Windows Server Upgrade

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Window Server Upgrade (Mid-level 2-4 years) in Lutz, FL for an 8-month contract.

REQUIREMENTS:
Core Windows Server Upgrade Skills:
* Proven experience performing in place upgrades from Windows Server 2016 to 2019 and/or 2022
* Strong understanding of Windows Server upgrade paths, edition compatibility, and licensing implications
* Ability to assess and remediate pre-upgrade blockers (deprecated roles, drivers, legacy applications)
* Hands on experience reviewing and resolving setupact.log/setuperr.log issues
* Knowledge of supported .NET, PowerShell, and role dependencies across Windows Server versions
* Experience validating post upgrade OS health (services, roles, performance, event logs)

VMware vSphere & Virtual Machine Operations:
* Experience working with VMware vSphere/ESXi virtual machines

Ability to safely perform:
* VM snapshots (pre upgrade and rollback planning)
* Disk space checks and expansion if required
* VMware Tools verification and upgrades

* Understanding of vCPU, memory, and virtual hardware compatibility with newer Windows Server versions

Pre Upgrade Planning & Risk Mitigation:
Ability to:
* Run and interpret Windows Upgrade Readiness checks
* Verify application and vendor support for target OS
* Confirm backup validity and recovery options

Experience documenting:
* Upgrade plans
* Rollback procedures
* Success criteria and validation steps

* Familiarity with change management and maintenance window execution

Application & Role Awareness:
Experience upgrading servers with common roles such as:
* Active Directory Domain Services (non FSMO or with coordination)
* DNS/DHCP
* IIS
* File & Print Services
* SQL Server (OS upgrade support validation)

* Ability to identify workloads not suited for in place upgrade and recommend alternatives

Security & Compliance Considerations:
* Understanding of TLS, cipher, and security baseline changes between Server 2016 and newer versions

Ability to validate:
* AntivirEDR compatibility post upgrade
* GPO and local policy behavior after upgrade

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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