System Administrator

DataStaff, Inc. is currently seeking a System Administrator to fill a long-term contract opportunity with one of our direct clients in Richmond, VA*This position is onsite. Job Description:The Systems Administrator is a hands-on technical role focused on disciplined execution of operational processes, including patching, monitoring, backup, and system maintenance. The position works under the direction of the Director of Infrastructure & Operations and collaborates with Network Engineering, Information Security, End User Services, and Application/Data teams.This role administers servers, identity systems, and enterprise services across on-premises and cloud platforms. Supports core Infrastructure & Operations functions and contributes to the agency’s ability to deliver secure and reliable IT services. Operates within defined governance processes to ensure consistency, stability, and risk reduction across the environment.Responsibilities:Infrastructure AdministrationAdminister Windows Server environments (on-premises and cloud)Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCPSupport Microsoft 365 services (Exchange Online, Entra ID/Azure AD)Maintain system performance, availability, and configurationPatch Management & Vulnerability RemediationExecute structured patching for servers and core systemsCoordinate with leadership on scheduling and system impactSupport vulnerability remediation aligned to security prioritiesValidate patches prior to deploymentTrack patch compliance and statusSecurity & Compliance SupportImplement security controls defined by the Information Security OfficeSupport identity and access management practices, including MFAAssist with system hardening, logging, and monitoring integrationsProvide support for audits and compliance activitiesMonitoring & Incident ResponseMonitor systems and respond to alerts and operational issuesProvide Tier 2/3 support for infrastructure incidentsParticipate in incident response and escalation processesContribute to root cause analysis and service improvementsBackup & Disaster RecoveryAdminister backup and recovery solutionsPerform and validate backup and restore testingSupport recovery objectives (RTO/RPO)Change Management & OperationsFollow defined change management processesExecute infrastructure changes in a controlled mannerParticipate in CAB or similar governance processesCross-Team CollaborationPartner with Network Engineering on infrastructure dependenciesCoordinate with End User Services on user-impacting changesSupport Application/Data teams on system integrationsCommunicate system status, risks, and issues to leadershipKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Basic understanding of networking conceptsExperience in government or regulated environmentsExperience with hybrid infrastructure (on-premises and Azure)Familiarity with NIST or similar frameworksExposure to monitoring, SIEM, or endpoint management toolsStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple operational tasks and prioritiesEffective communication and teamwork across technical groupsAbility to follow structured processes and governance standardsFocus on system reliability, security, and continuous improvementRequired Skills: 5 Years - Windows Server administration5 Years - Active Directory administration3 Years - Group Policy management3 Years - DNS and DHCP administration3 Years - Microsoft 365 administration2 Years - Entra ID (Azure AD) administration3 Years - Server patch management3 Years - System monitoring and alert response3 Years - Backup and recovery administration3 Years - Virtualization (VMware and/or Hyper-V)2 Years - File and print services2 Years - PowerShell scripting5 Years - Operating system troubleshooting2 Years - Change management participation2 Years - Incident response support2 Years - Root cause analysis participation2 Years - Documentation maintenance2 Years - Maintenance window execution3 Years - Ticket/work management systems2 Years - MFA administration/support2 Years - System hardening practices2 Years - Vulnerability remediation execution2 Years - Access control management2 Years - Security policy adherence2 Years - NIST/security framework exposure3 Years - Communication and collaboration3 Years - Operational prioritization3 Years - Structured/process-oriented work3 Years - Working in team-based IT operationsDesired Skills:2 Years - Azure infrastructure administration2 Years - Hybrid cloud environments1 Year - Intune/endpoint management1 Year - Identity federation/SSO1 Year - Conditional Access policies1 Year - SIEM/EDR exposure1 Year - Advanced PowerShell scripting1 Year - Infrastructure automation2 Years - Government IT experience2 Years - Regulated environment experienceThis opportunity is available as a W2 position with a competitive benefits package. DataStaff, Inc. offers medical, dental, and vision coverage options as well as paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave. As many of our opportunities are long-term, we also have a 401k program available for employees after 6 months.