Senior Microsoft Platform Administrator

POSITION: Senior Microsoft Platform Administrator DATE: January 2024

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology FLSA: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Senior Windows Systems Administration LOCATION: Hybrid/Reston

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Senior Microsoft Platform Administrator is responsible for installation, maintenance, security, configuration, and troubleshooting of Windows and VMware-based hardware and software for the Office of Finance’s (OF) IT Infrastructure and Operations environment.

The Senior Microsoft Platform Administrator is responsible for planning and maintaining secure, effective, and efficient IT systems. The incumbent's primary focus is providing technical expertise and oversight on the installation and maintenance of the OF's Windows and VMware systems, supporting both physical and virtual infrastructure. The incumbent is an intermediary between Windows Administrators and Systems Engineers, and provides advanced technical knowledge, support, and leadership for the Windows Administration team.

The OF IT infrastructure exists over 4 locations, including Office Headquarters (Reston, VA), Primary Data Center Co-Location (Sterling, VA), Disaster Recovery Data Center Co-Location (Chicago, IL), and Disaster Recovery office (Sterling, VA). It consists of RHEL and Windows application servers, Sybase database servers, Windows domain controllers, VMware farms, multiple Azure tenants, Microsoft SQL servers, VDI desktops and laptops, network printers, remote access capability, and SAN/NAS storage at the primary and disaster recovery facilities.

This position serves a crucial role in support of the OF’s mission critical areas of debt issuance, debt servicing, and combined financial reporting, which depend on the accuracy and the availability of the IT infrastructure.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deploy and maintain relevant Azure features:
  • M365/Teams and associated applications
  • Cloud-based user profiles
  • Intune
  • User access and provisioning
  • SharePoint Online
• Administer and maintain server systems, including operating procedures and security policy compliance, as they relate to the Windows platform and related physical and virtual infrastructure.
• Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and other related services.
• Maintain and support VMware technologies, including ESXi clusters, vSphere environments, and Horizon VDI.
• Provide training to users individually and collectively regarding the effective use of network resources, including end-user tools and application software.
• Provide Level III support and serve as the escalation point for Windows Administrators.
• Serve as Windows Technical Lead for projects.
• Practice Incident, Problem, and Change Management per the ITIL Framework.
• Research and evaluate hardware and software products that will best meet the needs of the OF; keep abreast of software revisions for installed applications and recommend upgrades as necessary.
• Serve as backup for Windows Administrators in support coverage and core tasks; also serve as a backup and escalation point for Technical Administrators in Helpdesk support and customer service.
• Maintain a secure Windows computing environment to include adherence to the OF IT Security Policy, drafting and adhering to server procedures and participating in audits as required.
• Develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date user and system documentation.
• Assist management in preparing policies and procedures that will contribute to effective IT operations.
• Participate in monthly patching process for Windows systems.
• Support business continuity infrastructure and procedures.
• Train team members on new/updated policies and procedures.
• Maintain and execute the backup and recovery procedures for the server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure; participate in business continuity activities and exercises.
• Perform trend analysis, capacity and availability management, and developing and reporting metrics for management regarding the health of the infrastructure.
• Support COTS applications running on the Windows platform.
• Participate in on-call rotation.
• Support the OF’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy by following policies and procedures that ensure opportunities for employees and diverse business partners.
• Assist with other job duties as assigned.

PRINCIPAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of administration experience with Windows Administration, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with server and desktop virtualization, specifically VMware.
• Hands-on experience and knowledge of infrastructure components to include the following:
  • Windows OS
  • Azure cloud services and solutions
  • VMware Virtualization
  • SAN
  • Powershell scripting
  • Monitoring solutions
• Ansible knowledge is a plus.
• Prior experience working in a heavily audited environment is preferred, with a focus on mitigating risks and staying in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment while continuing to progress on longer term projects.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, including producing thorough documentation of all work.
• Ability to listen and integrate ideas from diverse groups of individuals, build and maintain respectful relationships, collaborate with others, and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance is committed to equal employment opportunity without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service member status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, marital status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.