Systems Administrator

BRANCH: Technology

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

Basic Function: Reporting to the Manager of Technology, the Senior Systems Administrator will provide hands-on support across the Zoo to ensure the network and servers are reliable, available, and secure. A self-motivated, reliable individual who works well in the team environment, is enthusiastic about technology, likes to solve problems, and has effective written and oral communications skills, is being sought.  Toronto Zoo Technology team is passionate about the guest experience for visitors and staff we support.

You will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, including Palo Alto and Cisco Firewalls, Cisco Spaces, and Cisco DNA and will be supporting our robust Wi-Fi infrastructure and innovative Zoo App. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in managing our advanced BI reporting system and Axis camera system, powered by AI software, making your role both exciting and rewarding in this unique and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities 

• Accountable for the operational efficiency of the existing servers and network, and to restore services with minimal downtime during disruptions.
• Serve as a Senior System Administrator on the Microsoft Stack (Azure, Windows Server, O365/M365, Windows 10, 11, SharePoint).
• Serve as Senior System Administrator on the CISCO ecosystem (firewalls, networking, DNA, ISE).
• Manage, monitor, secure, and troubleshoot our SaaS platform through the Azure Web Services cloud environment.
• Serve as a core technical advisor in the assessment, planning and implementation of new endpoint management features and capabilities.
• Recommend, schedule, plan, and implement network changes and upgrades.
• Recommend, schedule, plan, and implement server hardware changes and upgrades.
• Monitor client systems and identify potential and actual problems.
• Monitor and test servers and network for potential cyber attack and identify possible solutions.
• Develop and maintain standards and tools to support and secure the network and servers.
• Record and maintain server and network hardware, server licensing, and user access and security.
• Proactively define opportunities for operational efficiency, through technology refreshes, and/or other considerations
• Develop, document and maintain detailed documentation outlining network processes
• Work with the Technology team to ensure connectivity and compatibility between systems
• Proactively monitor and test system performance, collect and analyze metrics and provide statistics, reports and recommend action plan
• Interview, select, train, schedule, supervise, evaluate, counsel, manage, and discipline assigned staff.
• Play a key role in the development of team members that are less senior and act as a mentor
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with WHMIS legislation, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Toronto Zoo Safety Policy, ensuring all employees work in a safe manner, with the appropriate protective equipment, and that all accidents and hazards within areas of responsibility are promptly investigated and corrective action taken.
• Assists guests on-site as required ensuring excellent customer service.
• Other related duties as requested by Manager and/or Director.

Qualifications 

• Must have a computer related post-secondary degree or diploma, or equivalent experience
• Must have industry certifications Cisco CCNP Wireless, and CISSP or equivalent
• Minimum five (5) years Systems Administrator experience including hands-on experience with:
• Managing a modern endpoint environment through cloud based M365 tools including Azure AD, Intune/Endpoint Manager, Autopilot, Defender for Endpoint, etc.
• Cisco DNA / SDA
• Cisco Identify Services Engine (ISE) for both wired and wireless deployments with integration with Software Defined Networking and MDM
• Deep experience and knowledge of endpoint management technologies and collaboration tools such as SCCM/MECM, Intune, Endpoint Manager, AD/AAD, Autopilot, Defender for Endpoint.
• Proven experience with server implementation and maintenance including experience with security management and best practices.
• Ability to supervise staff and work within a team environment.
• Effective at identifying and leading projects and/or initiatives in support of business goals
• Ability to organize and prioritize accountabilities to support organization needs and advances the Technology strategy.
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to all levels of the organization.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast moving environment.
• Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and manage daily tasks.
• Must be able to work both, independently and supervised.
• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position (e.g. lift 50 lbs, walk to client sites, and climb stairs).
• Must have working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills.
• Possession of a full, unrestricted G Class driver’s License, with a clean driving record an asset (drivers abstract required).
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

The Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

The Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported, and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $80,000.00-$100,006.01 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Toronto, ON M1B 5W8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• What is your salary expectation

Experience:

• system administration: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person