Associate System Administrator

ABOUT THE JOB:

The Associate System Administrator is responsible for assisting with the installation, configuration, maintenance, and support of the Company's server infrastructure, operating systems, and enterprise applications. Working under the guidance of senior IT staff, this position helps ensure systems remain secure, reliable, and available to support business operations. The Associate System Administrator also assists with routine system maintenance, user support, backups, documentation, and troubleshooting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in administering and maintaining VMware virtual servers and Windows Server environments.
• Support Active Directory administration, including user accounts, group memberships, security permissions, and organizational units.
• Perform routine server maintenance, operating system updates, and security patching.
• Monitor server health, storage capacity, and system performance, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Assist with backup and recovery processes and regularly verify successful completion of backups.
• Support Microsoft 365 administration, including user account management and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with the maintenance of storage systems and server infrastructure.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, system procedures, and configuration records.
• Troubleshoot server, operating system, and infrastructure issues while working with senior team members to resolve complex problems.
• Participate in system upgrades, hardware installations, and technology refresh projects.
• Follow IT security standards and assist with implementing security best practices.
• Maintain inventory of server hardware, software, and related assets.
• Participate in an on-call rotation or after-hours maintenance as required.
  
  

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide Level 2 support by assisting the Help Desk with escalated technical issues.
• Assist with troubleshooting network connectivity and infrastructure-related issues.
• Support endpoint security solutions, antivirus software, and system compliance initiatives.
• Assist with disaster recovery testing and documentation.
• Participate in IT projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB SCOPE:

• Supports the administration and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.
• Works under the direction of senior IT staff while developing technical knowledge and skills.
• Assists in maintaining system availability, reliability, and security.
• Contributes to IT documentation and operational procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

• Vendor and Consulting firms
• Plant and Corporate Management

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server operating systems.
• Basic understanding of Active Directory administration.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration is preferred.
• Exposure to virtualization technologies such as VMware is preferred.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and VPN connectivity.
• Familiarity with backup solutions and disaster recovery concepts.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to participate in after-hours maintenance when required.
  
  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience in IT support, systems administration, help desk, or a related technical role.
• Equivalent combination of education, internships, certifications, and experience will be considered.
• Experience with Windows operating systems, Active Directory, or Microsoft 365 is preferred but not required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Preferred but not required:

• Microsoft Certified Fundamentals (AZ-900, MS-900, or similar)
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• VMware VCTA or equivalent entry-level certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Project timelines and work volume / deadlines may often require working outside of standard office hours including weekend or evening work.

Regular, reliable and predictable attendance is necessary in order to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Physical Activity

Over 2/3 of the time

• Standing/Sit:  Remaining upright in a stationary position, particularly for sustained periods.
• Fingering:  Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling to complete computer work.

Up to 2/3 of the time:

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas and information accurately, in written or diagram form.
• Hearing:  Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.

Less than 1/3 of the time:

• Walking: Moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, including the human body

Visual Acuity

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and visual inspection involving small defects at distances close to the eyes.

Over 2/3 of the time:

• The worker is required to have close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• The worker is required to have color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• The worker is required to have the ability to adjust visual focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

Less than 1/3 of the time:

• The worker is required to have distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).

Weather Conditions

• The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (as in typical office or administrative work)

Noise Levels

Over 2/3 of the time

• Quiet conditions (examples: library, private office)
• Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)