Server Operations Specialist III

Overview Title: Server Operations Specialist Location: Houston, TX (Onsite Daily in 77064) Duration: Contract-to-Hire Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the US. Job Summary We're seeking an IT Server Operations Analyst to support the stability, performance, and lifecycle management of our Windows and Linux server infrastructure. This role focuses on server administration, patching, hardware support (rack-and-stack), and system reliability, ensuring optimal performance and availability. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in data center operations, troubleshooting, and security best practices, and is passionate about maintaining a resilient infrastructure. Cloud experience with AWS or Azure is preferred, along with familiarity in automation tools to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and support business growth through infrastructure management. Key Responsibilities Observability & Site Reliability Engineering Maintain monitoring and alerting with tools like Dynatrace, Prometheus, Grafana, or SolarWinds Orion. Monitor Service Level Indicators (SLIs) and Service Level Objectives (SLOs) to enhance reliability, availability, and incident reduction. Cloud Operations & Automation Maintain cloud-based infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP), tracking server performance, ensuring systems are running optimally. Utilize scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python) to streamline and enhance operational workflows, reducing manual effort. Experience with IT automation tools such as Ansible Automation Platform, Chef, Puppet, or Terraform. Server Administration & Patching Manage installation, configuration, and maintenance of physical and virtual servers (Windows & Linux). Apply monthly patches, firmware updates, and troubleshoot system, software, and hardware issues. Support SQL Server Failover Clusters and ensure compliance with security policies and best practices. Infrastructure & Data Center Operations Execute rack-and-stack activities, conduct diagnostics, and oversee hardware replacements/upgrades. Support data center operations, including power, structured cabling, network connectivity and asset documentation. Operations Support & Incident Response Provide technical support for server and infrastructure incidents and service requests. Participate in an on-call rotation for after-hours support coverage as needed. Collaborate with internal teams to resolve cross-functional operational issues and contribute to root cause analysis and preventive measures. Continuous Improvement & Planning Identify and execute opportunities for infrastructure optimization and modernization. Assist in planning and executing system upgrades, migrations (including to the cloud), and automation initiatives. Contribute to server lifecycle and cloud adoption roadmaps in alignment with IT strategies. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 5+ years of hands-on experience in server operations and infrastructure administration. Proven track record working within a Network Operations Center (NOC) environment, with expertise in server performance monitoring, health assessment, and availability management. Expertise in Windows Server & Linux environments, plus virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V). Experience with infrastructure monitoring, observability tooling, and orchestration frameworks. Familiarity with networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), storage (SAN/NAS), and ITSM practices. Effective troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Cloud experience with AWS and/or Azure. Experience with scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python) and automation experience. Experience with SQL Server Failover Cluster configuration and troubleshooting. Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab). Relevant certifications (Microsoft, Red Hat, AWS/Azure Administrator, Site Reliability Engineering). Experience in application deployment automation, modern DevOps practices, and infrastructure as code. Our benefits Comprehensive medical benefits Competitive pay, 401(k) Retirement plan …and much more! About INSPYR Solutions Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com. INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr INSPYR Solutions