Windows Systems Administrator (Anywhere in Texas)

Role: Windows Systems Administrator

Duration: 6 months (Contract to hire)

Location: Remote Texas-based candidates preferred

Summary:

The client has issued a request for a System Administrator. This role manages and supports Microsoft-based infrastructure across on-premises, virtual, and cloud platforms, including servers, endpoints, and mobile devices, while acting as Tier III escalation for complex systems issues. Candidates must have advanced practical knowledge of Active Directory architecture and infrastructure, including LDAP, directory replication, and Group Policy, as well as strong experience with Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Exchange Online. OCA has also noted their preference for the candidate to convert to an FTE, so candidates in consideration must be able and willing to convert.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Administer, monitor, and support enterprise Microsoft infrastructure across on-prem, virtual, and cloud environments, including servers, workstations, and mobile devices, with Tier III escalation responsibility.

Manage and secure Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, Exchange Online, and Microsoft 365 services, ensuring availability, performance, and alignment with security best practices.

Automate administrative tasks using advanced scripting, implement system improvements, and maintain a security-first mindset across all infrastructure, configurations, and operational decisions.

Minimum Candidate Characteristics:

5+ years administering Microsoft servers (including web and SQL servers) using Windows Server 2016/2019 in a Hyper-V enterprise environment.

3+ years managing Microsoft Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, and Office 365 in an enterprise environment.

Experience automating administrative tasks using PowerShell or similar scripting languages, plus hands-on experience with Microsoft cloud-based security solutions (Azure/Intune).

Exceptional Candidate Characteristics:

Experience with a Texas State Agency

Experience supporting enterprise-scale environments, including endpoint management (SCCM/Intune), SQL Server administration (migrations, performance tuning), modern SAN/storage solutions, and coordinating with vendor support

Responsibilities:

Performs highly complex or advanced (senior-level) systems administration work to servers, workstations, and mobile devices. Work involves the recommendation of, testing, implementation, monitoring, and operation of OCA s servers (physical and virtual - onprem, remote, and in cloud), workstations, and mobile devices. This includes both hardware and software as well as services such as File and Print, DCHP, AD, DNS, Exchange Online, and M365. This position also acts as Tier III support for the servers and workstations. Works under limited or minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. All work must be done with a security mindset.

Required Skills:

• 5 years of Required Experience administering Microsoft servers, including web servers, SQL Servers using Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 in a Hyper-V Enterprise environment.
• 3 years of Required Experience managing all identity aspects of Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft Azure Active Directory in an Enterprise environment
• 3 years of Required Experience administering Office365 in an Enterprise environment
• 2 years of Required Experience in automating redundant tasks using advanced scripting (PowerShell, Perl, Python, VBScript)
• 1 year of Required Experience with Microsoft cloud-based security solutions (Azure/Intune)

Preferred Skills:

• 3 years of Preferred Experience in coordinating/using vendor provided support.
• 3 years of Preferred Experience working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• 2 years of Preferred Experience with SQL Server with emphasis on database migration, upgrades, management, monitoring, and performance tuning.
• 2 years of Preferred Experience using System Center Configuration Manager and/or Intune to manage endpoints
• 2 years of Preferred Experience maintaining modern SAN solutions.