Network Administrator - Consultant (Columbia) at AppleOne Employment Services

About the Role & The MissionJoin the Technology Services Division of a major government agency (Confidential Client) responsible for maintaining and securing the state's critical communications infrastructure. This role involves working within a large state agency to deploy, maintain, and secure a communications network for over 60 agency sites, as well as managing the secure communications tunnels between the State Data Center and 46 independent county governments.We are seeking a proactive and technically proficient Network Administrator - Consultant to play a key role in the agency's data and application migration to its Azure Cloud tenant. This position requires a self-starter who can work effectively with various cross-functional teams (Security, Network Services, End User Support).Key Responsibilities (Daily Duties)Cloud & Virtualization: Support the migration of data and application services to the Agency's Microsoft Azure cloud tenant and assist in the administration of the virtual environment.Active Directory & Security: Administer and maintain Microsoft Active Directory and manage user/group security policies (GPO) to ensure secure network access and authentication.Infrastructure Support: Deploy, maintain, and secure the communications network infrastructure for all agency sites and county government tunnels.System Maintenance: Perform system upgrades, patching, security enhancements, and disaster recovery testing.Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Utilize tools like Solarwinds for system data collection and troubleshooting, and provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams.Off-Hours Work: Must be willing to work off-hours and weekends for scheduled maintenance and support.Required Core Technical SkillsCloud & Virtualization: 2-4 years of experience with Azure Cloud and Virtualization; Microsoft 365, Office 365.Directory Services: 2-4 years of experience with MS Active Directory (User and group management, authentication, and security policies like GPO).Scripting: 2-4 years of experience in PowerShell.Mail/Security: 3+ years of experience with Proofpoint or similar email security solutions.Networking: Datacenter and network infrastructure experience, including managing communication tunnels and secure access.Preferred SkillsFamiliarity with open-source frameworks such as ASP.Net.Familiarity with scripting/database languages such as JavaScript, HTML5, and SQL Server.Soft SkillsAbility to communicate effectively (oral and written) with technical, non-technical staff, and customers/stakeholders.Clear documentation and reporting skills.Experience working with cross-functional teams (Security, Network Services, End User Support).