Systems Administrator

Title: Systems Administrator

Reporting to the Director of Rail Operations, the Systems Administrator is responsible for supporting the VRE communications infrastructure, local area network, wide area network, help desk functions, database administration, and all application systems including, but not limited to, fare collection, visual messaging, VoIP, electronic mail, database, and Cisco routing and switching systems.

Scope of Duties:

Network Administration

• Maintain and administer the local area network installed at headquarters which consists of multiple T1 and DS3 communication circuits connected through multiple routers, switches, firewall and VPN appliances.
• Maintain and administer the wide area network installed at multiple branch locations and at headquarters. This is made up of multiple frame relay and MPLS circuits connected through Cisco routers and switches and Watchguard and SonicWall firewall and VPN appliances.
• Maintains documentation operation of all software, hardware, and monitors usage of software licenses. Ensures all workstations contain relevant software and are properly used in accordance with VRE's policies and procedures. Conducts software audits of all workstations and portable equipment for unauthorized software. Also maintains inventory of all department hardware, software, training and reference material.
• Must be experienced and comfortable working with external agencies and contractors. The position requires direct dealings with multiple communication providers to ensure all telecommunications requirements needed by VRE are in place and operational.

Database Administration

• Maintain and administer database servers supporting multiple system applications in fare collections, inventory and work management, financial management, and daily operations.
• Perform data integration tasks such as Excel and Access file conversions to SQL relational databases
• Design database user interfaces for SQL server including forms, queries, and reports
• Maintain Oracle databases related to fare collection payment systems
• Smart Benefits

Web Support

• Maintain web-related functions, including but are not limited to SharePoint administration, intranet, and extranet systems administration
• Work with vendors on enhancement projects related to the general transit feed specifications (GTFS) scripts and TRIP for VRE mobile app and passenger information systems development
• Assist the Information Specialist 1/Communication Specialist 1 in any web-related content management and web page design improvements

Hardware Support

• Support server, desktop, laptop, network-attached storage, and storage area network (SAN) appliances through experienced troubleshooting skills and best practices.
• Configure and maintain Cisco routers and switches in a closed-loop MPLS or frame relay circuit environment to enable communication between VRE stations and headquarters.

Software Support

• Implement and administer Windows server and desktop operating systems in an Active Directory network environment. Maintenance and upgrade of existing products must be continuously and properly executed due to PCI compliance requirements.

Application Support

• Assist the Manager of IT with the user administration and product upgrades of Microsoft application systems such as SQL, Exchange and AD Services.
• Control and maintain Symantec AV and Backup application systems to allow for data protection, preservation and redundancy. Ensure that a proper back-up is made of the network. Provide recommendations for network repairs, upgrades, and changes when necessary, and ensure all users can achieve network connectivity. Provide restoration of lost or deleted files from back-up tapes and stores backup tapes off site.
• Manage the security access card and security video camera application system installed at our headquarters and most of our remote branch locations. Manage the security access card and security video camera application system installed at our headquarters and most of our remote branch locations.

Other Scope of Duties:

Helpdesk Assistance

• Support and maintain networked and local printers and networked copier machines by working with certified technicians and ensuring all spare accessories are readily available in-house.
• Implement and maintain smartphone devices for uninterrupted phone and e-mail services.
• Troubleshoot and assist users with any Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Suite product issues on a daily basis.
• Troubleshoot and assist users with other customized and proprietary open platform software systems such as Micromain and Mitchell Humphrey FMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or a related field and at least one technical certification in Microsoft or Cisco are required. Must have five years hands-on experience in network administration. Experience in server level operation and configuration or related work experience is also required.
• At least two years hands-on experience with VPN and firewall appliances and Cisco routers and switches required. Experience working with Blackberry Enterprise server and devices, VPN's, and Internet tracking and intrusion detection software and hardware extremely desired.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with all Windows Server software, SharePoint, Adobe CS Suites, Oracle, and Hyper-V is preferred. Two years hands-on experience in database administration is preferred.

Required Abilities

• Must possess excellent writing and oral communications skills
• Must have the ability to deal effectively with people in a real time environment and at all levels of the organization.
• Must be self motivated and have demonstrated ability to work in an unsupervised environment.
• Work dependability and a clean driving record is a must; staff member will need to attend to concerns at various VRE stations and may want to utilize a company vehicle.
• A demonstrable level of initiative, confidence, maturity, and judgment, that allows independent problem resolution in a real time environment.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.