System Administrator

DataStaff, Inc. is currently seeking a System Administrator to fill a long-term contract opportunity with one of our direct clients in Richmond, VA

*This position is onsite.

Job Description:

The Systems Administrator is a hands-on technical role focused on disciplined execution of operational processes, including patching, monitoring, backup, and system maintenance. The position works under the direction of the Director of Infrastructure & Operations and collaborates with Network Engineering, Information Security, End User Services, and Application/Data teams.

This role administers servers, identity systems, and enterprise services across on-premises and cloud platforms. Supports core Infrastructure & Operations functions and contributes to the agency’s ability to deliver secure and reliable IT services. Operates within defined governance processes to ensure consistency, stability, and risk reduction across the environment.

Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Administration

• Administer Windows Server environments (on-premises and cloud)
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP
• Support Microsoft 365 services (Exchange Online, Entra ID/Azure AD)
• Maintain system performance, availability, and configuration

Patch Management & Vulnerability Remediation

• Execute structured patching for servers and core systems
• Coordinate with leadership on scheduling and system impact
• Support vulnerability remediation aligned to security priorities
• Validate patches prior to deployment
• Track patch compliance and status

Security & Compliance Support

• Implement security controls defined by the Information Security Office
• Support identity and access management practices, including MFA
• Assist with system hardening, logging, and monitoring integrations
• Provide support for audits and compliance activities

Monitoring & Incident Response

• Monitor systems and respond to alerts and operational issues
• Provide Tier 2/3 support for infrastructure incidents
• Participate in incident response and escalation processes
• Contribute to root cause analysis and service improvements

Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Administer backup and recovery solutions
• Perform and validate backup and restore testing
• Support recovery objectives (RTO/RPO)

Change Management & Operations

• Follow defined change management processes
• Execute infrastructure changes in a controlled manner
• Participate in CAB or similar governance processes

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with Network Engineering on infrastructure dependencies
• Coordinate with End User Services on user-impacting changes
• Support Application/Data teams on system integrations
• Communicate system status, risks, and issues to leadership

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of networking concepts
• Experience in government or regulated environments
• Experience with hybrid infrastructure (on-premises and Azure)
• Familiarity with NIST or similar frameworks
• Exposure to monitoring, SIEM, or endpoint management tools
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple operational tasks and priorities
• Effective communication and teamwork across technical groups
• Ability to follow structured processes and governance standards
• Focus on system reliability, security, and continuous improvement

Required Skills:

• 5 Years - Windows Server administration
• 5 Years - Active Directory administration
• 3 Years - Group Policy management
• 3 Years - DNS and DHCP administration
• 3 Years - Microsoft 365 administration
• 2 Years - Entra ID (Azure AD) administration
• 3 Years - Server patch management
• 3 Years - System monitoring and alert response
• 3 Years - Backup and recovery administration
• 3 Years - Virtualization (VMware and/or Hyper-V)
• 2 Years - File and print services
• 2 Years - PowerShell scripting
• 5 Years - Operating system troubleshooting
• 2 Years - Change management participation
• 2 Years - Incident response support
• 2 Years - Root cause analysis participation
• 2 Years - Documentation maintenance
• 2 Years - Maintenance window execution
• 3 Years - Ticket/work management systems
• 2 Years - MFA administration/support
• 2 Years - System hardening practices
• 2 Years - Vulnerability remediation execution
• 2 Years - Access control management
• 2 Years - Security policy adherence
• 2 Years - NIST/security framework exposure
• 3 Years - Communication and collaboration
• 3 Years - Operational prioritization
• 3 Years - Structured/process-oriented work
• 3 Years - Working in team-based IT operations

Desired Skills:

• 2 Years - Azure infrastructure administration
• 2 Years - Hybrid cloud environments
• 1 Year - Intune/endpoint management
• 1 Year - Identity federation/SSO
• 1 Year - Conditional Access policies
• 1 Year - SIEM/EDR exposure
• 1 Year - Advanced PowerShell scripting
• 1 Year - Infrastructure automation
• 2 Years - Government IT experience
• 2 Years - Regulated environment experience

This opportunity is available as a W2 position with a competitive benefits package. DataStaff, Inc. offers medical, dental, and vision coverage options as well as paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave. As many of our opportunities are long-term, we also have a 401k program available for employees after 6 months.