Systems Administrator

Job Title

The purpose of this classification is to perform technical work functions associated with the operation and administration of servers, network equipment, cybersecurity platforms, application platforms, and computer equipment and peripherals.

Representative List of Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

• Administers/operates city computer systems and peripheral equipment; manages and monitors system activities; manages disk space and disk usage; manages print jobs and automated scheduled jobs; coordinates and controls system security; works with vendors to identify and remedy program operations; resolves hardware problems; analyzes system issues and evaluates system performance.
• Administers networking equipment and systems; identifies and resolves network problems; establishes printing capabilities; establishes communications between networks; establishes/troubleshoots access capabilities; manages user accounts, permissions and security.
• Configures, installs and administers technology equipment, including but not limited to servers, personal computers, monitors, printers, disks, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless network equipment & scanners; may test and evaluate new hardware.
• Installs, configures and administers software programs; upgrades existing programs; repairs software problems; works with 3rd party vendors to identify and resolve software issues.
• Develops customized system parameters, scripts and reports, including but not limited to logon scripts and Group Policy Objects; Domain Name System (DNS); Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP); other networking or operating system protocols as required.
• Administration of cloud hosted systems; perform administrative duties, user administration; environment configuration; reporting and security.
• Configures and restores data backups; manages and administers backup and other disaster recovery operations.
• Administers and manages cybersecurity platforms; performs configuration of said platforms; monitors and ensures the ongoing operation of such platforms.
• Administers and assists in the operation and maintenance of the network infrastructure, including, but not limited to, the physical network layer (cabling), firewalls, switches, routers, servers and other related equipment such as firewalls and VPN concentrators; monitors network & other resources using industry standard tools or platforms; identifies and resolves network problems including documentation for problem cause and resolution.
• Administers and assists in the operation and maintenance of virtual computing platforms, virtualization technology hosts, such as VMWare, and associated virtual servers housed on such hosts; evaluates, tests, and implements virtual computing solutions for both server and desktop virtualization initiatives.
• Maintains emergency energy uninterruptible power source (UPS); operates controls on the UPS unit to determine status, manage UPS operations, and change from UPS to main or primary source.
• Identifies data errors or equipment malfunctions; responds to system crashes and/or system problems or outages on a 24-hour basis; initiates appropriate action to correct errors, recover data, and obtain maintenance; initiates communication with service representatives and provides information and technical assistance; provides updates to staff as appropriate.
• Maintains inventory of departmental supplies; initiates orders for new or replacement materials; receives incoming shipments/packages of computer-related equipment or materials.
• Administers virtualized computing environments including virtual hosts and virtual servers utilizing industry standard virtualization environments.
• Configures and administers technical infrastructure such as server hardware, data storage arrays, data backup appliances and related hardware.
• Administers Microsoft Active Directory and 365 environments using related tools within these environments to configure user accounts, policies and services.
• Works with end users and City leadership to identify current and future GIS needs; provides recommendations to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of mapping and GIS services.
• Assists with short and long-term plans and goals related to technology objectives.
• Communicates with supervisor, co-workers, users, departments, vendors, and outside agencies to discuss work in progress, exchange information, resolve problems, coordinate equipment needs, provide operational support, and project management.
• Understands the functions, procedures, and workflow of city departments as they relate to computer operations/support; provides computer support to departments.
• Assists IT Director in evaluating software, hardware, and operational requirements needed for technical services; identifies potential vendors; assists with preparation and evaluation of RFB's and RFP's as needed. This includes assisting IT Director with budgeting and monitoring expenditures for GIS related services.
• May supervise or direct lower-level department staff with regards to daily work, projects and job functions.
• Maintains knowledge of policies and procedures, laws, and equipment for all City departments.
• Maintains knowledge of operating systems and platforms and software programs to operate a computer in an efficient and effective manner.
• Maintains an awareness of new products, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
• May perform 24-hour on-call service as required.
• Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.
• Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competency

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner;
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs;
• Team Work - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Contributes to building a positive team spirit;
• Leadership - Inspires respect and trust;
• Ethics - Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values;
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures;
• Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions;
• Professionalism - Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;
• Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Sciences or a related field and 8 years of experience in computer system administration or similar duties; or,
• An Associate's Degree in Management Information System, Computer Sciences, or a related field and 10 years of experience in computer system administration or similar duties so as to provide the desired experience and background for this position.
• Experience working with Microsoft Server Operating Systems, Microsoft-based networks, and Microsoft Office 365 is mandatory.

Certifications in Microsoft Server Operating Systems, Microsoft-based networks, and Microsoft Office 365 is preferred. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with variables. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have advanced computer skills in both hardware and software. These skills include but not limited to servers (physical & virtual), virtual computing infrastructure (VMWare), network equipment, firewalls & other cybersecurity platforms, data storage & backup platforms, SQL databases, Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft 35 platforms with the ability to learn various software and platforms used throughout the city.

Supplemental Information

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may have supervisory responsibilities for lower-level staff within the IT Department. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position will frequently work with public safety personnel and should be familiar with and have the ability to manage stressful situations related to such services. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions