Junior Systems Administrator

Surge Staffing•Columbus, OH

About The Position

We are seeking a Junior Systems Administrator to provide Tier 2 technical support and help maintain reliable daily IT operations. This role serves as an escalation point for the helpdesk, manages printers and print servers, supports software deployment and patching, and performs routine maintenance of Windows infrastructure. Working closely with senior IT staff, this individual will support Active Directory, Group Policy, and approved infrastructure changes. The ideal candidate is a strong troubleshooter who enjoys supporting users, improving processes, and developing their systems administration skills.

Requirements

Approximately 1–3 years of IT support, desktop support, or related experience, including troubleshooting beyond basic helpdesk tasks; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
Associate degree in information technology or a related field, relevant technical training, or equivalent work experience.
Hands-on experience supporting Windows workstations and Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook.
Working knowledge of Active Directory users, computers, groups, and permissions.
Basic experience with Group Policy.
Experience troubleshooting network printers, print queues, drivers, and TCP/IP printer ports.
Basic understanding of Windows Server administration and TCP/IP networking, including DNS and DHCP.
Experience using a ticketing system and maintaining clear technical documentation.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
Clear communication and a patient, service-focused approach to supporting users.
Ability to work independently within established procedures and recognize when to escalate issues.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Understanding of least-privilege access, safe patch deployment, and change testing.
Willingness to learn new technologies and use PowerShell for routine administration.
Ability to collaborate with senior IT staff and help develop helpdesk troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory, or comparable software deployment and patch-management tools.
Experience administering Windows print servers and deploying printers through Group Policy.
Familiarity with basic PowerShell scripting, Group Policy troubleshooting, and NTFS and shared folder permissions.
Exposure to virtualization, infrastructure monitoring, backup software, Microsoft Entra ID, or Linux administration.
Relevant certifications, such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft credentials.

Responsibilities

Resolve escalated issues involving Windows workstations, Microsoft 365 applications, user access, printing, and network connectivity.
Document troubleshooting steps and resolutions, and create knowledge base articles for recurring issues.
Provide technical guidance to helpdesk staff and assist with more complex troubleshooting.
Prioritize support requests based on business impact and keep users informed of progress.
Escalate complex issues to senior IT staff with relevant logs and troubleshooting details.
Manage Windows print servers, including print queues, TCP/IP ports, drivers, printer sharing, and approved deployments.
Troubleshoot print spooler failures, stuck print jobs, driver conflicts, connectivity issues, and permissions.
Coordinate printer hardware repairs with vendors.
Maintain printer inventories and documentation.
Support printer mapping and default printer settings through Group Policy.
Maintain PDQ Deploy packages and schedules for approved software, updates, and patches.
Use PDQ Inventory or comparable reporting tools to identify deployment targets and track results.
Test deployments with pilot groups, coordinate maintenance windows and reboots, and verify successful installations.
Investigate deployment failures and report patch compliance and unresolved exceptions.
Coordinate server patching and recovery plans with senior IT staff.
Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting for Windows servers, endpoints, and supporting services.
Review system alerts, logs, service status, and available storage to identify potential issues.
Complete approved Active Directory changes, including user provisioning, account deactivation, computer management, and group membership updates.
Assist with file and folder permissions, DNS and DHCP troubleshooting, and routine Group Policy updates.
Test infrastructure changes and troubleshoot Group Policy application.
Review backup job status and assist with approved restore testing.
Support infrastructure projects under senior administrators' guidance.
Follow access approval and change procedures while protecting confidential business and employee information.
Participate in scheduled maintenance outside normal business hours when required and coordinated with IT management.
Maintain accurate records of system changes, deployments, support resolutions, and outstanding maintenance issues.
Perform other related IT support and infrastructure duties as assigned.