Job Description

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems/Network Administrator to join our client's team.



The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with both Linux and Windows environments, advanced networking, virtualization, storage solutions, and system clusters.



This role demands technical expertise, a strong troubleshooting mindset, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Key responsibilities:

Linux Systems Administration:

Expert-level administration of Debian-based distributions (Ubuntu) and RedHat derivatives (Alma, Rocky).



Provisioning and configuring servers, clusters, laptops, and other devices via the CLI.



Installation and configuration of LOB (Line-of-Business) applications manually--config files (YAML, JSON).



Monitoring and troubleshooting system performance, processes, and logs to ensure smooth operations.



Participating in interviews and tests focused on troubleshooting system issues based on log output and process analysis.

Windows Systems Administration:

Managing and supporting Windows servers in a range of functions, including Active Directory (AD/LDAP), DHCP, DNS, NPS, Certificate Services, IIS, and Hyper-V.



Knowledge of IIS modules (Dot Net, ASP, Web Sockets).



Providing user desktop support and managing Windows-based file servers.



Taking ownership of Windows Server maintenance and administration tasks.

Networking:

Working in environments with Core/Distribution/Access-switching topologies, high-throughput aggregation switches, and edge/access switches (Edgecore, MikroTik, UniFi, D-Link).



Managing VLANs, implementing modern tunneling technologies such as ZeroTier and WireGuard, and being well-versed in iptables/nftables, firewalld, and network bonding techniques.



Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting of FortiGate, MikroTik, pfSense, and other similar systems.



Maintaining network performance and ensuring uptime for critical services.



Knowledge of monitoring applications such as Zabbix, Nagios, Data Dog and New Relic.



IPAM/DCIM experience essential.

Database Support:

Providing basic support for Postgres, Oracle, and MariaDB environments (backups, restores, and minor SQL queries).



Oracle DB knowledge advantageous, including the use of Oracle Data Pump and TNS Listener troubleshooting.



Collaborating with DBA teams to ensure database availability and performance.

Server Hardware & Storage Administration :

Manage SAN, NAS, DAS, LVM, and LUN infrastructures. From setting up and configuring HPE SAN systems to managing Synology, Seagate NAS and FreeNAS devices.



Perform tasks such as HBA bonding, SCSI configuration, and storage performance optimization.



Server hardware - assembly/upgrades and troubleshooting.



RAID and other HA methods, including setup and best practice configurations.



Veeam Backup and Quest NetVault experience advantageous.



Familiarity with LTO-tape technology and how it works and is used will be advantageous.

Virtualization & Cluster Management:

Administering Xen-based hypervisor clusters (XCP/Xen Hypervisors) and Hyper-V environments.



Deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting virtualized environments.



Managing cluster performance, failover, and storage integration.



Past hands-on experience with Hyper-V clusters and VMWare vSphere advantageous.



Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and containerization technologies is advantageous.

Functions:

Implementing ITIL-based best practices (ITSM).



Managing assets (ITAM), including hardware procurement, supplier negotiation, warranties, and SLAs.



Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence is advantageous.



Writing of support and training documentation.



Strong troubleshooting and analytical abilities.

Qualifications required:

Matric plus an IT Degree (Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or similar or a National IT Diploma).

MUST HAVE:

Linux LPIC2 certification.

MUST HAVE:

MCITP, CCNA, MCSE: Core Infrastructure, ITILv4, Security+

Advantageous certifications:

A+ or N+, MTCNA, ICND1, MTCRE, UBWA, Server+, MCSA: Windows Server 2016.



6 - 8 years' experience required in a similar role.

Skills and experience required:

Extensive experience in technical management, preferably in a related industry.



Advanced knowledge of IT Infrastructure and Information Systems innovation and integration.



Ability to manage IT support teams.



Familiarity with database queries.



Knowledge of database design and theories.



Ability to work with data architects and other IT specialist to set up, maintain and monitor data networks.



Knowledge of database structure languages, such as SQL or SQL/PSM.



Experience with server installation and maintenance.



Familiarity with database management best practices.



Has a full understanding of the IT SDLC.



Experience in ITIL and AGILE Methodologies.



Ability to diagnose faults, incidents, and problems, and implement required changes.



Ensuring optimal hardware and software functionality, as well as network security.



Between 5 - 7 Years