Systems Administrator II

Ozarks Electric, headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas with offices in Springdale, Arkansas, Stilwell and Westville Oklahoma incorporated in 1938, is a member-owned electric cooperative, serving more than 90,000 meters across nine counties in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

Ozarks provides to its employees: 100% paid medical/dental coverage for you and your dependents, a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide paid time off, 9 paid holidays, disability benefits, life insurance and tuition reimbursement.

**Job offers are contingent on passing a background check, proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., and passing a drug test. Ozarks does not accept medical marijuana cards because all our positions are considered safety sensitive.**

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Networking, Engineering or a related technical field is required, or equivalent combinations of education, certifications, military training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900), or equivalent demonstrated competency through experience supporting, administering, troubleshooting, and maintaining enterprise infrastructure, operating systems, identity services, cloud services, and related technologies are required.
• Relevant industry certifications such as Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator (AZ-800/801), VMWare Certified Professional (VCP), or equivalent certifications are preferred.
• Employees may be required to obtain additional certifications within a specified timeframe based on organizational needs.

EXPERIENCE:

• Three to six years of experience in systems administration, infrastructure support, information technology operations, or a related technical field is required.
• Experience administering Windows Server environments, Active Directory, identity management solutions, backup platforms, storage systems, and enterprise infrastructure technologies is preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Must possess advanced knowledge of Windows Server administration, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, networking fundamentals, security principles, backup and recovery concepts, and enterprise infrastructure operations.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies including VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, Azure Virtual Machines, or equivalent platforms is required.
• Knowledge of Group Policy administration, hybrid identity management, storage solutions, system monitoring, patch management, and infrastructure support best practices is required.
• Knowledge of PowerShell scripting and automation concepts is required.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems and basic Linux administration concepts is preferred.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions. Ability to document systems, standardize operational processes, collaborate effectively across Information Technology teams, and mentor junior technical staff is required.

MAJOR JOB TASKS:

• Administer and support virtual infrastructure platforms, including virtual machine provisioning, maintenance, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Support administration of Azure infrastructure resources, virtual machines, storage services, identity services, and hybrid cloud environments.
• Administer and support enterprise intelligent automation, artificial intelligence platforms, and related technologies in accordance with organizational standards and security requirements.
• Administer, maintain, and support Windows Server environments and associated infrastructure systems.
• Manage Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Group Policy, and hybrid identity solutions to support organizational access management requirements.
• Perform advanced server administration activities including patch management, system maintenance, performance optimization, and operational support.
• Monitor infrastructure systems and services to proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues.
• Perform root cause analysis for infrastructure incidents and implement long-term corrective actions to improve system reliability and performance.
• Support storage systems, backup platforms, recovery processes, and business continuity initiatives.
• Participate in infrastructure upgrades, system migrations, technology refreshes, and operational improvement projects.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of security controls, access management processes, and infrastructure hardening standards.
• Develop, maintain, and standardize technical documentation, system configurations, operational procedures, and support processes.
• Collaborate with networking, cybersecurity, systems support, and application teams to resolve complex technical issues and support organizational initiatives.
• Mentor Systems Administrator I personnel and provide technical guidance related to infrastructure operations and administration.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers regarding infrastructure support, maintenance activities, upgrades, and issue resolution.
• Ensure adherence to organizational security standards, change management procedures, and Information Technology policies.
• Complete all required Information Technology and Security training as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Systems Administrator II shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Vendors and service providers to support infrastructure systems, storage solutions, backup platforms, software maintenance, licensing, and technology initiatives.
• External technical representatives to assist with troubleshooting, system upgrades, infrastructure projects, and implementation activities.
• Technology partners and consultants to evaluate solutions, support operational improvements, and maintain awareness of emerging technologies and best practices.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document technical systems, operational procedures, and infrastructure standards accurately.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and support teams to achieve organizational objectives.
• Ability to mentor junior technical personnel and promote operational consistency through documentation and standardization.
• Must have valid driver's license without violation, which would prohibit insurability.
• All specific equipment related to Information Technology as well as routine office equipment. Work is performed in an office environment with higher and/or longer noise level than average. Weekends, evening hours, overtime and/or overnight travel may often be necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional lifting, up to 50 pounds, required. Normal vision and hearing required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and utilize computer equipment for extended periods while providing technical support and troubleshooting services.
• The physical activities and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer