Class Code: P0216
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Senior Systems Administrator

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Senior Systems Administrator performs advanced level professional information technology duties related to the design, development, administration, and maintenance of Santa Cruz METRO computer systems; administers LINUX/UNIX and Windows based systems; analyzes and resolves system operation problems including those related to system security, user accounts, network functionality, and client-server hardware; performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Senior System Administrator is the advanced level class in the series.  An incumbent in this class performs the expert range of advanced level professional analytical technology duties.  This class is distinguished from the Systems Administrator class because an incumbent in the latter class performs a full range of professional systems administration work while learning to perform the expert range of advanced level duties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Configures, supports, troubleshoots and administers server environments; ensures servers are patched as needed; restricts access control and monitors server performance; designs multiple solutions for remote access; develops scripts to automate tasks.
  • Configures, supports, troubleshoots and administers virtualized environments and ensures they are patched, monitored, and load balanced for power usage; patches servers to the network via ethernet or fiber and organizes accordingly.
  • Configures, supports, troubleshoots and administers the Windows Active Directory server; adds, removes and modifies permissions for users and for access control.
  • Configures, supports, troubleshoots, and administers network and networking equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and access points.; creates new subnets; patches networking equipment and terminates cabling; ensures connections are stable; plans and implements upgrades.
  • Performs security analysis on an ongoing basis and recommends best practices for security; monitors and mitigates Internet attacks and configures firewall policies to strictly adhere to ongoing threats; creates monthly security bulletins to educate non-technical users to avoid phishing and social engineering attacks; ensures old insecure protocols are retired and replaced with modern secure protocols; configures and monitors intrusion prevention systems. 
  • Configures, supports, troubleshoots, and administers the telephony network including hardware, endpoints, and connections; adds, removes, or modifies extensions and configures telephony environment for best workflows; manages phone trees; ensures mission-critical phone lines work for customers to book rides and speak with customer service; configures and manages call center helpdesk queues; provides users with the most updated services available.
  • Ensures backups are installed and running accurately; creates backup file systems and tests backups to ensure the quality of backup data; ensures scheduled backups are run and stored securely; plans for disaster recovery; plans and upgrades to modern network attached storage solutions.  
  • Deploys computers, network/telephone equipment, or troubleshoots onsite. 
  • Assists customer service with customer accounts; supports various third-party software tools in finance, purchasing, asset tracking, para-transit, telephony, and call center; assists with installation of self-hosted or third-party software.
  • Provides desktop support via phone call, email, ticket, or walk in as required.
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks. 
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Advanced computer hardware technology.
  • Advanced network security, cryptography, encryption, secure data removal.
  • Advanced networking (TCP-IP stack, OSI model, subnetting, switching, routing, wireless).
  • Advanced anti-virus technologies.
  • Advanced security protocols.
  • Advanced Windows Operating systems.
  • LINUX Operating systems.
  • Citrix Desktop environment.
  • VOIP
  • Scripting such as Bash, Python, Powershell.
  • Workplace safety issues related to the use of computers.
  • Remote access technologies. 
  • Basic mathematics, including percentages and basic statistics.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Analyze system architecture and design, recommend and implement improvements based on new technologies. 
  • Work independently to analyze hardware and software problems related to the design and maintenance of computer systems.  
  • Read and interpret complex technical manuals, procedures, and instructions.
  • Clearly and effectively present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical users.
  • Analyze and maintain complex computer and networking equipment.
  • Install hardware, software, and system upgrades.
  • Write user instructions and procedures.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in computer science or a related field AND four (4) years of experience.

AND/OR 

Eight (8) years of professional experience designing and maintaining network and server systems in a Windows, LINUX/UNIX, or a similar operating system environment.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard. Work often requires stooping at the waist and the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects. Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided. Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information. 
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule. 

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Information Technology Professional

*Job Series: Systems Administrator

*Job Series Level: Advanced

*Confidential: No