Summary: The System Administrator manages the Garden’s computer and operating systems. This position is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and security of operating systems, software and database systems, including backup and recovery, adding and deleting user accounts, and performing software patches and upgrades.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages and maintains several large-scale operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux and VMWare, and is responsible for making sure that those operating systems work together, support end-users' business requirements, and function properly.
- Analyzes system work loads, including traffic and utilization trends.
- Creates, changes, and deletes user accounts per request.
- Develops and monitors appropriate security procedures to safeguard systems from physical harm malware, cyber breach, unauthorized users, and damage to data.
- Ensures servers are maintained and operated in compliance with PCI DSS requirements.
- Performs daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems and key processes, reviewing system, application and file integrity logs, and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups.
- Develops and documents system standards and procedures for computer and network devices.
- Handles highly confidential information/material and ensures confidential information/material is not accessed by unauthorized persons.
- Administers application, database, web, print, GIS, image, encryption and file servers including ongoing system patches and operating system, middleware and application upgrades.
- Utilizes system administration tools such as NinjaRMM, Solarwinds, Microsoft SCCM and SCOM, etc.
- Troubleshoots and resolves incidents involving servers, databases, and storage.
- Communicates with software and hardware vendors to resolve issues or assist with server administration.
- May be assigned to administer software applications for the Garden such as Ticketing, Retail, CRM, Events, Email, Office 365, or Backup.
- May be assigned to administer security systems such as firewalls, spam filters, antimalware systems or Active Directory.
- May perform light programming (usually shell scripting, which involves writing programs to automate tasks).
- Regularly reports status of activities to Supervisor.
- Meets expected attendance guidelines.
- Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
- Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Core Competencies:
Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
Qualifications/Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years system administration experience.
- Must be a self-starter, creative, flexible, and possess the ability to effectively multi-task and work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.
- Solid demonstrated abilities in project management, priority-setting, analytical and objective decision-making, and cost conscious.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal team members and external organizations for the purposes of creating a commitment to common goals, prioritizing, minimizing obstacles, and executing realistic priorities in a sophisticated environment.
- Exceptional ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.
- Prior experience working in a non-profit, grant funded institution and educational setting helpful.
- Scheduling flexibility is required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays or be on call.
- Occasional travel required (local).
- The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
- The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, MIS or related field required.
- An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Other Skills and Abilities: N/A
Language Skills:
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).
Mathematical Skills:
- Proficient college math aptitude - Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
Reasoning Ability:
- Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
- Must be able to listen to a colleague’s needs and present a solution to meet those needs.
Computer Skills:
- Exceptional experience with server hardware, blades, virtualization, storage area networks, operating systems, setting up servers, restoring from backups, remote terminal access, and monitoring servers and networks.
- Thorough understanding of LAN technologies, including multiple network operating systems (NT, LAN Server), Ethernet and protocols (TCP/IP, Netbios, VOIP), and Wide Area Networking.
- Exceptional experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Access (or similar database management program) required; PowerPoint a plus.
- Advanced knowledge and experience with PC hardware and software technology as well as Windows or Linux system administration, file interchange, shared network resources, internet access, cloud based applications and electronic mail.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Preferred Certifications: Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE); Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA).
Physical Demands:
- Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing); principally operates standard office equipment to include computers, copiers, files, fax machines.
- Required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
- Required to reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to sit for extended periods throughout work day (may sit up to 75% of work day).
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment:
- May perform tasks in a closed door or shared cubicle office environment—moderate noise level.
- Travel to occasional off-site meetings or different worksites will be required.
Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
- Employees within various divisions throughout the Garden; volunteers, contractors, and vendors.
Supervisor: Senior Manager, Systems and Telecommunications