Senior System Administrator

Senior System Administrator

The Senior System Administrator applies significant professional experience and training in information technology to the most complex assignments in maintaining network servers, operating systems, enterprise storage, virtualization platforms, and network security. This role ensures data integrity through backup/restore procedures, leads infrastructure projects, and serves as an expert resource within the unit on systems administration issues. The Senior System Administrator works closely with other IT teams including Cybersecurity, Networking, Voice, and Physical Security as well as departments across the Tribal Government. This position assists management in developing procedural manuals, documenting system changes, supporting the tracking of cybersecurity issues, and training Pascua Yaqui employees on systems security and safe computing practices.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1. Monitor, analyze, and maintain enterprise servers, virtualization platforms (VMware, Nutanix AHV, Hyper-V), and operating systems.
2. Act as project lead for the evaluation, selection, and installation of hardware, storage, or infrastructure upgrades.
3. Manage enterprise storage platforms (Pure Storage, EMC/Dell Storage) and associated SAN/NAS/DAS systems.
4. Administer hybrid Active Directory environments, including both on-premises and Azure AD integration.
5. Administer and optimize Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online (O365), SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
6. Apply service packs, firmware, drivers, and security patches as needed to ensure system stability and compliance.
7. Maintain Windows Active Directory, Group Policy Objects, DNS, and DHCP.
8. Perform scheduled backups, data archiving, and e-mail system archiving.
9. Develop and maintain tribal-wide network system security, connectivity, and backup/restore procedures.
10. Ensure cybersecurity practices comply with Tribal directives, prepare reports for management, and remediate vulnerabilities.
11. Assist in training employees on cybersecurity awareness and safe computer usage.
12. Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical direction to IT staff, including the System Administrator.
13. Support multi-site operations with the largest end users in Tucson and Guadalupe. Satellite Sites – Smaller offices providing local services.
14. Collaborate with Tribal departments such as Health, Police, Courts, Legal Services, Education, and others to ensure reliable IT services.
15. Assist management with developing operational manuals, policies, and procedures.
16. Maintain accurate documentation of systems, configurations, and procedural changes.
17. Contribute to cross-training plans for IT staff on system administration duties.
18. Participate in on-call rotation and respond to critical system issues outside of normal hours.
19. Establish and follow preventive maintenance schedules for all network equipment.
20. Perform other duties as assigned by the IT Director or management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Enterprise IT infrastructure and virtualization technologies (Nutanix, UCS, VMware, Hyper-V).
• Microsoft Server OS, hybrid Active Directory environments (on-prem and Azure AD).
• Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online (O365), Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Storage systems (Pure Storage, EMC/Dell Storage, SAN/NAS/DAS).
• Network security principles and practices.
• Data backup, disaster recovery, and archiving procedures.
• Project management principles and work plan development techniques.

Skills and Abilities:

• Analytical and critical thinking with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to lead projects, prepare schedules, and manage timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including public speaking and technical training.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Develop system documentation and manuals.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues and foster an environment of change and improvement.
• Handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public.
• Have the ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field plus five (5) years of work-related experience; OR ten (10) years of equivalent work-related experience. Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.
• Must be able to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends.
• Must have a current Homeland Security Background Clearance or obtain one within ninety (90) days of hire. Failure to maintain clearance will result in termination.