Systems Administrator

The candidate must have a broad knowledge of emerging technologies to provide guidance and expertise in aligning the organization’s short and long-term IT needs with its strategic goals and objectives.

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the business such that defects can be prioritized based on impact on daily operations and services to customers.
2. Assist the IT Manager in the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all IT systems, including servers, workstations, operating systems, telephones, software applications and peripherals.
3. Work with the IT Manager to develop strategies and plans to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster innovation.
4. Assist in maintaining servers, security solutions, network hardware, and equipment.
5. Ensure network connectivity throughout the company's LAN/WAN infrastructure for Intranet, Extranet and Internet access.
6. Assist with the organisation’s disaster & recovery plan.
7. Maintain all systems, applications, security, and network configurations.
8. Set up, configure, and support internal and/or external networks.

Responsibilities:

1. IT Infrastructure Management:
• Monitor and maintain the organization's IT infrastructure to ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with network teams to ensure seamless connectivity and efficient network resources.
• Implement and manage security measures to safeguard infrastructure against cyber threats.
2. Patch Management:
• Plan, schedule, and implement software updates and security patches across various systems and applications.
• Test patches in controlled environments and manage deployment to minimize disruptions.
• Maintain accurate records of patching activities and configurations.
3. Server Management:
• Deploy, configure, and maintain server environments (Windows, Nutanix, virtualized) to meet business needs.
• Monitor server performance, resource utilization, and scalability requirements.
• Implement security protocols and access controls to ensure server integrity.
4. Storage Management:
• Manage storage solutions, including SAN/NAS systems, to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and backup.
• Monitor storage capacity, optimize performance, and ensure data availability.
• Develop and maintain backup and recovery strategies to safeguard critical data.
5. Hardware and Software Upgrades:
• Plan and execute hardware upgrades, including server components, networking equipment, and end-user devices.
• Manage software upgrades, ensuring compatibility and minimal disruption to operations.
• Test and validate upgrades before implementation.
• Resolve all network-related hardware problems and escalate any that remain unresolved in a timely manner.

6. Workstation Inventory and Asset Management:
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all workstations, laptops, and other end-user devices.
• Manage asset lifecycle, including procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement.
• Ensure compliance with software licenses and track hardware warranties.
7. Printer Maintenance:
• Oversee printer infrastructure, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate with vendors for servicing and repairs when necessary.
• Implement printer security measures and control access.
8. Inventory Management for IT Consumables:
• Manage inventory of IT consumables such as toner cartridges, cables, and other supplies.
• Replenish consumables as needed to support business operations.
• Optimize inventory levels to reduce waste and costs.
9. UPS Maintenance:
• Maintain and monitor Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to ensure continuous power availability.
• Test UPS systems periodically and conduct preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with facilities teams to address power-related concerns.
10. Collaboration and Support:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address technical challenges and support IT needs.
• Provide technical assistance to end-users and diagnose and resolve issues in accordance with IT SLAs.
• Offer guidance to junior staff members and facilitate knowledge sharing.
11. Application Support:
• Investigate and resolve application functionality related issues and provide first level support and troubleshooting.
• Provide assistance and advice to business users in the effective use of applications and information technology.
• Serve as a liaison and facilitator between all business units to assist in addressing and resolving 4D and IT software issues.
• Provide user support for applications such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Underwriter, and any other application required to complete the organization's assigned task.
• Provide support during systems upgrades, installations, conversions and maintenance.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to staff.

 COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Two years Underwriter software experience
• Two years of Systems Administrator experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail, accuracy, and impact.
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP network.
• Working knowledge in the support and administration of Windows server, workstations, and networking in physical and virtual environments with specific emphasis on Active Directory and Hypervisor environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a dynamic environment.

General

1. Assist the department manager with non-networking tasks, which include but are not limited to researching new technology, source hardware, and schedule maintenance of existing hardware.
2. Maintain integrity and security of all networks such as LAN/Wan SAN and Hypervisor networks.
3. Install and support LANs, WANs, Internet, and intranet systems.
4. Evaluate and modify system's performance across LAN, WAN, SAN and Hyper-V networks.
5. Troubleshoot network performance issues.
6. Create and maintain a disaster recovery plan.
7. Carry out any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in IT infrastructure administration, patch management, server management, and storage management.
• Strong knowledge of networking principles, security best practices, and hardware/software upgrades.
• Familiarity with asset management tools and IT service management concepts.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or ITIL are advantageous.