Systems Administrator III

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas -- the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Management is a NAES Company.

Summary

The Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring the smooth and secure operation of computer systems-covering both hardware and software across physical and virtual environments. This position is responsible for maintaining core enterprise systems, ensuring data accuracy, and improving workflows that enable the organization to run smoothly.  This position requires compliance with IT best practices and regulatory standards.  This is a full-time, primarily in-person position located in our downtown Houston office.

Primary Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows operating systems, virtual machines, and related software.
• Manage and maintain VMware vCenter and Horizon View environments, including virtual machine deployment, configuration, and monitoring.
• Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, IAM, DNS, DHCP, and failover clustering.
• Manage and maintain MSSQL Server environments including access management, performance tuning, and backup/recovery strategies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Windows operating systems, virtualization technologies, and network connectivity.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation of IT systems and processes.
• Utilize backup tools to ensure that timely backups are performed and periodically test backup integrity.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and security bulletins.
• Keep systems up to date with current security updates and vendor recommended updates.
• Investigate new technology and provide recommendations on system improvements and life cycle planning
• Availability for after-hours support and maintenance as needed.
• Follow proper change control procedures and adhere to industry compliance standards.

Working Relationships

The System Administrator reports to the IT Manager and works in relation to other IT team members.  This position will also require coordination with the operations team, applications team, and other staff within the organization.

Compensation

The initial compensation will range from $110,500 - $127,100

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field, or equivalent work experience

Experience:

• Five years of experience in Windows System Administration
• Three years of experience with VMware vCenter in a clustered environment.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Windows Server, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, WSUS etc.
• Strong knowledge of VMware clustered environments including performance tuning, load balancing, and the ability to perform upgrades and other maintenance.
• Experience with Veeam Backup & Replication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of VMWare Horizon View or other VDI environments.
• Administrative experience with MSSQL such as managing permissions, performing backups, managing failover clusters.
• Some networking knowledge covering IP addressing, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, routing, firewalls, and common protocols like TCP/UDP, HTTP/S.
• Experience with scripting and automation tools, such as PowerShell, Python, and/or PDQ Deploy.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Netwrix and SolarWinds or similar.
• Some knowledge of Linux/Unix systems.
• Experience following compliance standards such as NERC CIP, PCI-DSS, or SOC, or similar regulated environment.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning and remediation.
• Experience following structured change control procedures.

Other Considerations:

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to relay technical information to non-technical coworkers is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Additional time may be required during heavy workloads, to meet deadlines, or to respond to issues that occur after normal business hours.  This position works in an office and data center environment.  Must be able to travel to remote data centers or business locations that are in the Houston and the Dallas area.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 40lbs.  Ability to sit for long periods of time, ability to communicate verbally, and in writing, and ability to handle long periods of screen time.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times.  Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property.  Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures.  Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.