Systems Administrator

The Systems Administrator is responsible for maintaining, securing, and optimizing the University’s core server and infrastructure environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, availability, and performance of enterprise systems, including authentication, file storage, virtualization, and cloud-based services. The Systems Administrator works closely with network, security, and support teams to deliver stable, scalable, and secure technology services that advance Lincoln University’s academic and operational mission., * Administer and maintain Windows and Linux server environments, ensuring system reliability, security, and performance.

• Manage Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related identity infrastructure services.
• Maintain and monitor virtualized environments (VMware or Hyper-V), including provisioning, snapshots, and backup operations.
• Coordinate patch management, OS upgrades, and system hardening in alignment with University security standards, applying CIS Benchmark controls and NIST SP 800-123 guidance for server hardening.
• Implement and manage monitoring tools to proactively identify and resolve performance issues.
• Administer and support the Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform across Windows and mobile (iOS/iPadOS) endpoints, including policy enforcement, device enrollment, compliance reporting, and integration with identity services.

Storage, Backup, and Recovery

• Manage on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions, ensuring data integrity and capacity planning.
• Oversee backup schedules, disaster recovery planning, and restoration testing.
• Collaborate with Security and Compliance teams to maintain data protection and retention standards.

Security & Compliance

• Apply best practices for system hardening, access control, and vulnerability management.
• Monitor logs and alerts for signs of unauthorized access or system compromise.
• Support compliance with institutional, state, and federal security requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, NIST), and contribute to implementation and maintenance of the University’s institutional cybersecurity framework.

Collaboration & Support

• Partner with the Network Administrator and Lead Technology Analyst to ensure cohesive end-to-end service delivery.
• Provide Tier 2 and 3 escalation support for infrastructure-related incidents.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects, contributing technical expertise and systems design insight.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides in the internal knowledge base.

Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in capacity and lifecycle planning for servers, storage, and related infrastructure.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency, security, and reliability.
• Contribute to standardization and automation of recurring administrative tasks using PowerShell or equivalent tools.
• Provide infrastructure input to institutional AI governance initiatives, including system-level evaluation of AI tool deployments, data handling requirements, and compute resource planning in support of the University’s AI Governance Council.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in systems administration or infrastructure support.
• Strong experience with Windows Server and Active Directory management.
• Working knowledge of virtualization (VMware or Hyper-V), storage technologies, and enterprise backup systems.
• Understanding of security fundamentals, including least privilege, Zero-Trust Architecture, network segmentation, and MFA integration.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills., * Experience in a higher education IT environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure AD/Entra ID, and endpoint management platforms, including Microsoft Intune or equivalent UEM solutions.
• Experience with system monitoring tools such as SolarWinds or PRTG.
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (PowerShell, Python, or Bash).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, CompTIA Server+, or VMware VCP).

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise and Problem Solving
• Security Awareness and Risk Management
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
• Customer Service and Communication