Windows Systems Administrator

Primary focus will be the administration of Windows and Hyper-V servers for the MSU Libraries. The Libraries Systems and Development group is a small, dedicated team of less than 10 staff members with a passion for excellence and service to the Libraries. Responsibilities include Hyper-V virtualization and storage administration; Windows Failover Clustering; administration of Windows servers including writing PowerShell scripts for monitoring servers; management of firewall policies; and performing other IT-related duties as assigned. Duties may develop and evolve based on the interests and competencies of the chosen candidate.

Support Provided:

• Install, configure, and deploy server environments including hardware and both standard and custom software.
• Develop and implement procedures and automated scripts to monitor and maintain proper operation (e.g. adequate disk space, backup schedules, network connections, memory & CPU usage).
• Provide support for, and troubleshoot issues regarding, system hardware and software.
• Develop detailed documentation of operations procedures and implementations.
• Plan and execute required upgrades, replacements, and modernization of legacy systems.
• Be an active and eager team participant in group discussions and projects.
• Review and perform regular patches and other maintenance procedures.
• Provide technical support for systems, including diagnosing complex hardware and software failures.
• Provide assistance to Library staff members to the fullest extent possible with regard to both supported and unsupported applications.
• Prepare documentation and instructions for Library staff.
• Consult with and support Library faculty and staff engaged in research projects and experimental proposals.
• Manage and document database servers and databases.
• Manage and monitor database performance, permissions and activity to ensure data security.
• Communicate with other university IT staff to set up services and to identify and resolve issues external to the unit.
• Communicate on an on-going basis with vendors for problems/support issues.
• Communicate with Library staff on a regular basis.
• Meet regularly with Library & MSU IT units to provide specialized support.
• Meet regularly with system administrator colleagues.

This position may involve occasional physical demands, including but not limited to climbing ladders, lifting, carrying, or moving equipment.

The MSU Libraries Strategic Plan guides our current and future work. The candidate will collaborate with campus partners to help develop a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Minimum Requirements:

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business or related information technology field, with coursework in an information technology specialization related to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in an information technology area related to the duties to be performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in teams
• Willingness to continually advance technical skills through self-study
• Ability to take ownership of a project and see it through to completion
• Experience creating administration scripts and performing other tasks using PowerShell
• Familiarity with Microsoft Virtual Machine Manager and System Center
• Competent with administering Windows Failover Clusters and Hyper-V
• Competent with IP networking and firewall management
• Competent with administering Windows, Active Directory, and DNS
• Familiarity with administering Internet Information Server (IIS)
• Have experience administering Microsoft SQL servers and Availability Groups
• Familiar with backup systems and best practices
• Have an understanding of database normalization with knowledge of proper use of SQL data types, indexes, and foreign keys
• Ability to collaborate well with others and help to foster a welcoming environment.