Systems Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION Department: Information Technology Reports to: Director of IT FLSA status: Non-exempt Supervisor duties: none Classification: Classified Work Calendar 12 Month Position Summary: The Systems Engineer designs, installs, administers, and optimizes enterprise servers, network infrastructure, and cloud environments to ensure high availability, performance, and security across the district. This Tier 3 mid-level support position requires extensive expertise in maintaining virtualization hosts, managing Active Directory environments, and serving as a key Google Administrator-overseeing Google Workspace for Education, user provisioning, device management, and core cloud applications to support administrative and digital learning needs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategy & Planning Develop strategies for client/server implementations; design the infrastructure required to support those strategies. Plan, execute, and manage the integration of new applications into existing network infrastructure, systems and software throughout the enterprise. Ensure that any new software integration into the organization systems meets functional requirements, system compliance, data privacy, data warehousing, and other specifications. Act as project lead in the design and review of new server systems, applications, and hardware; conduct capacity planning as needed. Lead, coordinate and participate in key process improvements as they relate to the client/server environment. Coordinate and collaborate with technical services team members to ensure availability, reliability, and scalability of organizational servers to meet business demands. Establish and implement policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure server security through secure system access, monitoring, control, and routine security evaluations. Participate in and support capacity planning and the development of long-term strategic goals for systems, software, and storage in conjunction with technical services team members. Acquisition & Deployment

• Conduct research on client/server hardware, software, and protocols in support of procurement and development efforts.
• Install and configure Linux and Windows systems and software.
• Implement redundant systems, policies, and procedures for disaster recovery and archiving to ensure effective protection and integrity of organizational data and assets.
• Establish appropriate end-user access controls for stored data.
• Set up and maintain Active Directory domain accounts and workstations
• Set up and maintain employee/student email access.
• Ensure proper inventory of district technology assets and assist in yearly audits.
• Evaluate, install, configure, and deploy new applications, systems software, products, and/or enhancements to existing network infrastructure and applications throughout the enterprise. JOB DESCRIPTION
• Analyze documentation and technical specifications of any new application under deployment or consideration to determine its intended functionality. Operational Management
• Infrastructure Management: Design, configure, and maintain Windows/Linux server environments, virtualized systems (VMware/Hyper-V), and cloud solutions (Azure/AWS, Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft 365).
• Google Workspace & Identity Management: Oversee full Google Administrator functions (Google Workspace account management, organizational units, Chrome management, apps, and integrations) alongside Active Directory, Single Sign-On (SSO), and automated user provisioning for students and staff.
• Network & Security Operations: Administer firewalls, DNS/DHCP, VLANs, Wi-Fi networks, content filtering (CIPA compliance), disaster recovery backups, and cybersecurity protocols.
• System Integration & Maintenance: Support District Student Information Systems (SIS) integrations, learning management platforms, custom scripting (PowerShell/Python), and endpoint management tools.
• Check the work order system for entries on server and server resource issues; prioritize and respond to work orders as appropriate.
• Serve as a cornerstone for escalating server issues; provide timely response to customer escalations.
• Perform file system configuration and management; define, and perform server backups and recovery procedures.
• Perform and test backups and restores to ensure enterprise data protection and integrity.
• Monitor, analyze, and predict trends for storage equipment performance, space allocation, and data growth to recommend enhancements.
• Plan and implement server upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches.
• Plan and implement workstation upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches.
• Monitor and test system performance and provide performance statistics and reports.
• Define and implement strategies for integrating disparate operating system environments.
• Recommend and execute modifications to the server environment in order to improve efficiency, reliability, and performance.
• Develop and maintain training materials and server documentation as it relates to system configuration, mapping processes, and service records.
• Build and maintain an internal wiki with technical documentation, manuals and IT policies.
• Ensure system connectivity of all servers, shared software, groupware, and other applications.
• Coordinate and perform in-depth tests, including end-user reviews, for modified and new systems.
• Conduct research on emerging products, services, protocols, and standards in support of systems software procurement and development efforts.
• Provide guidance to junior team members.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Proven work experience in a senior technical analytical position responsible for managing server environments.
• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining all manners of server hardware and associated network equipment.
• Experience with server performance tuning and monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP and other network protocols and operating system configuration. JOB DESCRIPTION
• General knowledge of storage technologies such as SAN or NAS, as well as Active Directory or other directory services.
• Proven experience with systems planning, security principals, and general software management best practices.
• Proven experience in an enterprise server environment.
• VMWare and/or virtualization experience strongly recommended.
• Strong understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
• Good written and oral communication skills; good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct research into server issues and products as required.
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: Education & Experience:
• High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years work experience in related field.
• Associate's Degree of higher in computer sciences preferred and 4 years of work experience in a related field.
• Current and active industry standard certifications such as: MCSA Server, MCSE, VCP, and Server+ may substitute for 1 year work experience each, up to 2 years, subject to verification. Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Windows Server Google Workspace Administrator VMWare Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Must possess, or be able to obtain and maintain, current and valid Arizona DPS Level 1 IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card. Other card types need to be converted to Level 1 IVP before employment can begin. Valid Arizona or other state issued driver's license. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and other computer components.
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects up to 40 lbs., such as servers and peripherals. WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Occasional evening and weekend work to make repairs/upgrades to critical infrastructure.
• On-call availability for emergency issues.
• Climbing ladders, using lifts, and navigating tight spaces. JOB DESCRIPTION
• In-district travel is required for the purpose of supporting on-site hardware and software troubleshooting and repair and other duties as assigned.
• Company vehicles are provided for district travel matters. Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Revised September 2026