IT Systems & Infrastructure Administrator

Purpose:

The IT Systems & Infrastructure Administrator provides hands-on technical support and administration across Schirm USA's technology environment. Initially, the position will work closely with the company's managed IT service provider (MSP), under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, to develop comprehensive knowledge of existing systems, infrastructure, configurations, and support processes. As proficiency increases, the employee will progressively assume primary responsibility for day-to-day IT administration and support. The long-term objective is for this position to become Schirm USA's primary internal IT resource, with the MSP transitioning to a supplemental role focused on specialized expertise, cybersecurity, escalation support, and major projects.

Primary Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

End-User Support

• Provide first-line technical support for employees, including troubleshooting hardware, software, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and peripheral equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage service requests, incidents, and problem-resolution activities from initial report through resolution.
• Provide user training and technical guidance when appropriate.
• Identify recurring issues and recommend solutions that improve reliability and the user experience.

Windows Environment Administration

• Administer and support Windows desktop and server environments.
• Manage Active Directory users, groups, permissions, and organizational units.
• Perform account provisioning and deprovisioning, password administration, access changes, and appropriate Group Policy administration.
• Perform server maintenance, updates, troubleshooting, and system performance monitoring.
• Develop increasing independence in Windows infrastructure administration as familiarity with the environment grows.

Microsoft 365 Administration

• Administer Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Manage user accounts, licensing, mailboxes, distribution groups, permissions, and security settings.
• Troubleshoot user access, synchronization, email, and collaboration issues.
• Support appropriate Microsoft 365 security, retention, access, and administrative practices.

Network and Infrastructure Administration

• Administer and troubleshoot company network infrastructure, initially in coordination with the MSP as needed.
• Support and maintain FortiGate firewalls, Ubiquiti switches, wireless access points, and related network equipment.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity, performance, and availability issues and proactively identify potential problems.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network architecture, equipment, configurations, and changes.
• Coordinate escalation of complex network or infrastructure issues to specialized resources when appropriate.

Printer and Peripheral Management

• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network and local printers, scanners, and peripheral devices.
• Administer print servers, printer drivers, queues, and related configurations.
• Coordinate equipment replacement and lifecycle needs as appropriate.

Linux System Support

• Perform basic administration and troubleshooting of Linux-based systems.
• Support system updates, user administration, routine maintenance, and monitoring.
• Coordinate advanced Linux support with external technical resources when necessary.

Cybersecurity Administration

• Support and progressively assume responsibility for company cybersecurity controls and practices.
• Manage or coordinate endpoint protection, patch management, vulnerability remediation, access controls, and security configuration.
• Participate in security monitoring, incident investigation, incident-response activities, and periodic access reviews.
• Support employee cybersecurity awareness and adherence to company security policies.
• Coordinate with external cybersecurity and IT resources for specialized monitoring, assessment, remediation, and incident-response needs.

System Monitoring, Maintenance, and Business Continuity

• Monitor the health and availability of servers, workstations, network infrastructure, backups, and cloud services.
• Perform routine system maintenance, updates, patching, and optimization.
• Monitor backup processes and assist with testing restoration and recovery procedures.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical issues before they materially impact business operations.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate disaster recovery and business-continuity capabilities for critical technology systems.

IT Systems Ownership and Third-Party Coordination

• Work closely with the MSP to develop comprehensive knowledge of Schirm USA systems, infrastructure, configurations, and support requirements.
• Progressively assume primary responsibility for routine administration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and support currently performed by external IT resources.
• Develop into the primary internal point of contact for company technology matters.
• Coordinate with the MSP and other technology providers for specialized expertise, cybersecurity services, escalated technical issues, and major projects.
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer and MSP to identify responsibilities appropriate for transition to internal ownership and develop an orderly transfer of those responsibilities.
• Coordinate technology vendors and service providers and assist with evaluating service needs, performance, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure Schirm USA maintains appropriate internal knowledge, documentation, access, and control over company technology systems and resources.

Technology Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Participate in and progressively lead IT projects, system upgrades, implementations, and infrastructure improvements.
• Assist with planning, testing, deployment, and documentation of new technologies and system enhancements.
• Evaluate technical issues and business needs and recommend practical technology solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, security, efficiency, and user experience.

Documentation and Knowledge Transfer

• Maintain accurate and current documentation of systems, configurations, network infrastructure, procedures, vendors, licensing, and troubleshooting processes.
• Work with the MSP to ensure effective transfer and retention of institutional and technical knowledge.
• Develop and maintain internal technical documentation, standard operating procedures, system inventories, and knowledge-base resources.
• Ensure critical technical documentation and system information remain accessible to and controlled by Schirm USA.

Compliance Systems Support

• Provide technical support for systems used to maintain, access, and manage Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other compliance-related documentation.
• Support technology-related documentation and system requirements associated with company compliance activities as needed.

On-Call Support

• Provide reasonable after-hours support for critical system issues, outages, cybersecurity events, and emergencies as required.
• Coordinate with external IT resources when escalation or specialized support is necessary.

Professional Development

• Maintain and expand technical knowledge across the technologies used within the company environment.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, cybersecurity practices, industry trends, and relevant certifications.
• Develop the technical capabilities necessary to assume increasing ownership of the company IT environment.
• Share technical knowledge and provide user education and training when appropriate.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing hands-on IT support in a business environment.
• Working knowledge of Windows desktop and server environments, Active Directory, permissions, and access management.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 administration or support, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching, wireless networking, and firewalls.
• Experience troubleshooting computers, printers, mobile devices, software, and network connectivity.
• General understanding of cybersecurity principles, endpoint protection, patch management, access controls, and system security.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, documentation, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize issues, learn from external technical resources, and recognize when escalation is appropriate.
• Valid driver license and ability to travel between company facilities as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent education and practical experience.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and Windows Server environments.
• Experience with Fortinet/FortiGate products and Ubiquiti networking equipment.
• Basic Linux administration experience.
• Experience working with an MSP or transitioning responsibilities between internal and outsourced IT resources.
• Familiarity with backup, disaster recovery, vulnerability management, endpoint management, and cybersecurity tools.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or chemical production environment.
• Relevant Microsoft, CompTIA, Fortinet, or comparable technical certifications.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Windows Desktop, and Active Directory administration.
• Understanding of Microsoft 365 administration and cloud-based services.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, printers, networking, and peripheral devices.
• Basic understanding of networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, wireless networking, and VPN connectivity.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and endpoint protection technologies.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with internal employees and external IT partners.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to supporting end users.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving business needs.

Position Development
This position is intentionally structured to grow in responsibility. During the initial transition period, the IT Systems & Infrastructure Administrator will work closely with Schirm USA's MSP to learn the company's systems, infrastructure, configurations, processes, and support requirements. As the employee demonstrates proficiency, responsibility for routine IT administration, troubleshooting, maintenance, user support, cybersecurity coordination, and technology projects will progressively transition internally. The timing and scope of each transition will be determined by the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the employee and MSP, based on demonstrated proficiency, appropriate documentation and knowledge transfer, business risk, and operational requirements. The long-term expectation is for the employee to serve as Schirm USA's principal internal technology resource, while external providers remain available for specialized expertise, advanced cybersecurity services, major projects, and escalated technical issues. Continued growth may support future advancement into an IT management role.