Windows System Administrator Job Description

Windows Systems Administrator Job Description

Job Description

To provide Microsoft Windows platform management, configuration, design, training and expertise. Microsoft platforms may include Active Directory and Exchange as well as Windows servers of various flavors.

Tasks and Activities

Provide Microsoft Windows Server operating system support.

Monitor server performance and availability.

Ensure Windows server availability compliance to Service Level Agreements.

Address operational systems issues including file and share permissions, user accounts and installing applications.

Promote and maintain server patch management practices.

Provide metrics for capacity management purposes.

Monitor server load and implement load balancing where appropriate.

Support and maintain Active Directory.

Knowledge and support of Group policy.

Provide Windows Exchange Email Server Support.

Upgrade and replace server hardware where appropriate.

Role at a Glance

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Microsoft Server and related technologies including Active Directory and Exchange Mail.

Understanding of Change Management frameworks such as ITIL.

Familiarity with RAID disk technologies.

Familiarity with network infrastructure.

Liaise with vendors and professional services.

Knowledge of Server Applications.

An understanding of patch management software.

Familiarity with Backup software and strategies.

Knowledge and understanding of network applications, web servers, email servers, firewalls, databases, file shares and print servers.

Organizational Position

Reporing to the Team Leader, this position will often work within an operational team (day-to-day maintenance activities) or a project team (deliver a specific objective). There may also be interaction with Help Desk teams, end users, project managers, and managers.

Windows Administrator Organizational Structure

Qualifications & Certifications

May hold a degree such as a Bachelor of Information Technology or degree in Computer Science. Vendor specific certifications may also be desirable.

Relevant industry certifications include Microsoft MCSE, Microsoft MCSA

Key Competencies

Situational Analysis

Customer Consideration

Teamwork

Developing Self and/or others

Managing Tasks

Specific Technical Knowledge

Attributes of an Excellent Systems Administrator

In addition to outstanding technical knowledge of Microsoft Window and Microsoft related applications and technologies, an excellent windows systems administrator also has an understanding of related fields such as change management, risk management, client communications and service level agreements.

Attraction to the position and job retention strategies for employers

This role is well suited to technically minded individuals with strong communication and team work skills.

Windows Systems administrators can begin to feel as though there is no more to learn in a particular organization once day-to-day tasks start to become repetitive and not challenging. Employers may seek to keep work life interesting by providing variations of work. For example, project work, team leader work or as a trainer.