Systems Administrator (Systems Analyst V)

• Agency Information
• The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
• Core Values
• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

• Job Description
• The Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a cost-efficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200-plus public-school districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas' 5 million-plus students.

• Position Overview
• The Systems Administrator reports to the IT Operations Manager and works within the Technology Operations Division. This position performs IT support work within the Texas Education Agency.

• This role performs advanced (senior level) computer systems administration work that involves troubleshooting and solving complex problems with IT systems, automating processes using scripting languages, creating procedures, forecasting resource needs, improving and updating existing IT systems, and designing and implementing new IT systems.
• This position is an individual contributor role, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Occasional overtime and/or a flexible schedule may be required as needed to meet required deadlines.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

• Essential Functions
• Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.
• 1. Cloud Administration: Configures and manages Microsoft 365 and other cloud platform environments to meet the organization's needs; creates and implements strategies and plans to migrate on-premises data and systems to the cloud.
• 2. Server Administration: Administers and maintains an enterprise IT environment, consisting primarily of Microsoft Windows Servers with some Red Hat Linux servers.
• 3. Customer Service: Ensures that all customer's tickets, opened in Jira Service Desk, are resolved and closed in a timely manner, based upon set service-level agreements.
• 4. Project Work: Works to complete IT projects as assigned by the supervisor. Work should be completed within the agreed-upon timeline to ensure projects stay on track and meet delivery due dates.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience as a systems administrator within an enterprise IT environment; must also possess at least one (1) year of hands-on experience performing cloud administration within either Microsoft/Office 365, Google Workspace, or another popular cloud platform environment
• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

• Other Qualifications
• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve
• Experience administrating a Microsoft 365 environment preferred
• Experience administrating Active Directory Domain Services preferred
• Experience using a Help Desk system to resolve customers¿ requests in a timely manner preferred
• Experience using monitoring software and actively responding to alerts preferred
• Ability to act as a technical escalation point for others, to help resolve technically challenging issues
• Skilled at documenting processes and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at varying technical levels, using both verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information

• New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
• The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
• Benefits
• TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.