IT System Administrator

Nextern•Maple Grove, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The IT Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, and reliability of Nextern’s global IT infrastructure. This role serves as a technical backstop for the global IT team, taking escalated support requests, maintaining existing and newly deployed systems, and partnering with internal business stakeholders to support company-wide technology initiatives. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with broad systems knowledge, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to operate effectively and efficiently.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
3+ years of hands-on experience in a systems administration or IT infrastructure role.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure AD/Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 administration.
Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, or equivalent).
Working knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN, firewalls, and DNS/DHCP.
Familiarity with endpoint management tools (Intune, SCCM, or equivalent).
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a geographically distributed or global workforce is strongly preferred.
Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or equivalent) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Administer and maintain Windows and/or Linux server environments, Active Directory/Azure AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related infrastructure services.
Serve as the escalation point for complex helpdesk and support requests from global IT staff and end users, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
Monitor system health, performance, and availability; proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact business operations.
Plan, coordinate, and execute patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers, endpoints, and network equipment.
Maintain and improve backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures; conduct regular testing to validate recoverability.
Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls across systems including Microsoft 365, identity platforms, and on-premises directories.
Onboard and integrate new systems and technologies, documenting configurations, procedures, and runbooks to support knowledge transfer.
Act as a technical resource and subject matter expert for global IT team members, providing guidance on infrastructure best practices and troubleshooting approaches.
Support internal business initiatives by evaluating technology requirements, participating in project planning, and delivering infrastructure components on time.
Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to enforce security policies, respond to vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance with company standards.
Manage and maintain vendor relationships and service contracts related to IT infrastructure and software.
Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, asset inventory records, and change management logs.
Performs other duties as assigned.