Systems Administrator

Job Description

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult technical work assisting users with computer and software issues, performing server administration duties, setting up, upgrading, or installing equipment, software or anti-virus/firewalls, maintaining a database for inventory, licenses, and user information, creating reports and database queries, maintaining records and files, and related work as apparent or assigned. There will also be elements of cyber security development involved with the position. Work is performed under the general direction of the Senior Systems Administrator.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Provide first-line support to users addressing hardware, software, and network issues. Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and fixes desktop hardware and software problems for data, voice, and video systems.

Track help desk requests to their completion in a timely manner. This will require keeping accurate service records and clear communication with our end user community.

Provide basic training to users and responds to routine customer questions.

Monitor system and network performance to ensure optimal functionality. Help install, configure, and maintain hardware and software. This will include setting up new computer equipment, printers, scanners and other computer hardware.

Assist in managing Microsoft 365 accounts, permissions, and access controls. This includes the support and management of Active Directory environments.

Administer backup and disaster recovery procedures. This includes maintaining accurate file backups and restores, monitoring daily/weekly/monthly backups and scheduling test restores to confirm the quality of our backup data.

Administer and maintain the corporate virus software as well as manage file recovery as needed.

Maintain adds, moves, and changes related to Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system; performs basic phone maintenance.

Support network troubleshooting for routers, switches, modems and firewalls, including SonicWall devices.

Administer firmware and systems updates to physical and virtual servers, firewall devices and modems.

Maintain and update system documentation. Create and maintain a detailed record of current system configurations and processes.

Help ensure network security through access control management and adherence to security protocols.

Assist with employee onboarding and offboarding processes, including account setup and device preparation.

Help manage IT inventory and hardware maintenance. Maintains and updates a database of hardware, licenses, and individual user information.

Collaborate with contractors for hardware maintenance on specialized systems. These systems include various video security systems, Wi-Fi networks, phone devices, and modems, among others.

A portion of the duties of the System Administrator will be to work with our bus maintenance contractor to ensure the proper functionality of certain on-board bus equipment.

Assist in planning and implementing services with outside contractors. Assist in coordinating with stakeholders to define the system requirements for expanding the functionality of transit-specific software or hardware.

Research new software enhancements provided by the application vendors.

Work with the IT Manager and other IT department personnel and assist in the scheduling, coordination, and implementation of software installations as identified by the project manager.

Assists Transit Application Specialist with implementing route file changes and route updates, including deploying new mobile software as needed during PRTC’s service changes that occur a few times a year.

Supports the IT Manager/Department with basic IT functions and assists with special projects as assigned.

Stay up to date on current technologies and best practices in system administration.

Must meet and maintain all training and education requirements for position.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s or Technical Degree and considerable experience in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting software issues, server maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have strong knowledge of Windows 10, Windows 11 and Microsoft Server OS. Familiarity with VMWare ESXi and virtual environments. Understanding of Microsoft 365 administration.

Special Qualifications and Certifications

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ certification (preferred)

CompTIA Network+ certification (preferred)

CompTIA Security+ certification (preferred)

CompTIA Server+ Certification Prep Course (preferred)

Working knowledge of Trapeze Software Group and/or Vontas On-Route CAD/AVL software

Working knowledge of transit bus (or other) GPS tracking and scheduling software

A basic understanding of video recording technologies and the concept of transferring data via Wi-Fi networks

Experience with SonicWall firewalls

Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Job Specifications

Thorough knowledge of IT functions and operations; thorough knowledge of computer networking and platforms; general knowledge of software design and development and programming principles and languages; thorough knowledge in virus and spyware protection tools; thorough knowledge of software licensing requirements and restrictions; thorough knowledge in providing technical support to end-users; working knowledge in the scripted languages; working knowledge in writing queries, relational databases, and client-server concepts; general knowledge of spelling and mathematical computation; thorough knowledge of the principles of modern office procedures, systems and equipment; thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the department; thorough knowledge of the records and reports which must be prepared and maintained.

Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; skill in troubleshooting. Basic understanding or network management and troubleshooting.

Ability to troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues with computers, printers, equipment, software applications, and other peripherals, and perform minor repairs or fixes; ability to troubleshoot issues over the telephone and remotely; ability to read, interpret, and apply detailed and technical manuals and verbal/visual instructions, as well as understand documented procedures, flow charts, operating systems, and computer operations concepts; ability to complete work in a timely fashion; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; ability to perform and organize work independently; ability to multitask; ability to use strong interpersonal and customer service skills using tact, patience and courtesy; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, executive management, other departments, vendors, and the general public.

Working Conditions

Position may require non-traditional working hours during evening, weekend or holidays due to emergency or prescheduled technical issues. This work may require moderate physical effort, including regular handling of lightweight IT equipment (e.g., laptops, monitors, peripherals) and occasional lifting or movement of heavier hardware (e.g., servers, UPS systems, network racks exceeding 60 pounds). There may also be occasional extended periods spent working in confined or awkward spaces, such as under desks, behind server racks, or in data centers; work regularly requires sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, speaking or hearing and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work has minimum exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic, server room).

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Full-time