshoot F5 BigIP traffic managers including VIP configuration, pool management, SSL profiles, and health monitoring.
• Assist in managing Palo Alto firewalls including security policies, NAT rules, and operational support.
• Collaborate with network teams to diagnose and resolve Layer 2/3 networking issues including routing, switching, VLANs, and load balancing.
• Develop and maintain documentation for systems, processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Support incident response by investigating system issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform vulnerability management including scanning, risk prioritization, and remediation to maintain infrastructure security.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams on new system deployments, infrastructure upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience supporting Windows and Linux server environments.
• Experience with hybrid infrastructure, cloud services, or cloud migration activities (AWS, Azure, or hybrid).
• Strong understanding of high-availability architectures and system redundancy.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell and Bash for automation and troubleshooting.
• Experience with virtualization technologies like VMware or Hyper-V.
• Solid knowledge of TCP/IP networking, DNS, DHCP, routing, and switching fundamentals.
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting platforms such as Splunk, CrowdStrike, Security Onion, or WhatsUp Gold.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience administering F5 BigIP load balancers and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Hands-on experience with cloud networking or database migration projects.
• Familiarity with automation or configuration management tools.
• Relevant certifications such as MCSA/MCSE, RHCSA/RHCE, PCNSE, F5 CA/CE, or Network+.

Special Considerations:

• All work must be completed on-site at the client's discretion.
• Absences longer than two weeks require prior approval and must allow for contactability during absence.
• Compliance with security and operational policies is mandatory.

Scheduling:

• Work schedule details are not explicitly provided but may require flexibility to support incident response and maintenance activities.
• Candidate should be available for the full duration of the contract assignment.