IT System Administrator

Position Summary:

The position of System Administrator is one of high responsibility for reliable, economical member services and satisfaction.  A System Administrator must maintain working knowledge of all aspects of the Information Technology field.  A System Administrator has mastered the performance of all Information Technology positions.

A System Administrator performs the functions within Information Technology which may include, developing personnel, allocating resources, developing, conducting, and monitoring activities related to the Information Technology Department and Communications Department in accordance with established policies, plans and objectives of BEC.

A System Administrator will train, coach, both directly and indirectly, all aspects of routine and non-routine information technology.  The System Administrator ensures that work performed is completed in an accurate, professional manner and sets an example for others of courteous, productive work procedures.

 Essential Functions of the Position:

1. Principally works indoors in an office setting.

1. Must possess and maintain the ability to:

• Respond in a positive manner to supervision.
• Work as a cooperative member of a team.
• Interact in a professional and courteous manner with co-workers and

members.

• Successfully work within deadlines and time constraints.

1. System Administrator provides cooperative computer systems and networking assistance to cooperative personnel.  This is to include assistance with network/internet connectivity, software and systems passwords, as well as assistance with data and systems access permissions.

1. Monitors and operates cooperative in-house computer, telephone communications and security systems.  Communicates issues and/or systems status changes to cooperative personnel.

1. Monitors internet connectivity for all BEC departments, including BEC Communications, to resolve issues and complete upgrades.  Communicates issues and or connectivity status changes to cooperative personnel.

1. Researches network infrastructure, network security, and firewall strategies.

1. Implements network infrastructure, security and firewall changes as needed to provide for system and data security.  Maintains and updates user’s permissions for network systems access where applicable.

1. Plans IT and Security maintenance, upgrades and system hardware and/or software replacement projects.

1. Completes, participates in, or supervises the hardware and/or software updates, upgrades and maintenance on network server systems.

1. Oversees or participates in IT and Security-related purchases of hardware, software and repairs to include expense reports documenting purchases.

1. Creates monthly IT and Security project statuses, and oversees monthly IT reporting for issues and requests submitted to the IT ticketing system by cooperative personnel.

1. Oversees cooperative personnel email phishing test campaigns and education of employees in avoiding harmful viruses and malware, which could enter the cooperative network and computer systems through harmful emails.

1. Oversees and participates in, when needed, the maintenance of the cooperative website and social media content to ensure accuracy and timelines of information and images.

1. Provides and/or oversees networking assistance to users, including help with network connections and passwords.  This will be done through a ticketing system capable of identifying requests, what IT/Security-related items are being worked, and monthly reporting for executive and Board consumption.

1. Provides and/or oversees technical assistance and training to help users/Technical Support become more proficient in the use of the personal computer system.

1. Develops and/or oversees custom report utilizing a report writer to assist other departments with needed data.

1. Responsible for and/or oversees phishing and other related testing and education of employees in order to avoid the introduction of malware and/or other harmful viruses into the BEC system.

1. Works with other cooperative departments to pursue PCI compliance and internal controls objectives.

1. Develops plans for, as well as communicates and reports on, IT Department goals and objectives.

1. Must be able to lift 40-pound shipping packages and/or systems, monitors, etc.

1. Ability to work independently.

1. Ability to perform successfully under pressure from deadlines and management.

1. Well-organized and detail-oriented.

1. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet defined timeline

1. Ability to accurately diagnose and perform minor repairs to computers and related equipment.

1. Ability to problem-solve, identify and analyze problems, establish objectives, and evaluate programs and/or projects.

1. Operates all coop equipment in accordance with BEC policies and procedures, safety rules, manufacturer guidelines, and regulations and/or codes and seeks input from the Broadband IT Supervisor and or Chief Broadband Officer when information is unclear, inadequate or requires interpretation.

1. Plans the work of the individual assignment, as directed, so that it can be done safely, properly, orderly, and as economically as possible.

1. Subject to travel intra/interstate, as necessary, for training, meetings, job duties, or to provide assistance to other electric cooperatives.

1. Complies with all BEC policies, procedures and safety rules as they apply to the Information Technology Department and recommends to fellow workers the use and practice of the same.

1. This position is subject to working additional time beyond normal working hours, including evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed in emergency situations. 

Equipment Used:

Servers, Switches , Routers, Desktop computers, computer keyboards, telephones, printers, fax machines, paper shredders, file cabinets, desk chairs, postage machine.

Other Important Duties:

1. Maintains good working relations with co-workers, BEC members and the general public.

1. Represented BEC by attending schools/seminars/meetings for improvement of job knowledge and skills, when requested.

1. Continually explores new ideas to enhance job performance, efficiency, productivity, and work relations.  Communicates these ideas to the Broadband IT Supervisor, Chief Broadband Officer or designee.

1. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Broadband IT Supervisor, Chief Broadband Officer or designee.

Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must maintain professional knowledge of all issues relating to Information Technology and maintain the desire to improve industry knowledge by attending webinars, seminars, etc.

• Must maintain knowledge of Cooperative’s policies related to duties of the position.

• Ability to travel intra/inter-state, as necessary, for training purposes, meetings, or to provide assistance to other electric cooperatives, as required.

• Must be able to deal with members, the general public and fellow employees in a professional, friendly and courteous manner.

• Ability to move about and within an office building and on various terrains.

• Ability to frequently stand and/or walk and sit for extended periods of time.

• Ability to perform manual and detailed hand work using both hands, sometimes repetitively, in order to operate office equipment.

• Ability to lift and/or move a box of copy paper weighing approximately 40 pounds.

• Ability to perform essential functions that require frequent, prolonged viewing and use of computer monitor, keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.

• Ability to speak and hear clearly in order to communicate.

• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people and personalities.  Requires a high degree of interpersonal skills.

• Ability to be tactful and get along with diverse groups of people and personalities.  Capable of conveying a positive and professional image.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, even simultaneously, as well as coordinate projects with other employees working to consistently meet deadlines and budgets.

• Ability to listen to and read instructions and other paperwork.

• Ability to use judgement and reasoning skills to perform the Essential Functions of the Position.

• Ability to speak, hear, understand, and communicate in English. 

• Must have good math and computer skills.

• Ability to use office equipment including the computer and all relevant software,  10-key calculator, typewriter, fax machine, copier, phone system and various other types of business machines as required to do this job.

• Must be able to perform required duties during extended hours in emergency situations.

• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.

• Ability to safeguard confidential information.

The fully competent incumbent must possess the following knowledge:

• Safety issues affecting office workers.

• Website coding techniques and languages such as HTML for cooperative website updates, etc.

• Workstation, laptop and tablet systems, to include software, hardware and driver updates, as well as network configuration options.

• Troubleshooting workstation, laptop and tablet software and hardware issues.

• Printer and copier systems, to include device driver installation and updates, as well as troubleshooting of printing issues.

• Server systems hardware, networking and software, including the functionality of Domain Controller and Application server systems.

• Server and computer systems backup software and technologies, as well as backup schemes, such as the Grandfather, Father and Son scheme.

• Server monitoring and management, to include Microsoft Active Directory user login ID management and access permissions to network shared resources.

• MS Exchange Server email system, to include the creation, access control and management of Distribution Groups, Inbox Permissions and Shared Calendars.

• Troubleshooting server computer systems hardware and software.

• TCP/IP computer network communication protocol, including configuration options, DHCP and DNS functionality and management.

• MS Exchange Server email system, to include the creation, access control and management of Distribution Groups, Inbox Permissions and Shared Calendars.

• Intranet and internet communications, to include firewall security, VPN functionality, Network Switch and VLAN functionality and configurations.

• Wi-Fi security and network AP (Access Point) management.

• Network connectivity troubleshooting, including the use of basic Command Line tools such as PING, IPCONFIG, TRACEROUTE, etc.

• NISC iVUE system, including the functions of the CR, CIS, ABS Document Vault, MapWise, SmarTrack, Mobile Workforce, and Administration modules.

• Functionality of AppSuite on tablet systems, as it pertains to Work Solutions Management, CIS, SmarTrack and Mobile Workforce.

• NISC SmartHub and Messenger functionality, to include basic administration of email billing templates, through the use of HTML coding, for email billing notifications.

• ERSI ArcGIS Server and Engine software, as they pertain to the functionality of the NISC MapWise module and the cooperative GIS map system.

• Office telephone PBX systems, including basic VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) connectivity, IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system inter-connectivity, conference calling options, as well as office extension management and troubleshooting.

• Security systems, to include office and perimeter security systems monitoring as well as monitoring and management of office personnel security badges.

• Network design and configurations.

• Windows-based work processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphics software.

• Computer security measures, firewalls and best practices.

• Computer-related equipment.

• Social media communications.

• Must possess extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Education, Degrees, Certificates, and/or License Requirements

• High School Diploma.

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred, but work experience may substitute for degree.

• Valid Texas Driver’s license and an acceptable driving history.

• Must be eligible to be and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a computer-related field.

This Position Description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  The employee may be required to perform or assume additional position-related responsibilities other than those stated in this description.

BEC reserves the right to revise or change the position responsibilities as the need arises.  This Position Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  The time frames mentioned for successful accomplishment of training phases are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as an implied contract of employment for any amount of time.