Target Hiring Range: $87,475.00 to $97,195.00

The purpose of this position is to provide system administration and maintenance of the City-wide data network, storage, virtual infrastructure, and server-based systems. This position also maintains and administers essential network security components.

Serves as City-wide systems administrator, which includes installing, configuring & maintaining virtual host servers, SANs, virtual machines, switches, routers, Firewalls, VPN’s, wireless LAN controllers, wireless access points, and adjunct network devices; monitors and optimizes network performance, updates firmware, and maintains configuration backups.

Maintains web content filtering, anti-virus system, firewall, and IPS/IDS administration; monitors and reacts to network/system alerts, applies best practices for network security, and works with third-party vendors to provide network security assessments.

Handles complex second and third-tier technical problems. Conducts research and makes recommendations on projects, services, protocols, and standards. Studies industry trends and vendor products, evaluates, and makes recommendations based on best practices.

Actively monitors change requests, project queues, and the group ticketing system to document work and facilitate communications with end users, the project manager, and all key players. Maintains detailed and accurate equipment inventories, creates and maintains technical documentation. Adheres to City and Departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of changing technologies to be able to stay current and support unique technology demands. Participate in the design and deployment of support strategies and in the evaluation and recommendation of new technologies. This position is responsible for monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures. Provides back-up, support, and guidance for other IT staff and performs other duties as assigned.

Must have at least an associate’s degree in computer science, information technology, or equivalent from a two-year College or technical school.

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a system support technician OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A background in public safety or government is preferred.

This position typically performs duties independently, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight, and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Ability to be self-managed and a self-starter and take ownership of the work assigned and deliver results timely, reliably, and correctly is a must.

Work requires advanced skills and knowledge of approaches and systems that affect the design and implementation of major organization-wide programs and processes. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.

The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to follow industry-standard troubleshooting procedures and established process documentation. Ability to utilize applicable vendor and third-party tools for diagnostic troubleshooting, self-test procedures, external and internal test equipment and tools, as well as technical support organizations.

Must have advanced ability to diagnose/correct problems and optimize services across the technical stack (network, server, storage, etc.). Solid working knowledge of Cisco switches, routers, and routing protocols. Thorough understanding of server virtualization, storage systems (SANs), and Active Directory infrastructure.

Networking:
- Must have good working knowledge of LAN/WAN topologies, VLAN’s and trunking
- Must be able to demonstrate solid Cisco networking knowledge and understanding
- Strong working knowledge of Wireless Controllers
- Knowledge and experience with Solar Winds and TACACS (or similar product) a plus
- Experienced in the design and support of cabling systems, fiber, and CAT6
Servers and Storage:
- Solid understanding of Active Directory and Group Policy
- Solid understanding of virtualization technologies
- Solid understanding of SAN concepts and clustered shared volumes
- Solid understanding of fiber channel and iSCSI
- Solid understanding of modern RAID configurations
Security & DR:
- Must understand network security best practices and procedures
- Modern firewall experience is a must. ASA, Palo Alto, SonicWall or similar products
- Solid understanding of disaster recovery and contingency planning
- Experience with modern backup solutions is a must
Telephony:
- Solid understanding of how VOIP systems work
- Experience configuring PRI and SIP protocols
- Call reporting software experience is desired
- QoS experience is desired

Special Requirements

Responsibilities sometimes require working evenings and weekends, sometimes with little advanced notice and on-call support. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IT operating procedures and standards, as well as emerging technologies; willing to pursue future training and certification. Must be able to pass an FBI criminal background fingerprint check and comply with state and federal requirements for criminal justice information security standards.

Licenses And Certificates

Valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record and ability to maintain while employed.

Certifications with Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, Palo Alto, Nutanix, and VMware are preferred.

City of Farmers Branch jobs

Senior Systems Administrator