Senior IT Systems Administrator – Windows & VMware
We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Infrastructure Management
• Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)
• Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives
• Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies
• Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization
VMware Infrastructure Management
• Administer VMware vSphere v8+ environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN
• Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization
• Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime
Project Leadership & Management
• Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters
• Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
Team Leadership & Task Management
• Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements
• Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team
• Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues
Operational Excellence
• Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
• Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration
• 5+ years of VMware vSphere administration experience
• Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
• Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
• Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures
Leadership & Communication
• Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in task delegation and team coordination
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Organizational Skills
• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)
• Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
• Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
• VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
• Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements
• Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations
Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives
• Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives
• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks
• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels
Skills Required
- 5+ years hands-on Windows Server administration (2019, 2022, 2025)
- 5+ years VMware vSphere administration including vSphere v8+, VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, vSAN
- Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
- Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
- Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
- Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures
- Proficiency with project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
- Proven track record leading technical infrastructure projects end-to-end
- Participation in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
- Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL)
- Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field
- Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
- VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
- Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and compliance obligations
What We Do
Five Rivers IT Provides IT infrastructure solutions to Small and Medium Businesses. Five Rivers IT strives to help businesses drive productivity, maximize value and increase reliability within their IT infrastructure. We accomplish this by providing our clients with the best IT architects, infrastructure solutions, data management and cloud services available. At Five Rivers IT, we build reliable IT infrastructures so you can run your business with peace of mind. We believe that IT solutions are the tools needed to run your business, and should not become your business. We avoid this scenario by partnering with our clients to determine effective solutions, often acting as their own IT staff, if necessary. Whether it’s an office move or moving to a cloud-based platform, we provide the knowledge, know-how and dedication necessary to get the work done – on time and within budget. Five Rivers IT offers strategic planning, project management and technical services that enable you to garner control of your IT systems. From conducting comprehensive requirement analyses to providing custom tailored solutions, Five Rivers IT is ready, willing and able to meet all of your technology needs.









