System Administrator and Infrastructure Specialist

Reporting to the Manager, Technology and Security Operations, the System Administrator and Infrastructure Specialist is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of the organization’s IT and OT server infrastructure. This role plays a key part in supporting both on-premises and hybrid cloud environments, with a focus on virtualization, backup and recovery, Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and cyber security. The successful candidate will ensure high availability, performance, and resilience of core systems while also contributing to project delivery and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams and vendors to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient infrastructure services.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Infrastructure

Manage, maintain, and monitor IT/OT server infrastructure (physical and virtual)
Administer VMware environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter, and virtual machines
Oversee the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of Windows servers
Support Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, NPS, PKI, Group Policy, and related services
Maintain server patching and lifecycle management (updates, upgrades, decommissioning), including firmware for physical hardware
Manage maintenance contract renewals for all server hardware and server-related software licenses.
Investigate and resolve physical hardware incidents, including RMA procedures.

Hybrid Identity and Cloud Services (Azure AD & M365)

Administer hybrid identity infrastructure including on-prem AD and Entra ID synchronization (Entra ID Connect)
Manage Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online (hybrid deployment), SharePoint Online, Intune, OneDrive, and Teams
Implement and manage Microsoft Defender security solutions, including policies, device groups, security baselines, and endpoint protection configurations.
Support identity and access management (IAM) using Conditional Access, MFA, role-based access control (RBAC), and group policies
Monitor Entra ID logs and Microsoft 365 compliance/security center for anomalies and improvements
Manage licenses, mail flow rules, deployments, and M365 policies through the admin portals and PowerShell
Support the integration of cloud services with on-prem infrastructure

Backup and Recovery

Administer and monitor Veeam backup and replication infrastructure along with Veeam M365 backup.
Ensure regular backup schedules and successful recovery testing
Perform disaster recovery drills and develop recovery documentation
Investigate and resolve backup/restore failures and performance issues
Manage and maintain on-prem and cloud backup repositories

Cyber Security and Compliance

Recommend and implement effective security controls to safeguard assets against unauthorized access, ensuring risk mitigation and protection against compromise or data loss
Implement and maintain security configurations for servers and virtual infrastructure
Ensure compliance with organizational cyber security policies and standards
Monitor and respond to security alerts related to infrastructure
Collaborate with cyber security teams on audits, assessments, and remediations
Manage backup retention policies/data classifications to ensure record retention compliance.

Operational Technology (OT) Support

Provide infrastructure support to OT environments (SCADA, ADMS, AMI, etc.)
Understand IT/OT network segmentation and secure connectivity
Support high-availability requirements and redundancy configurations in OT

Project Implementation and Support

Lead or support infrastructure components of IT/OT and cloud integration projects
Plan and execute system upgrades, migrations, and new deployments (on-prem and cloud)
Provide best practice solution architecting for internal stakeholders
Coordinate and collaborate with third-party vendors, consultants, and service providers to ensure successful project delivery
Evaluate vendor proposals and solutions for alignment with organizational requirements and standards
Track project milestones, manage technical tasks, and communicate status to stakeholders
Work cross-functionally with application, networking, cloud, and security teams
Document infrastructure designs, configurations, and project changes

Monitoring, Documentation, and Troubleshooting

Monitor server, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure performance, capacity, and availability
Perform root cause analysis and resolve infrastructure and cloud service incidents
Maintain accurate system documentation, diagrams, and SOPs
Create and update technical runbooks and knowledge base articles

Standard Administration Duties

Respond to service requests and incidents in a timely manner
Provide tier 2/3 technical support for infrastructure, cloud, and hybrid identity-related issues
Participate in on-call rotation and after-hours maintenance windows
Maintain asset inventory of infrastructure hardware, software, and cloud subscriptions
Ensure uptime, reliability, and security compliance targets are met for critical systems

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Deep understanding of server infrastructure (Windows Server) and virtualization technologies (VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter)
Strong knowledge of managing and maintaining an Exchange hybrid environment
Strong grasp of hybrid identity systems, including Active Directory, Entra ID, Entra ID Connect, and Microsoft 365 administration
Proficient in enterprise backup and recovery concepts, especially with tools like Veeam
Skilled in PowerShell scripting for automation and infrastructure management
Solid knowledge of networking fundamentals, including IP addressing, subnets, VLANs, and firewall rules
Familiarity with cyber security best practices related to system hardening, access controls, patching, and incident response
Understanding of IT/OT segmentation and secure infrastructure support in operational environments (e.g., SCADA, ADMS)
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex technical issues across infrastructure and hybrid environments
Strong documentation, communication, and cross-team collaboration abilities
Capable of coordinating infrastructure components of multi-team or vendor-led technical projects

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

3–7 years of progressive experience in systems administration and infrastructure support
Proven experience managing VMware virtual infrastructure (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter)
Hands-on experience with Veeam Backup & Replication or comparable enterprise backup tools
Demonstrated knowledge of Windows Server, and Active Directory administration
Experience supporting hybrid identity environments (on-prem AD with Entra ID Connect)
Administration experience with Microsoft 365 services (Exchange Online, Defender, Intune, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams)
Practical understanding of cyber security principles and implementing access controls, patching, and threat mitigation
Exposure to Operational Technology (OT) environments and IT/OT integration
Experience working with third-party vendors and service providers during project planning and execution
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (Azure IaaS/PaaS) and scripting/automation tools (e.g., PowerShell)
Strong experience in securing and maintaining compliance of critical infrastructure or enterprise systems
Experience in regulated or critical infrastructure environments (e.g., energy/utilities) is considered an asset
Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Relevant industry certifications preferred, such as:

VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or M365 Administrator Associate
CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or equivalent cyber security certification
ITIL Foundation or basic project management training (e.g., PMP) is a plus

Compensation Package: $94,400.00 - $118,000.00 CAD annually + Competitive Bonus + Benefits + OMERS Pension Plan
The above range reflects the reasonable estimate for the position at the time of posting. Within the range, hiring compensation will be determined based on relevant qualifications, experience, skillset, education/ training, and other organizational needs.
Note: This posting is for a replacement position.