System/Network Administrator (Linux & Windows) Ops Specialist (on-site) TB

Overview:

• We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems/Network Administrator to join our client’s team.
• The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with both Linux and Windows environments, advanced networking, virtualization, storage solutions, and system clusters.
• This role demands technical expertise, a strong troubleshooting mindset, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Key responsibilities:

Linux Systems Administration:

• Expert-level administration of Debian-based distributions (Ubuntu) and RedHat derivatives (Alma, Rocky).
• Provisioning and configuring servers, clusters, laptops, and other devices via the CLI.
• Installation and configuration of LOB (Line-of-Business) applications manually—config files (YAML, JSON).
• Monitoring and troubleshooting system performance, processes, and logs to ensure smooth operations.
• Participating in interviews and tests focused on troubleshooting system issues based on log output and process analysis.

Windows Systems Administration:

• Managing and supporting Windows servers in a range of functions, including Active Directory (AD/LDAP), DHCP, DNS, NPS, Certificate Services, IIS, and Hyper-V.
• Knowledge of IIS modules (Dot Net, ASP, Web Sockets).
• Providing user desktop support and managing Windows-based file servers.
• Taking ownership of Windows Server maintenance and administration tasks.

Networking:

• Working in environments with Core/Distribution/Access-switching topologies, high-throughput aggregation switches, and edge/access switches (Edgecore, MikroTik, UniFi, D-Link).
• Managing VLANs, implementing modern tunneling technologies such as ZeroTier and WireGuard, and being well-versed in iptables/nftables, firewalld, and network bonding techniques.
• Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting of FortiGate, MikroTik, pfSense, and other similar systems.
• Maintaining network performance and ensuring uptime for critical services.
• Knowledge of monitoring applications such as Zabbix, Nagios, Data Dog and New Relic.
• IPAM/DCIM experience essential.

Database Support:

• Providing basic support for Postgres, Oracle, and MariaDB environments (backups, restores, and minor SQL queries).
• Oracle DB knowledge advantageous, including the use of Oracle Data Pump and TNS Listener troubleshooting.
• Collaborating with DBA teams to ensure database availability and performance.

Server Hardware & Storage Administration:

• Manage SAN, NAS, DAS, LVM, and LUN infrastructures. From setting up and configuring HPE SAN systems to managing Synology, Seagate NAS and FreeNAS devices.
• Perform tasks such as HBA bonding, SCSI configuration, and storage performance optimization.
• Server hardware – assembly/upgrades and troubleshooting.
• RAID and other HA methods, including setup and best practice configurations.
• Veeam Backup and Quest NetVault experience advantageous.
• Familiarity with LTO-tape technology and how it works and is used will be advantageous.

Virtualization & Cluster Management:

• Administering Xen-based hypervisor clusters (XCP/Xen Hypervisors) and Hyper-V environments.
• Deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting virtualized environments.
• Managing cluster performance, failover, and storage integration.
• Past hands-on experience with Hyper-V clusters and VMWare vSphere advantageous.
• Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and containerization technologies is advantageous.

Functions:

• Implementing ITIL-based best practices (ITSM).
• Managing assets (ITAM), including hardware procurement, supplier negotiation, warranties, and SLAs.
• Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence is advantageous.
• Writing of support and training documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical abilities.

Minimum Requirements:

Qualifications required:

• Matric plus an IT Degree (Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or similar or a National IT Diploma).
• MUST HAVE: Linux LPIC2 certification.
• MUST HAVE: MCITP, CCNA, MCSE: Core Infrastructure, ITILv4, Security+

• Advantageous certifications: A+ or N+, MTCNA, ICND1, MTCRE, UBWA, Server+, MCSA: Windows Server 2016.
• 6 – 8 years’ experience required in a similar role.

Skills and experience required:

• Extensive experience in technical management, preferably in a related industry.
• Advanced knowledge of IT Infrastructure and Information Systems innovation and integration.
• Ability to manage IT support teams.
• Familiarity with database queries.
• Knowledge of database design and theories.
• Ability to work with data architects and other IT specialists to set up, maintain and monitor data networks.
• Knowledge of database structure languages, such as SQL or SQL/PSM.
• Experience with server installation and maintenance.
• Familiarity with database management best practices.
• Has a full understanding of the IT SDLC.
• Experience in ITIL and AGILE Methodologies.
• Ability to diagnose faults, incidents, and problems, and implement required changes.
• Ensuring optimal hardware and software functionality, as well as network security.

Desired Skills:

• Systems Admin (Linux & Windows)
• Systems/Network Admin (Linux & Windows)
• Operations Specialist (Linux & Windows)