System Administrator

Job Details: Job Location: LONGVIEW ADMINISTRATION - Longview, TX, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, The System Administrator is responsible for the administration, security, availability, performance, and ongoing improvement of the organization's IT infrastructure. This position manages and supports network infrastructure, FortiGate firewalls, wireless and VPN connectivity, VoIP systems, Windows Server and Active Directory environments, virtualization platforms, backup and disaster recovery systems, Microsoft 365 and Entra ID, endpoint management, software deployment, and IT asset management. The System Administrator provides advanced technical support and works closely with the help desk team, IT leadership, and third-party technology vendors to resolve complex technical issues and maintain reliable IT services across the organization. The position is responsible for proactively monitoring systems, maintaining appropriate security controls, supporting cybersecurity and incident response activities, ensuring successful backup and recovery operations, and maintaining accurate technical documentation. The System Administrator will also participate in infrastructure projects, technology implementations, system upgrades, and process improvements while helping ensure that IT systems support the organization's healthcare operations and comply with applicable security, privacy, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Project Management: Utilize ticket tracking system to manage projects and document daily updates on progress. Network Management: Configure, monitor, and maintain FortiGate firewalls, switches, Wireless Infrastructure, P2P VPNs, and network security protocols to ensure secure and reliable connectivity across all locations. VoIP Administration: Manage and troubleshoot VoIP phone systems, including configuration, maintenance, and integration with existing infrastructure to ensure seamless communication. Windows Server Management: Administer Windows Server environments (2016 and newer), including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and security patching to maintain system performance and compliance. Virtualization: Manage virtualized environments using VMware or Hyper-V, including provisioning, monitoring, and maintaining virtual machines to support organizational applications and services. Backup and Recovery: Design, implement, and manage backup and disaster recovery solutions to ensure data integrity and availability, including configuring and monitoring backup schedules, testing restores, and maintaining off-site backups. Microsoft 365 and Entra ID: Administer Microsoft 365 services, including email, Teams, and SharePoint, and manage Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for user authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and access control to ensure secure and efficient access to cloud-based resources. Software Deployment and Updates: Manage the deployment, patching, and updating of software applications across the organization, using tools like SCCM, Intune, or similar platforms to ensure systems remain secure and up-to-date. Help Desk Collaboration: Provide escalated technical support to the help desk team, resolving complex hardware, software, network, and Microsoft 365-related issues. Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, network diagrams, backup procedures, Microsoft 365/Entra ID setups, inventory records, software deployment processes, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides to ensure operational continuity. Security and Compliance: Implement and monitor security best practices, including firewall policies, antivirus solutions, backup integrity checks, Microsoft 365 security configurations, software update policies, and regular system audits to protect sensitive healthcare data in compliance with HIPAA and other regulations. System Monitoring and Maintenance: Proactively monitor system performance, apply updates, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime and optimize infrastructure efficiency. Project Support: Assist in the planning, deployment, and management of IT projects, such as system upgrades, network expansions, backup solution implementations, software rollouts, or migrations to cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Azure. Vendor and Service Management: Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers, including evaluating technical solutions, coordinating procurement and renewals, monitoring service levels and contract performance, reviewing vendor security requirements, resolving service issues, and making recommendations to IT leadership regarding technology services, licensing, and vendor performance. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in systems administration or network administration. Relevant industry certifications are preferred but may be substituted by equivalent education and/or experience. Hands-on experience with FortiGate firewalls, including configuration, VPN setup, Wireless Infrastructure and troubleshooting. Strong experience managing Windows Server environments (2016 or newer) and Active Directory. Proven experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V. Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions, including tools such as Synology, Acronis, or Windows Server Backup, with expertise in scheduling, monitoring, and testing backups. Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and Entra ID for user management and security. Experience with IT asset inventory management and tracking software licenses. Experience with software deployment and patch management using tools like Microsoft SCCM, Intune, or similar platforms. Familiarity with VoIP phone systems configuration and maintenance.