System Administrator

Prairie States Enterprises, Inc. (PSE) is a third party administrator, a benefits industry leader, and a trusted advisor to self-insured companies and their employees. We provide a complete range of medical benefit management services, all performed in-house, and to exacting standards of excellence.

Job Summary

The System Administrator is responsible for the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of Prairie States’ server, cloud, identity, endpoint, and core business technology environments. The position administers Microsoft and Linux systems, Microsoft 365 and Active Directory services, virtualization, storage, backups, patching, monitoring, and related infrastructure. The System Administrator also provides advanced technical support, maintains system documentation, supports disaster recovery and business continuity, and works closely with the IT team to resolve escalated user and application issues.

Summary Of Essential Job Functions

• Establishes, monitors and reports on measurable metrics for system optimization, availability, recovery, and security.
• Monitors and maintains network hardware including servers, switches, routers, hubs, modems, firewall and wiring for efficiency, reliability and updates.
• Regularly reviews event logging for all servers and firewall, SPAM, and antivirus reports.
• Works with IT team and internal users to troubleshoot network, hardware, and software issues; responds to security incidents and performs routine security audits.
• Creates and maintains policies, procedures and all documentation for server, network, software, and hardware standards, including, but not limited to, configuration, topologies, security, back-up and archiving, manages back-up, tests, and restore process.
• Establishes and maintains network testing environment and resources. Schedules upgrades and collaborates with network architects to optimize network. Reports, troubleshoots and logs issues with server utilization, network traffic and disk space utilization.
• Administers Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, group policies, user accounts, security groups, permissions, and access controls. Maintains the integrity of the network’s firewall.
• Maintains and supports the computers, operating systems and end-user software products and platforms.
• Adds, maintains, and deletes users on the network; ensuring security and maintaining their configurations are within standards.
• Documents all procedures in sufficient detail to enable technical support staff or Vice President of IT to perform essential duties in the System Administrator’s absence.
• Defends systems against unauthorized access, modification and/or destruction
• Performs vulnerability and networking scanning assessments
• Monitors network traffic for unusual activity
• Configures and supports security tools such as firewalls, anti-virus software, patch management systems, etc.
• Implements network security policies, application of security practices, access control and corporate data safeguards.
• Analyzes and establishes security requirements for PSE networks.
• Conducts security audits and make policy recommendations.
• Monitors the power conditioning units for all network hardware components, taking appropriate action to ensure hardware safety as needed.
• Maintains vendor relationships and procure hardware and software as needed.
• Assists in gathering bid prices on equipment as needed. Researches hardware and software products to determine those that best meet PSE’s needs and recommends purchase.
• Evaluates and installs software patches on servers, network equipment and end-user devices (wired and wireless) and completes updates as required.
• Monitors server licenses and support contracts.
• Assists with workstation deployment, equipment moves, user onboarding and offboarding, and other IT support activities as operational needs require. Orders ergonomic equipment as needed (i.e. adjustable standup desks)
• Stays current with technology through resourcing publications and educational opportunities.

Education

• Associate’s degree or two-year program with certification in Information Systems, Networking or IT Administration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems/Information Technology preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years’ related experience in network administration, computer information systems, etc.

• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator preferred.
• Microsoft Certified Professional preferred.
• Other IT related certifications or training

• Change Management – Accepts, supports, and executes assignments in conditions of change which support attaining department goals.
• Effective Communication – Demonstrates effective and responsive communications following the appropriate reporting structure.
• Accountability/Results – Achieves and/or exceeds result based goals that were specific, measurable, and timely.
• Teamwork – Demonstrates teamwork behaviors and makes positive contributions and which support the achievement of department goals.
• Customer Satisfaction – Dedicated to the PSE service model and meets or exceeds PSE customer satisfaction expectations in providing exemplary service.
• Professional Growth – Takes ownership of one’s professional growth within one’s current position and to advancement at PSE.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• This is sedentary position which requires the individual to sit for long periods of time and the proper positioning/posturing for extensive viewing of computer screens and computer related work is required. It is encouraged that individuals intermix this sedentary time with periodic movement within one’s office space and/or to other office areas to counteract the sedentary nature of this position.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competitive compensation based on experience and a comprehensive benefit package provided to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, FSA, Paid Time Off, 401k with match, wellness and exercise membership and more. Click HERE to view our full-time benefits flyer.

Opportunity for meaningful career growth within a results-driven company and our company culture is one of ambition, integrity, empowerment, teamwork and a passion for personal and company success.

If this sounds like you and you’re seeking career growth with an exciting new career path in overseeing the quality of health care for our clients and their members, please send your cover letter and resume following the instructions for this site.

Prairie States Enterprises

Equal Opportunity Employer