Senior IT Systems Administrator – Windows & VMware in Hialeah, Florida at Five Rivers IT, Inc.

Senior IT Systems Administrator – Windows & VMware

We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Windows Infrastructure Management

• Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)

• Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives

• Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies

• Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization

VMware Infrastructure Management

• Administer VMware vSphere v8+ environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN

• Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization

• Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime

Project Leadership & Management

• Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters

• Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans

• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership

• Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget

Team Leadership & Task Management

• Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements

• Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance

• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team

• Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues

Operational Excellence

• Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation

• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support

• Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration

• 5+ years of VMware vSphere administration experience

• Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation

• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions

• Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)

• Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization

• Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures

Leadership & Communication

• Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience in task delegation and team coordination

• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders

Organizational Skills

• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities

• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)

• Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field

• Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience

• VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience

• Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements

• Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives

• Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent

• Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives

• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks

• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels