Systems Administrator

University Overview: The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

About the Role

The Information Technology Specialist plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing our virtualized computing environment. This individual provides high-level support for our VSphere and VMware ESX frameworks, ensuring their continuous and efficient operation. The role focuses on installing, maintaining, and securing server infrastructure with a strong emphasis on hardware and software firewall management. A critical part of this role involves developing and implementing Windows-based solutions tailored to the varied needs of the University Life offices. Collaboration with the End User Support team, database, and web teams is key to optimizing third-party applications and enhancing internally developed solutions. The successful candidate will proactively manage systems, perform regular tasks such as backups, disaster recovery, application deployment, server monitoring, and patch management, and maintain comprehensive system documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support VSphere and VMware ESX environments; install, maintain, and secure server infrastructure and devices through hardware and software firewall management.
• Support web servers; provide software installation and backups; coordinate hardware repairs, ordering, and installation of equipment; recommend and track software and hardware; install upgrades; handle security.
• Proactively perform systems management tasks such as backups, disaster recovery, application deployment, server monitoring, and patch management.
• Develop and maintain system documentation.
• Supervise and lead Systems Administrators and temporary staff in supporting complex systems for the Division.
• Develop and maintain physical and virtual desktop solutions.
• Work with database and web teams to develop and extend third-party applications and in-house solutions.
• Develop and implement Windows solutions to meet business requirements for over 15 University Life offices.
• Investigate and stay current on infrastructure hardware, software, server technologies, and security technologies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 to 5 years' experience managing a network.
• Ability to support, install, maintain, and secure server infrastructure and devices.
• Proficiency in VMware Administration, Windows Administration, Active Directory, and GPO Administration.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans allowing savings on a pre-tax or Roth basis with a variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or injury.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support work-life balance, health, and family care.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural/recreational activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, and theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches for completing work while balancing personal commitments.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to the legal adoption of a child.

Pay

$61,046.00 - $79,040.00 Annual Rate. Salary offers are based on candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Job Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania