Systems Administrator

Department: Information Technology Reports to: Infrastructure Supervisor

Summary: Provides hands on support of City networking, applications and communications systems. Acts as integrator between infrastructure and communications systems and applications to provide a turnkey finished system for the end user customer. Plans, designs, maintains, and controls server system software and equipment for multiple hardware platforms. Analyzes changes and enhancements to system software and determines the impact of such changes on existing system design, standards, and procedures. Ensures the security and recapture ability of computer data through the utilization of system software and operational procedures. Serves as technical consultant on the technical aspects of hardware utilization, monitors system activity and tunes for optimal performance. Serves as technical consultant for all City system issues.

Scope of Responsibility: Responsible for insuring that infrastructure servers, SANs, VMware and operating software is operational. Maintains Data Center equipment, environment health and organization/cleanliness. Architects, maintains and implements enterprise backup procedures, disaster recovery protocols and methods for all high level data and radio systems. Reviews, advises and implements security protocols on all systems, software, and file and storage shares. On call 24 hours per day to restore network, server and radio system service in the event of a failure. Assists Supervisor and Director on any other ad hoc projects as required and needed.

Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans and organizes operating system configuration.
• Evaluates, installs, and maintains system software at the most desirable release level.
• Assists Supervisor in designing and maintaining data and radio communications networks.
• Provides for and monitors system security and recapture ability.
• Monitors system activity and tunes for optimal performance.
• Serves as technical consultant on hardware and system utilization.
• Serves as technical consultant and assists in resolving problems with application and system software, network and security systems.
• Maintains SAN and file permission security.
• Supervises server operations and system backup procedures and maintains an enterprise wide backup system procedures and disaster recovery protocols.
• Monitors reports generated for quality and adherence to standard run procedures.
• Maintains system emergency procedures and change management documentation and database.
• Hands on maintenance of many network systems.
• Assists and provides hand on troubleshooting for all City systems, i.e. networking, applications, personal computers, radio systems, phones, etc.
• On call 24 hours a day to resolve system failures.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Must be dynamic and flexible to learn and cross train in other system and networking disciplines for maintaining functional continuity.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required. College degree in computer science or related discipline is desired (not required) with work experience. Technical certifications in systems administration or network administration related studies is preferred but may be substituted if the discipline, work habits, and maturity normally acquired through college study are present. Four years of increasingly responsible applications, systems analysis or systems design experience with at least one year in an infrastructure or network function team is highly preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Mastery and expert knowledge of data system procedures and practices.
• Mastery of network and data center security protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of disaster recovery, data loss protection and business continuity best practices.
• Competence in assisting in any data center or technology related projects requested by management.
• Skilled at explaining technical concepts to non-technical users in a consultative capacity.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Extensive systems analysis techniques
• Extensive experience working with physical and virtual database design and measurement
• Extensive experience working with data communications design and management
• Extensive experience with evaluating and monitoring system health.
• Extensive experience maintaining and installing operating systems software
• Advanced local area and wide area networking troubleshooting abilities
• Extensive knowledge of computer and server hardware architecture
• Extensive knowledge of operating system security/recovery methods
• Knowledge in Enterprise level application administration;
• Knowledge of Windows based systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft networking and security methodologies
• Excellent customer service skills.

License and certification requirements: Valid Texas Driver License must have a CJIS compliant background check.

Special Requirements: Must carry a cell phone 24x7 to communicate with IT Supervisory staff.