Junior Systems Administrator
The Junior Systems Administrator supports the enterprise IT infrastructure by assisting with system monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and basic administration across Windows and Linux environments. This hybrid role involves collaborating with senior engineers to deploy and configure systems, manage user accounts, and provide first-line escalation support, fostering technical growth through hands-on experience and mentorship.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a motivated Junior Systems Administrator to support day-to-day infrastructure and operations. This is an entry-level-in-to-mid role focused on system upkeep, monitoring, and basic administration under senior engineer supervision.
- Assist in troubleshooting and resolving system, network, and application issues.
- Support Windows and Linux server environments with routine operational tasks.
- Perform routine maintenance: patching, monitoring, and system health checks.
- Help deploy and configure servers, applications, and infrastructure components with guidance from senior staff.
- Manage user accounts, permissions, and basic identity/access requests.
- Assist with workstation imaging, setup, and end-user support.
- Provide first-line escalation support for service desk issues needing deeper technical investigation.
- Document procedures, configurations, and troubleshooting steps.
- Follow change-management processes and communicate updates effectively.
- Shadow senior engineers on projects and implementations to develop skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field — equivalent technical certifications accepted.
- Foundational understanding of networking concepts (DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VLANs).
- Basic Windows Server or Linux administration knowledge.
- Familiarity with cloud concepts (Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud) at an introductory level.
- Exposure to scripting fundamentals (PowerShell preferred) via coursework, labs, or early work experience.
- Internship or post-college technical experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills and ability to follow instructions and collaborate within a team.
- Eagerness to learn and expand technical responsibilities over time.
Preferred Qualifications
- ~2 years supporting Microsoft 365, Windows Server, virtualization, or related IT infrastructure.
- Hands-on exposure to virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V) from labs or coursework.
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration (user provisioning, license management).
- Understanding of security basics: MFA, conditional access, endpoint management fundamentals.
- Experience with ticketing systems such as ServiceNow or Jira.
- Entry-level certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) are a plus.
- Demonstrated curiosity and proactive learning outside formal work or classes.
Work Model & Location
- Hybrid-telework: expectation to average 3+ days per week onsite at a downtown Richmond, VA office; specific telework schedule determined by the reporting manager.
- This role reports to the Manager, Systems and Operations Management, and works closely with technical teams across the IT organization.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated salary (as listed): $57,190 per year.
- Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement (401k), and professional development resources. Specific benefits and eligibility will be provided by the hiring organization.
Why This Role?
This role is a strong fit for early-career IT professionals who want hands-on experience across servers, endpoints, cloud fundamentals, and identity management while receiving mentorship from senior engineers. If you enjoy troubleshooting, documenting solutions, and growing technical skills, this position provides structured learning and career progression.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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