IT Operations Specialist

NO PHONE CALLS NOR WALK-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong customer service orientation and a proactive approach to issue resolution.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

**Duties Include but are not limited to**:

- Design, implement, and maintain local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wireless networks.
- Configure and troubleshoot network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
- Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to ensure optimal connectivity and security.
- Manage IP addressing schemes, DNS, DHCP, and other network services.
- Implement and maintain network security measures, including VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and access control lists (ACLs).
- Perform regular network backups and disaster recovery planning.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all IT-related inquiries and issues from end-users.
- Log, prioritize, and resolve IT support tickets efficiently and effectively using an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform.
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues for desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices, and peripherals.
- Escalate complex issues to appropriate internal or external teams when necessary, ensuring proper handover and follow-up.
- Develop and maintain IT support documentation, knowledge base articles, and user guides.
- Diagnose and resolve more complex technical issues that cannot be handled by Tier 1 support.
- Maintain and manage user accounts, permissions, and security groups in Active Directory or similar identity management systems.
- Administer and support VoIP phone systems, video conferencing solutions, and collaboration tools.
- Conduct hardware and software installations, upgrades, and patches.
- Provide technical guidance and training to end-users on IT best practices and system usage.
- Collaborate with vendors and service providers to resolve external technical issues.
- Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers (e.g., Windows Server, Linux distributions, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V).
- Monitor server performance, disk space, and resource utilization, implementing proactive measures to prevent downtime.
- Perform regular server backups and recovery procedures, ensuring data integrity and availability.
- Manage server roles and features, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, file and print services.
- Implement and enforce server security policies, including patch management, antivirus, and vulnerability remediation.
- Plan and execute server upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning processes.
- Participate in and lead small to medium-sized IT projects from initiation to completion.
- Assist in defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure project milestones are met.
- Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
- Communicate project status updates to stakeholders and management.
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of IT processes and infrastructure.

**Preferred Skills & Qualifications**:

- A qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
- 3 years of experience in an IT Operations, System Administrator, or similar role.
- Proven experience with network administration (TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, routers).
- Solid experience with Windows Server administration (Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP).
- Demonstrable experience providing IT support in a help desk environment.
- Familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
- Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- Basic understanding of IT security principles and best practices.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Education**:

- Bachelors (preferred)

**Experience**:

- in an IT Operations, System Administrator, or similar role: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person