System Administrator

Title: System Administrator 3
Location: Richmond, VA 23219 (Onsite)
Job Duration: 6 months (High Possibility of Extension)
Interview Mode: In Person Only

Position Purpose
The Client seeks Systems Administrators to support a secure, stable, and high-performing hybrid IT environment. This role administers servers, identity systems, and enterprise services across on-premises and cloud platforms.

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.

Key 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

Required Qualifications

• Experience administering Windows Server environments
• Strong knowledge of Active Directory and Group Policy
• Experience supporting Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Entra ID/Azure AD)
• Experience with patch management and system maintenance
• Familiarity with backup and recovery solutions
• Basic understanding of networking concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government or regulated environments
• Experience with hybrid infrastructure (on-premises and Azure)
• Familiarity with NIST or similar frameworks
• Experience with virtualization (VMware or Hyper-V)
• Exposure to monitoring, SIEM, or endpoint management tools

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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

Working Conditions

• Office-based environment
• Occasional after-hours support for maintenance or incidents
• Limited travel between office locations may be required