Systems Administrator

DEPARTMENT: Management Information Systems, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority

SALARY RANGE: Grade 7 - $72,287 to $85,000 (In-Person Position)

Note: Starting salary is determined by evaluation of experience and qualifications for the position and will be set at some point between the minimum and maximum of the pay scale.

JOB SUMMARY: The position will be responsible for configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network and system environments, supporting business applications, and implementing industry-standard security practices to protect against cyber threats and data breaches. This is an exempt position focused on ensuring stability, integrity, security, and efficient performance of the IT infrastructure that supports critical business operations.

MAJOR DUTIES:

System Installation & Maintenance

• Install, configure, and maintain all IT assets including servers, desktops, laptops, printers, switches, scanners, cameras, UPS units, wireless access points, and firewalls
• Administer and maintain virtual environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and storage systems (SAN)
• Perform and validate routine system backups and restores in alignment with Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) plans
• Maintain and document the organization's wireless network infrastructure

Security & Compliance

• Partner with the Cybersecurity Administrator to manage firewalls, antivirus, and endpoint protection (EDR/IPS)
• Assist with system, software, firmware, and patch updates to maintain compliance with security standards
• Manage user accounts, access rights, and storage allocation in line with privacy, security, and regulatory best practices
• Conduct system and network audits to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Administer and support secure remote access for staff

User Support & Issue Resolution

• Lead the setup, configuration, and maintenance of end-user hardware, software, and peripherals
• Proactively identify, resolve, and escalate technical issues across all IT systems
• Provide Tier 2/3 support to end users as needed

Performance Monitoring & Documentation

• Monitor performance of servers, networks, applications, and hardware
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation including asset inventory, network diagrams, and IT policies
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for IT operations

Infrastructure Planning & Coordination

• Contribute to IT capacity planning and help define long-term strategies for infrastructure and software needs
• Collaborate with end users, application owners, and database administrators to design and implement IT solutions

Research & Technology Evaluation

• Stay informed on new technologies, tools, and industry trends to support innovation and system improvements
• Evaluate and recommend hardware, software, and services; obtain pricing and specifications for procurement
• Communicate and negotiate with vendors, contractors, and third-party service providers

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree in Information Technology or a related field preferred
• 5-7 years of relevant hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

Technical Skills:

• 5–7 years of experience working with networking protocols, hardware, and software
• Strong background in administering Windows, Linux, and MacOS environments
• Proficient in managing virtual infrastructure platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V
• Skilled in designing, deploying, and maintaining enterprise network environments
• Solid understanding of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) best practices
• Experience with Microsoft 365 (M365) and Microsoft SQL Server in a business environment
• Proficient in scripting and automation using tools like PowerShell
• Strong working knowledge of system and network security principles, tools, and practices
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and standards such as NIST, CIS Controls, and SOC 2

Soft Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Strong organizational and documentation skills

Applications and In-House