Location: Lancaster,PA, USA
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We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Enterprise Systems Administrator to join our IT team. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of expertise across networking, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems. Key responsibilities include managing SD-WAN, Palo Alto firewalls, Meraki devices, Aruba switching, Entra, Exchange, Office 365, and Cloudflare. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining and optimizing our IT infrastructure, ensuring security, reliability, and scalability.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lead Enterprise Systems Administrator administers and protects the integrity of network-related systems, setting up and monitoring secure environments, as well as reviewing system utilization and addressing performance issues in compliance with the County's Information Security Policy and Information Technology standards.
The Administrator must possess a high level of experience and proficiency to interact with customer needs over the phone, through remote tools or in person. The Lead Enterprise Systems Administrator must enter work orders and follow up on work orders in the Help Desk system. The Lead Administrator also provides guidance to the rest of the team as needed and will advise the Technical Services Manager as needed. The Lead Administrators monitors various network, application and security systems, makes recommendations for improved processes related to network infrastructure, and safeguards files through approved backups and disaster preparedness.
This position is deemed essential and may be required to work during inclement weather, natural disaster, other emergency situations and/or when the County offices are officially closed due to inclement weather, natural disaster, other emergency situations, etc. This position may be required to work off its normal shift.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Network Administration:
Configure, monitor, and maintain SD-WAN solutions for optimized performance and reliability.
Manage and secure network infrastructure with Palo Alto firewalls, Meraki devices, and Cloudflare for DNS, security, and content delivery.
Oversee and troubleshoot Aruba switching configurations, VLANs, and Layer 2/3 networking.
System Administration:
Administer and maintain Active Directory and Entra (Azure AD), including identity and access management, group policies, and synchronization.
Manage Microsoft Exchange (on-prem and online) and Office 365 environments, ensuring uptime, email security, and seamless communication services.
Support integration between on-premises infrastructure and Azure cloud services, ensuring hybrid solutions function seamlessly.
Cloud and Security:
Configure and manage Microsoft Azure services, including virtual machines, resource groups, and monitoring tools.
Leverage Cloudflare to enhance network security, manage DNS, and improve application performance.
Implement and maintain Zero Trust security principles across on-prem and cloud-based systems.
Monitor for vulnerabilities and perform proactive patch management to mitigate risks.
Operational Excellence:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure IT infrastructure supports business goals.
Participate in capacity planning, disaster recovery testing, and IT continuity strategies.
Maintain detailed documentation for configurations, processes, and procedures.
Support and Leadership:
Provide tier-3 technical support for complex system and network issues.
Mentor junior IT staff and foster a culture of learning and collaboration.
Participate in an on-call rotation to address critical incidents outside of regular hours.
Implements security standards, policies, and procedures.
Installs and supports network-based applications.
Develops and maintains group, computer and password policies.
Performs security reviews and assessments for the IT department and other County agencies.
Installs and maintains routers, switches, and other network infrastructure equipment.
Creates and implements compliancy rules for various information systems.
Ensures authorized access by investigating improper access and reporting violations.
Reviews information requests for new programming or system implementations.
Determine the customer's issue by gathering information, analyzing symptoms, and coming to a resolution.
Follow the established service level agreements, properly update work orders, and enter work order resolutions.
Handle problems and escalated issues using remote access tools when possible.
Update permissions, reset network passwords and update user information.
Provide customers with the status of work orders.
OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES
Identify/recommend improvements to the desktop systems
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Four-year degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or related field, and a minimum of five (5) years' experience in Information Technology field or an equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the required knowledge, skills, ability, education, and experience adding up to nine (9) years. These qualifications will be included in the job posting and will be used to screen applicants.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in managing SD-WAN solutions.
Hands-on experience with Palo Alto firewalls, Meraki devices, and Aruba switching.
Strong knowledge of Layer 2/3 switching, routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), and VLAN configurations.
Advanced skills in Active Directory, Entra (Azure AD), and hybrid identity environments.
Expertise in managing Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and related cloud services.
Experience with Azure IaaS/PaaS services, virtual machines, and cloud resource management.
Familiarity with Cloudflare services for DNS management and network security.
Preferred Additional Skills:
Scripting and automation using PowerShell or Python.
Experience with virtualization technologies like VMware or Hyper-V.
Familiarity with IT monitoring tools and SNMP-based solutions.
Understanding of ITIL practices for change management and incident response.
Soft Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Self-motivated, with a desire to learn and implement new technologies.
Applicable knowledge of and ability to complete job responsibilities under privacy guidelines such as the County Information Security Policy, HIPAA and CJIS.
Ability to maintain 100% customer focus when providing IT services.
Familiarity with VMWare
Ability to perform a variety of tasks; possess strong organizational skills and attention to details skills; and the ability to maintain flexibility to multitask as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers, peers, and policy-making bodies within the County.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES
CCNP, PCNSA/PCNSE (Palo Alto), Meraki CMNA, or Aruba certifications.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Entra Administrator Associate.
Relevant certifications in Office 365 or Cloudflare security tools.
A valid driver's license and criminal background check are required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
* Operate standard office equipment
* Sit long periods of time in an office environment
* Lift a minimum of 50 pounds
* Frequently move computers and equipment
* Frequent travel to various County-owned and leased facilities
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.
Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.