Systems Administrator at Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative

Summary of Duties:

The Systems Administrator is a leader in designing, implementing, and maintaining endpoint and server systems and their associated hardware and software for both the Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative and the Cookson Hills Connect Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) telecommunications subsidiary. The Systems Administrator will be the primary person responsible for cybersecurity initiatives and will research, implement, and maintain cyber security solutions and programs.

Specific Duties:

1. Maintains day-to-day operations and security of networks, endpoints, and servers.
2. Design, deploy, and maintain virtual server infrastructure.
3. Ensure system backups are properly configured and maintained.
4. Microsoft 365 Administration for cloud-based applications including Azure AD, Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, etc.
5. Maintains equipment support and server licensing contracts.
6. Assist helpdesk and other teams with troubleshooting and identifying root causes and provide technical support where needed.
7. Assist Fiber to the Premise subscriber support team on subscriber turnup and outage resolution issues.
8. Promotes and maintains a safe working environment, observes all safety rules, and supports the Mission Statement and Core Values in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.
9. Supports and keeps abreast of bylaws, guidelines, policies/procedures and philosophies of the parent Cooperative to effectively serve and support members and subscribers.
10. Performs other duties as assigned to fulfill the objectives of the company and this position.
11. Confers with other departments as needed to address IT needs.
12. Maintains great relations with vendors, contractors, subscribers, customers, and the general public in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. Works with consultants and construction team to test and light network.
13. Attend/assist at annual membership meetings and district meetings as needed.

Supervision Given:

None

Supervision Received:

 Receives supervision from Chief Technology Officer

Educational Requirements:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following education, competencies, and experience:

Associates degree in IT, Cyber Security, or related field required, bachelor’s degree preferred.  Equivalent industry experience may potentially be considered toward substitution of degree requirements.  Five or more years of experience designing, managing, and provisioning server and IT environments. Windows and Linux server administration.  Experience with virtualized and cloud environments preferred. Solid understanding of current cyber security principles and practices.  Direct firewall provisioning experience preferred.

Required Skills:

1. Solid working experience and thorough knowledge in at least six of the following technical areas:

• Server virtualization and common hypervisors
• Backup Solutions
• Windows and Linux server platforms
• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Endpoint Security Solutions
• VLANs
• VoIP
• DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, Radius, etc.
• SAN
• Fiber and copper cabling
• Equipment mounting and installation

1. Organized and a self-starter.
2. Proven ability to multi-task and plan/organize work to meet deadlines, all with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
3. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
4. Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as a team player.

Working Conditions:

This position mainly requires sitting to complete work with a computer and telephone. Some walking and standing are also required, as well as occasional lifting and/or carrying and/or pushing/pulling of various equipment such as routers, servers, or switch gear generally less than 20 pounds. A team approach is expected for tasks with forces greater than 20 pounds. Visual acuity is essential.  Field work will also be required. Limited travel required for training and meetings as needed and directed. At supervisor’s discretion, this position can be up to a 75% work from home Hybrid Work Model, requiring one week per month in-office for on-site work and in-person meetings and collaboration. Work hours outside of 40-hour work week may be required during emergency conditions or as needed. 

Safety Sensitive

This is a safety sensitive position. A safety sensitive job is one that includes tasks or duties that the cooperative reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others. Due to the safety sensitive nature of this job, a constant state of mental alertness is required and no substance (including, but not limited to medical marijuana) may be used by the employee in this position which may impair the employee's ability to maintain said constant state of mental alertness.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, and working schedules.

It is understood that this job description and any other company documents are not contracts of employment, and that any individual who is hired may voluntarily leave employment upon proper notice, and may be terminated by the employer at any time for any reason.  It is understood that any oral or written statements to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employee.