Systems Administrator

Job Description

Connexus Energy is seeking a System Administrator. As a System Administrator you will install, maintain and support Connexus Energy’s servers, data storage, enterprise business applications, and computer equipment in a manner that ensures maximum efficiency and results in minimal downtime and disruption of services.

Based in Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 145,000+ residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities. We offer a collaborative work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable and innovative industry. We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development. Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability. Fast Company named Connexus to its prestigious list of 2024’s Most Innovative Companies.

Key Responsibilities and Results:

• Install, maintain and provide advanced troubleshooting support for server hardware and software and related equipment.
• Perform set-up of accounts, printer queues, and access privileges.
• Provide advanced support on daily backups and restore data.
• Maintain user accounts, access rights and active directory security.
• Work with vendors for system upgrades and troubleshooting server and business applications problems.
• Identify bottlenecks, suggest and implement improvements as needed/scheduled/approved.
• Plan, configure and maintain infrastructure equipment such as servers, HVAC, UPS, etc.
• Perform problem solving utilizing server monitoring with support tools.
• Make infrastructure recommendations to management and implement as approved.
• Ensure all licenses are kept current and valid.
• Install, maintain and provide support for the data storage subsystem to result in maximized productivity and stability of applications and database services.
• Perform set-up of disk management, performance tuning, and server access privileges to the storage area network (SAN).
• Ensure related processes and procedures have current documentation on use of hardware and software tools.
• Review the daily server and storage health checks and ensure all monitors are in place for server and application environments.
• Plan and apply/pilot software and hardware upgrades to the server, SAN environments and enterprise applications environments.
• Plan, maintain, and review security of the SAN and the server and business application environments.
• Provide advanced technical support to employees and other department staff on server, storage and database related issues.
• Test and implement solution.
• Train, mentor and educate technical support team with system specific expertise.
• Technology Management and Scanning - Recommend Connexus Energy maintain currency with regard to communication, application, and web server technologies
• Analyze, benchmark, and ensure the company employs solutions that are supported by the hardware and software vendors.
• Analyze, benchmark, and ensure migration plans for software and hardware are in place and followed to comply with support and technical currency version agreements.
• Analyze, benchmark, and ensure Connexus Energy is made aware of new technologies that could benefit the company.
  
  

Required Education and Expertise:

• Associate’s degree in computer sciences or related field, or technical certification
• Five or more years of hands-on IT infrastructure support experience (LAN, WAN, Servers, PCs)
• Five or more years direct user interaction experience
• Five or more years supporting MS Windows O/S and Intel desktop computers
• Current and valid driver’s license.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Visio.
• Knowledge of and ability to support Microsoft Windows and web servers.
• Ability to diagnose response time and performance problems of the Microsoft Windows Servers and make improvements.
• Ability to monitor alert logs and system logs, discern severity of problem, and contact the proper people to resolve the problem.
• Skilled in current Windows version and legacy versions, including: Windows 2012 and 2016 Server, Windows 10, Windows 7.
• Ability to analyze, investigate, troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to listen and understand information being communicated as well as clearly communicate information and ideas both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to process, record and prioritize customer requests.
• Ability to read and understand written work documents.
  
  

Preferred Education and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences or related field, or technical certification
• Three or more years of hands-on IT infrastructure support experience (LAN, WAN, Servers, PCs)
• Three or more years direct user interaction experience
• Three or more years supporting MS Windows O/S and Intel desktop computers
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirement: Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Compensation: Connexus Energy offers employees a competitive salary, an annual incentive, and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, life, company provided disability insurance, generous company contribution and match to 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.