Server Administrator

Position Overview

A client in Calgary requires an experienced Server Administrator with between seven to ten or more years in enterprise IT infrastructure. This contract role is part-time, requiring presence in the office three days per week. The ideal candidate will possess advanced expertise in designing, implementing, and supporting Microsoft server systems, virtualization platforms, storage solutions, Active Directory, and hybrid cloud technologies. While networking knowledge supports this role, the focus is mainly on administration, optimization, security, and lifecycle management of server systems and mission-critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize Microsoft Windows Server environments, specifically Windows Server 2019/2022 or more recent versions.
• Oversee key infrastructure services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, DFS, replication, and identity management.
• Administer virtualization platforms including Hyper-V clusters, virtual machines, and failover clustering.
• Handle enterprise storage management involving SAN technologies, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, provisioning, and capacity planning.
• Implement and maintain backup, disaster recovery, data protection, and retention policies for both on-premises and cloud systems.
• Support hybrid and cloud infrastructure migration, administration, and optimization, focusing on Microsoft 365 and Azure services.
• Administer Microsoft Exchange environments (on-premises and Exchange Online), including email archiving and secure messaging gateways.
• Monitor and troubleshoot server performance to ensure high availability and optimize capacity.
• Plan hardware refreshes, upgrade operating systems, and manage infrastructure lifecycle processes.
• Collaborate with IT management to secure, scale, and improve infrastructure operations continually.
• Maintain thorough documentation including system diagrams, operational guidelines, and disaster recovery plans.
• Provide Tier 3 technical support for server, virtualization, storage, and related infrastructure incidents.
• Research and implement infrastructure improvements aligned with business goals.
• Work with business stakeholders and IT teams to design and roll out new infrastructure solutions.
• Assist in managing network infrastructure components such as firewalls, switches, and VPNs when required.

Experience and Expertise

• At least 7 to 10 years of experience in enterprise-level systems administration.
• Proficient with Microsoft Windows Server 2019/2022 administration.
• Strong skills in Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, DFS, PowerShell scripting, Windows Updates, and identity services.
• Extensive management of Hyper-V virtualization, Failover Clustering, and Remote Desktop Services.
• Experience with Windows deployment, imaging, and server lifecycle management.
• Advanced knowledge in backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies.
• Expertise managing SAN storage environments including Fibre Channel and iSCSI, with ability to optimize storage performance.
• Administer Microsoft Exchange 2016/2019, Exchange Online, email archiving, and eDiscovery solutions.
• Manage Microsoft 365 apps such as Teams and SharePoint, including hybrid identity implementations.
• Experience in migrating workloads to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 cloud platforms.
• Handling hybrid cloud administration and Azure infrastructure operation.
• Implementing server hardening, endpoint protection, vulnerability remediation, and security protocols.
• Good knowledge of identity and access management, MFA, conditional access, and server security best practices.
• Familiar with enterprise networking concepts including TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, VPNs, and managed firewalls (Fortinet, Palo Alto).
• Support network switch infrastructure (HP/Aruba), network troubleshooting, and liaising with network teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and deliver high service levels in large, distributed enterprise settings.
• Committed to teamwork, integrity, innovation, and continuous operational improvement.

Additional Details

This role requires attending the office three days weekly in Calgary, Alberta. It is a contract position currently with no specified duration, and the candidate will collaborate closely with IT managers to maintain and improve infrastructure security and performance.