What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior IT Systems Administrator - Windows & VMware position at Five Rivers IT, Inc.?
Senior IT Systems Administrator - Windows & VMware
We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Infrastructure Management
Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)
Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives
Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies
Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization
VMware Infrastructure Management
Administer VMware vSphere v8 environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN
Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization
Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime
Project Leadership & Management
Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters
Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans
Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
Team Leadership & Task Management
Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements
Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team
Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues
Operational Excellence
Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
5 years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration
5 years of VMware vSphere administration experience
Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures
Leadership & Communication
Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience in task delegation and team coordination
Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Organizational Skills
Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)
Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements
Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations
Leadership Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives
Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives
Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks
Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels
We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Infrastructure Management
Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)
Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives
Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies
Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization
VMware Infrastructure Management
Administer VMware vSphere v8 environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN
Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization
Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime
Project Leadership & Management
Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters
Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans
Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
Team Leadership & Task Management
Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements
Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team
Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues
Operational Excellence
Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
5 years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration
5 years of VMware vSphere administration experience
Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures
Leadership & Communication
Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience in task delegation and team coordination
Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Organizational Skills
Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)
Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements
Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations
Leadership Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives
Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives
Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks
Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels