Systems Admin

Role: Systems Admin.

Rate : $50/hour w2

End Client: Xcel Energy

Role: Systems Administrator 2

Location: Onsite Minneapolis

The Systems Administrator is responsible for administering system maintenance and configuration based on work direction given by senior level team members. They act as a technical owner on the respective systems they are assigned. They are responsible for operation and maintenance of existing systems and/or infrastructure. They collaborate with users and technical teams to support incident resolution, systems monitoring, and problem analysis. They assist in deployment of system changes, and assist senior team members with projects or systems.

Essential Responsibilities

• Operational Support - Install, modify, document, and maintain system configuration and changes. Analyze system requirements and performance to optimize systems configuration for stability. Develop scripts and automate routine tasks.
• Problem Management - Investigate and resolve problems involving complex systems. Provide problem identification for production incidents. Identify and implement solutions to production incidents. Identify and resolve production alerts. Provide support for systems testing and validation activities. Contribute to problem reviews.
• User Support - Provide contextual and technical information to users. Assist users in identifying difficult technical problems and devising solutions. Advise users on available approved technologies. Translate user requirements into technical solutions.
• Communications - Clearly and concisely communicate operational status whenever requested. Actively participate in status meetings. Prepare written status reports and responses to customer inquiries. Participate in meetings/communications with vendor partners.

Job Details and Requirements Section

1. Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for). We're looking for 2 additional system administration members to be added to the ADMS team. We currently have the ADMS 3.7 system at Xcel to handle the Advanced Distribution Management system, which is basically the program that handles everything from the substation to the meter, used by the distribution control centers, which is a critical part of the distribution power grid that Xcel uses. These additional system admin resources will help support the infrastructure support application. These resources will be working with team members to support anything from Windows Server patching to application patching; providing any patches provided by Schneider Electric which is the vendor. These resources will also be supporting everything from Active Directory, change management, patch management, PowerShell scripting; a variety of different sys admin skills are required. In summary, resources are needed to support the ADMS application for whatever it needs.

2. What does a typical day look like? We currently follow a hybrid agile method where we run everything in sprints. We have a 2-week Sprint in which we assign tasks to all the different admin members. For those two weeks, it is the expectation that everybody know exactly what work has been assigned to them. In addition to completing the tasks within the Sprint, these resources are required to explain all the details as well as what documents they need to be reviewing to help complete that process. This work will predominantly be related to the run state for the ADMS 3.7 system. We're currently doing an AOM upgrade project. Again, these resources are really needed to support the application, but also the distribution control centers, if a distribution control operator is having issues. A system admin would need to be available to assist with any issues that operators having; a workstation issue, application issue, etc.

3. What is the size of the group this position will be supporting? Who are some of the key players this person will be working with? Currently, the team is made up of 5 system admins and one business analyst. Were looking at these 2 new resources to help augment the team as the AOM project has spread the team a bit thin. These resources will also be working very closely with the control room operators, different SCADA/engineering teams, such as grid operator engineers, distribution, engineering, control engineering as well as the GIS team.

4. Will this resource support internal (business), or external customers? Resources will be working primarily internally, however, from an application support perspective, they will interface with Schneider electric to troubleshoot and resolve any issues.

5. What are the main technology application/software skills/experience this resource will be required to possess? These resources should have administration experience with different versions of Windows Server; 2016 and above would be preferred. Windows 10/11 support would be very helpful as well. In addition, PowerShell scripting would be nice, but not required. Active Directory would be strongly preferred as well in addition to Group policy management (how to do some group policies within Windows), would be fantastic experience. Experience with change management within ServiceNow. Experience with Jira and an agile environment is strongly preferred. Looking for candidates that have any ADMS experience, not necessarily Schneider version, but another version would be very nice to have. Also, previous distribution power experience is helpful

Candidate Detail Section

6. What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications required? ADMS server support must, Windows 10, 11, active directory, change/patch management required. In addition, experience with Jira and an agile environment is strongly preferred. Looking for candidates that have any ADMS experience, not necessarily Schneider version, but another version would be very nice to have. Also, previous distribution power experience is helpful. Must have strong troubleshooting skills.

1. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)? Resources must poses a positive attitude and strong communication skills as we collaborate and work very closely as team. That ability to collaborate, focus and be able to work through issues is very critical. Resources must poses strong critical thinking skills and Cross functional team experience. Resources must encompass a desire and ability to learn and educate others on what they come to the table with.
2. Ideal candidate background and how many years required? Targeting at least 3-5 years of experience. Education not as important as experience and the ability to effectively provide administration to the complex systems. Bachelor's degree is great, not required.

1. Are there any specific companies you like to see on a candidate's resume? Scheider Electric.

1. Are there any certifications that the candidate must possess? Any kind of Microsoft certifications would be nice to have, but not required. Network certificates such as Cisco or any Microsoft certification would be nice to see.