Server and Systems Administrator

The Server and Systems Administrator Working works closely with the Director of Technology and IT Manager, and is responsible for creating direction, planning, implementing, and managing servers and systems to facilitate and support the school’s vision and strategic plan. Provide guidance and mentorship for the IT support team, while providing a high level of support and best practice knowledge to administrators and teachers in accordance to the strategic direction, teaching and learning goals of the school. The Server and Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring high levels of uptime and availability, and in addition, evaluates and advises on all technology components, such as software and hardware capabilities for server, systems and applications.

Required Qualifications:

• Matric Certificate
• MCP, MCSE and MCITP or other related certificates
• BSc degree in Computer Science or relevant field

Preferred Qualifications:

• ITIL
• Networking qualifications or equivalent eg CCNP

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 5 or more years’ experience as Server and Systems administrator
• In depth understanding of technology systems in the enterprise
• Excellent experience using different Hypervisors, eg, Hyper-V and VMware
• Virtual clustering and troubleshooting experience with Hyper-V and VMware
• Extensive understanding collaboration tools, eg Office 365, Google Suite, Skype for Business
• Significant and successful experience designing, implementing and managing Office 365 in the enterprise, including but not limited to Exchange Online, Azure, SharePoint, OneDrive, ADFS, OneNote, etc.
• Strong technology analytical and design skills
• Excellent business continuity and disaster recovery methodologies and practice
• Significant, successful experience in:
  • Project managing the implementation of enterprise technology server and systems
  • installing, configuring and maintaining of HP blade systems and HP ProLiant servers in the enterprise
  • PowerShell scripts and commands to automate certain tasks and to change settings in bulk
  • managing Microsoft Active Directory in the enterprise, including creating bulk user accounts, deleting and modifying user accounts, setting up e-mail, home directories
  • with the TCP/IP v4 and v6 protocol, DHCP, DNS, SNMP, SMTP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, ICMP
  • Microsoft System Centre DPM, SCCM and SCOM
  • installing public and local certificates on various systems
  • FortiGate Firewall Management
  • Managing Antivirus in an enterprise like McAfee
  • Microsoft SQL knowledge
  • hardware and software troubleshooting – critically analyze a symptom, diagnose a fault, plan and take appropriate action on equipment including PCs, printers, servers, and networking etc.
• Experience managing and maintaining Mac’s in an enterprise

General Responsibilities:

• Lead the integration of various complex enterprise level servers and systems
• Manage and administer servers and systems to ensure system integrity
• Plan, design, and implement identified special technology projects
• Oversee the evaluation of system performance and recommend improvements
• Coordinate the troubleshooting and the support calls with external providers
• Manage the preparation of technical and functional documentations for required systems
• Coordinate the completion of Standard Operating Procedures for relevant servers and systems
• Perform root cause analysis of complex server system problems and provide corrective action
• Proactively monitor backups and server logs
• Work through alerts raised by alert software for proactive fixing
• Proactively monitor client updates using SCCM or WSUS
• Work with a change control policy on any changes
• Compile monthly reports for the IT Manager
• Execute duties in accordance with ITIL framework guidelines
• Assemble and load servers with the Hyper-V role, understanding how networking and storage works with Hyper-V
• Travel to our Pretoria campus for system support when needed
• Log calls with external providers where and when necessary
• Create and manage accounts on Active Directory and Office 365
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, supervisory sessions, and accept the responsibility for aiding the development of positive team relationships as requested.
• Work with the IT Manager to identify single points of failure and to work out Disaster Recovery plans
• Make recommendations to the IT Manager on budget items
• Make recommendations to the IT Manager for improving systems and processes
• Stay abreast of latest technology and work with IT Manager on potential upgrades
• Perform and support other tasks as identified by the Technology Manager

Attributes:

• Friendly and personable demeanor
• To have a degree of creativity and latitude
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
• Ability to collaborate with I.T team to maintain standards and SLA’s
• Great attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities
• Self-starter and self-motivator
• Ability to take ownership and responsibility
• Possess the drive to learn and is adaptable to change/new technologies
• Ability to critically analyze a symptom, diagnose a fault, plan and take appropriate action
• Ability to work under extreme pressure
• Willing to work overtime when and if needed
• Ability to participate in and establish collaborative working relationships

School Hours: 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Occasional weekend or evening work for presentations etc. will be required.

Contact:

For more information contact Mr. Russell Layton, Director of Technology, at the email address below.