City of Boulder

Systems Administrator Senior

Boulder, CO Full time

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

November 28, 2025

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

103,043.20 - 154,564.80

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

With limited supervision, the System Administrator, Senior is responsible for the planning, design, and delivery of technology projects and support. They will work with vendors to manage City services, roll out new technologies, and optimize existing City systems. Creates and manages user directories and files on the server platforms. Executes a backup and recovery process for all data systems. Manages capacity planning and determines equipment specifications for purchase. Manages the day-to-day operations of servers, hardware, operating systems, security and data protection. Monitors, tunes, diagnoses and resolves intermediate operating systems problems. Develops and implements intermediate scripts to automate common functions or system operations. Configures and defines system resources.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES               

Enterprise System Administration

  • Design complex systems, configuration, and programming in the support of the enterprise file system, LDAP/AD directory services, SSO, database and applications server environment.

  • Identifies requirements and designs appropriate systems solutions to meet business needs. 

  • Installs, modifies, and customizes operating system software, patches, upgrades, and communications components in support of the Linux/Windows server infrastructure, Virtual Server (VMWare), VoIP, Web and Terminal Services infrastructure. 

  • Configures server and printer hardware using system standards and procedures and ensures their compliance to security system hardening guidelines/policies. 

  • Performs systems management functions pertaining to the hardware, operating system software, databases, SAN/NAS Storage and disk subsystems, necessary to ensure normal systems operations. 

  • Supports enterprise messaging systems including e-mail/Office 365, VoIP, mobile (MDM, EAS) and ensures their integration into the enterprise, including MS Teams Calling and Exchange online protection.

  • Endpoint protection management (CrowdStrike, Windows Defender) 

  • Group Policy management 

  • Phishing campaign management (Knowbe4) 

  • Performs systems management of enterprise services such as DHCP, DNS, FTP, etc. 

  • Monitors systems to prevent potential performance, software, and/or hardware problems that could cause system downtime. Takes appropriate measures to resolve any problems or downtime in a prompt manner.  

  • Manages system deployment tools (SCCM/Intune), develops scripts (Bash, Powershell), or uses other systems programming tools to automate complex systems management and systems programming tasks. 

  • Performs frequent scheduled server security and vulnerability scans using system utilities and software programs and remediates or assists in the remediation of any vulnerabilities that are found. 

  • Automates or performs regular backup, recovery and disaster recovery processes. 

  • Implements database management procedures that have been defined and developed by the DBA. 

  • Performs duties to achieve established service level agreements.  

  • Adheres to and ensures all servers comply with city security policies and industry best practices related to system security 

  • Creates standards, maintenance and operational procedures for the server environment and related systems.  

  • Desired experience with SCADA, Radio, drone, surveillance, and Public safety systems 

Project Management

  • Leads, manages & plans systems administration-related large projects and assignments.

  • Develops project work plans, project objectives documents, and plans using project management software.  Conducts kick off meetings, coordinates and schedules work on assigned projects, tracks project progress and task assignments, and manages changes within the change control process.   

  • Matrix manages work efforts related to the completion of tasks and assignments of other staff assigned to the project. 

  • Manages the work of consultants and contractors that may be used. 

  • Coordinates and tracks project budgets. 

  • Provides regular written and verbal communication on project status via written reports, conducting regular status meetings with team members, and executive advisory board (EAB) meetings with department/division heads. 

Other 

  • Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the City. 

  • Provides technical assistance and information to co-workers, users from other City departments, and outside individuals, on the City's technical environment, architecture, computer systems, and applications. 

  • Provides technical support within the Information Technology (IT) organization by serving as an expert-level technical resource for Help Desk, Desktop and Application support teams. 

  • Acts as liaison, as assigned, with outside vendors on technical issues regarding software and hardware components. 

  • Applies knowledge and skills to collaborate, promote, develop, follow and recommend changes to IT in operations, processes and procedures, as necessary. 

  • Maintains and develops a personal, professional skills and career plan. 

  • Collaborates with their supervisor to develop a career plan that meets the requirements of the division. 

  • Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents.  Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.  Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.  Reports all accidents and damage to city property. 

  • Know and comply with all city and department policies; participate in professional trainings and development; and adhere to attendance and workplace attire policies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Ability to administer and support of Microsoft 365 with strong emphasize of exchange online, and Teams UC 

  • Ability to manage Azure based SaaS environment 

  • Ability to be the administrator and support of VMware 

  • Ability to build and maintain the entire environment. 

  • Ability to be on call and respond timely to on-site needs and issues  

  • Knowledge of PowerShell Scripting 

  • Knowledge of Windows Server 2012 to current Technologies and Active Directory 

  • Knowledge and experience with Cisco IOS (switches, ASA firewalls, QoS policies, Access lists and traffic prioritization) 

  • Knowledge and understanding of VLAN’s 

  • Knowledge of routers and firewalls in an enterprise of various WAN scenarios such as a MPLS, point-to-point and secure VPN over the internet 

  • Knowledge of LAN / WAN, VOIP, TCP/IP, VPN 

  • Knowledge of SAN / NAS / Storage 

  • Knowledge of Networks security, VPN, firewalls, load balancers, DNS and other infrastructure components.  

  • Knowledge of Network Design/Architecture experience 

  • Knowledge of Network Monitoring tools such as SolarWinds 

  • Skills and proficiency in software and firmware patching technologies such as SCCM 

  • Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain acceptable driving record.

  • Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to effectively deal with ambiguity works well within an evolving environment; remains effective when the vision, direction is vague, and performs within an acceptable level of risk

  • Ability to adapt and adjust; can create strategies for innovative solutions that best fit the organization; actively monitors possible implementation problems and evolving needs and selects efficient and effective alternatives.

  • Ability to reach consensus through good inter-personal skills and has a strong understanding of political issues; maintains high ethical standards while working subtly and effectively with the organizational structure; avoids missteps by calculating the outcome and consequences of alternative courses of action based on a realistic assessment of the situation.

  • Ability to present complex technical opportunities as outcome-focused business solutions.

  • Ability to perform within all levels of the organization and obtain successful outcomes; interacts with internal and external stakeholders and customers in a manner that supports organizational values.

  • Ability to facilitate a positive work environment that supports peak performance; has the ability to determine what encourages others; and demonstrates an ability to delegate while fostering independent decision-making.

  • Knowledge and experience with enterprise database systems (Oracle & SQL Server), Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft SharePoint Services, Backup software (Commvault), Remote Desktop Services, VDI, VoIP, VMWare VSAN, and ITIL methodologies.

  • Knowledge and experience with enterprise database systems (Oracle & SQL Server), Microsoft SharePoint Services, System Center Configuration Manager, Backup software (Commvault), Citrix, Cisco VoIP, EqualLogic Storage systems  and ITIL methodologies.  

  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and/or RedHat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related field

  • An equivalent combination of eight (8) years’ related experience may substitute for the education requirement only

  • Five (5) or more years’ experience in the installation and maintenance of operating systems in an information technology environment

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Systems Manager

Supervision Exercised:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

  • Physical and mental effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.  Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.  Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an office setting as well as the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and sometimes difficult terrain. 

  • Work environment: Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard.  Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.  Upper body strength to lift and carry supplies and equipment. Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

  • Machines and equipment used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers and telephones.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: November 2024

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.