Job post summary

Date posted: February 3, 2026

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Job description:

Overview

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator to manage and support a diverse IT infrastructure across a unique indoor and outdoor campus. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of systems that support animal care, conservation, guest services, and administrative operations. Ideal candidates bring strong systems and networking expertise, enjoy hands-on problem-solving, and value working in a mission-driven, non-profit environment.

Position Summary

The Systems Administrator is responsible for the design, maintenance, and security of the organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, firewalls, VPN, VLANs, and backups. This role ensures reliable system performance, data integrity, and regulatory compliance while proactively planning for growth and security enhancements. The Systems Administrator also provides advanced troubleshooting support, assists with work orders and new user setups, and collaborates with the Director of IT and team to support the Zoo’s technology needs. This position requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering excellent service in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field preferred (Equivalent professional experience will be considered in place of formal education)
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive IT systems administration experience.
Valid driver’s license in good standing;, insurable under Zoo policy.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
Proficiency with Microsoft and Linux server environments, virtualization, networking, VLANs, and SIP/VoIP phone systems.
Experience with firewalls, VPN management, and network traffic monitoring.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
High level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Legally authorized to work in the United States.
Strong working knowledge of Linux command-line operations, with the ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot systems without reliance on GUI tools.

Technical & Departmental Duties

Operating Systems & Core Infrastructure

Administer, support, and optimize Windows and Linux server environments, including virtual servers.
Plan, configure, install, update, and maintain servers, including after-hours maintenance as required.
Administer standalone Linux servers.
Support macOS clients accessing Windows-based resources.
Maintain and manage Hyper-V virtualization platforms.
Design, deploy, and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
Develop and maintain automation scripts (PowerShell, batch files; Linux/Unix scripting preferred).
Administer and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS services.
Support POS systems and related infrastructure.
Manage RAID configurations (RAID 1, 5, and 6).
Configure and maintain filesystem, share-level, and permission structures.
Support filesystems including FAT32, NTFS, and VFAT.
Provide advanced user support and serve as an escalation point for complex issues.

Network Security, VPNs & Remote Access

Manage network security and cybersecurity, including firewalls, intrusion prevention, and system hardening.
Monitor network traffic and system performance to ensure reliability and efficiency.
Plan and implement network infrastructure upgrades in collaboration with IT leadership.
Maintain and update network policies in alignment with current security standards.
Manage and support VPN services for remote staff.
Design and support VLAN configurations and traffic management.
Support and troubleshoot IPSec VPNs.
Maintain Netgate appliances and internal LAN network segmentation.

Server Applications, Databases & Monitoring

Administer and support SQL-based systems, including MySQL, MariaDB, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Deploy and maintain monitoring and graphing tools such as Grafana, Zabbix, and InfluxDB.
Maintain and troubleshoot Pi-hole and PiVPN services.
Administer BIND/named DNS services.
Support remote access tools including VNC, RDP, and ManageEngine.
Manage and support MDM solutions for Apple and Android devices.
Administer DUO MFA with Active Directory integration.
Provide network and systems support for LSS/RCK and Long’s HVAC environments.

User Applications & Software Support

Support Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
Manage encryption solutions, including VeraCrypt.
Support Axis camera systems and related infrastructure.
Support Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, Revit, and AutoCAD.
Support Morse KeyWatcher systems.
Maintain endpoint protection tools such as Malwarebytes.
Support core Zoo software systems (e.g., POS/Altru, Financial Edge, Adobe) and ensure PCI compliance.
Support collaboration tools including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and OWL devices.

Email & Collaboration Administration

Administer Google Workspace email environments.
Support Microsoft Office 365 cloud administration, including Exchange.
Manage spam filtering, forwarding, and email routing.
Configure and troubleshoot MX records and mail flow.

Physical Infrastructure

Install, terminate, and troubleshoot copper cabling.
Install and support point-to-point wireless links.
Troubleshoot and emergency repair of fiber optic cabling.

Website & Cloud Services

Support Linux-based web hosting environments.
Troubleshoot website and hosting issues.
Administer and manage Cloudflare services.
Apply strong knowledge of DNS, domain hosting, and routing to support website operations and resolve network issues.

Hardware Support

Perform hard drive replacement and upgrades in desktops and laptops.
Install and upgrade system memory (RAM).
Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware failures.
Maintain IT inventory and lifecycle management.

VoIP, SIP & Telephony

Administer and support NEC phone servers.
Troubleshoot VoIP/SIP systems, including ports and protocols.
Maintain wired and VoIP phone infrastructure.

General IT Operations

Respond to escalated user requests and troubleshoot complex technical issues.
Assist with new user setups, account provisioning, permission management, and password resets.
Oversee complex networking configurations and security protocols.
Mentor and train junior administrators and IT staff.
Manage key card access systems, including server configuration and physical wiring.
Maintain, document, and troubleshoot IT inventory, printers, peripherals, and AV systems.
Install and maintain security tools, including antivirus and malware protection.
Support and maintain camera systems, DVRs, and remote access configurations.
Perform structured cabling installations, including conduit pulls, RJ-45 termination, wall plates, and VLAN switch configuration.
Provide training and support to staff on software, systems, and security best practices.
Ensure IT operations comply with federal, state, and industry regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of IT.

Work Style & Competencies

Self-starter with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for problem-solving and system optimization.
Ability to balance long-term infrastructure planning with daily operational needs.
Customer service orientation; able to provide patient, professional support to staff.

Confidentiality

This position involves access to sensitive business, employee, and security-related information. Absolute confidentiality and discretion are required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking steep terrain, climbing, kneeling, or crawling as required.
Frequent use of hands for computer work, cabling, and equipment handling.
Requires corrected vision, hearing, and effective verbal and written communication.
Must be able to work at heights, including using ladders and accessing rooftops, to install or maintain network cabling, antennas, or other IT infrastructure.
Exposure to varying indoor/outdoor conditions, noise, odors, and potential hazards common in a Zoo environment.

Must be able to manage competing priorities under deadlines in occasional high-pressure situations.

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Are you available to work required weekend shifts (Saturday and Sunday), with two weekdays off and occasional after-hours maintenance or on-call coverage?
Are you willing and able to work on-site in an in-person role that includes both indoor and outdoor work environments?

Work Location: In person

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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