Systems Administrator

North Cascades Institute: Our mission is to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education. Since 1986 we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest -- so all will care for and protect this special place.

North Cascades Institute is committed to innovation and excellence in environmental learning and leadership in the nonprofit community. We believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity.

Position Overview:

We're looking for someone who wants to work, learn and grow while supporting the mission of one of the Northwest's exemplary nonprofit conservation organizations. The Systems Administrator manages North Cascades Institute's information and communication systems located in the Sedro-Woolley administrative office and in the Learning Center in North Cascades National Park on Diablo Lake. The Systems Administrator is responsible for overseeing and monitoring daily systems operations for all technology and communication systems, and providing first level support for Institute servers and network infrastructure.

The Systems Administrator provides technical and information support and services to 70+ staff, graduate students, and volunteers, and also serves as the liaison with external technology consultants. The Systems Administrator is based in the Sedro-Woolley office and is supervised by the Administrative Director; when working at the Learning Center the Systems Administrator works closely with the Operations Director to support Learning Center technology needs.

Responsibilities:

Network and Systems Administration:

• Provide support and administration of all data communications equipment (servers, routers, switches, VPN, firewall).
• Manage installation of patches and upgrades of network hardware and software. Manage WLAN (wireless network) and make certain security is properly implemented to limit access.
• Manage ISP and monitor Internet usage to maintain satisfactory service levels. Ensure reliable and quick connection to the Internet, manage messaging server, email accounts and lists for individuals and groups, and email protection service. Create and enforce strong password policies.
• Responsible for monitoring overall security and integrity of the Institute's network environment. Configure and manage firewall and anti-virus software.
• Manage all operations on servers (Mac OS X, Snap, PC Windows for QuickBooks). Responsible for administration and problem resolution of servers and workstations. Maintain and configure servers and workgroups/volumes.
• Plan, write and implement data backup and recovery procedures and practices for Institute servers and users. Revise and update IT Disaster Preparedness Plan as additions and changes are made.
• Responsible for ongoing planning, design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Institute's network.
• Responsible for workstation configuration and management. Install, configure new systems and implement patches and upgrades for hardware/software. Maintain written inventory of hardware, serial numbers, physical locations, etc.
• Create and maintain written inventory that tracks all software and licenses issued as well as physical location. Assist with research and purchase of software.
• Create, implement and promote green technology goals. Research and purchase technology products that reduce our environmental impact; recycle equipment.
• Answer support calls and e-mails; log and prioritizes issues; provide staff with an estimated time of assistance and provide updates as timeframe changes. Problem solve issues such as email quandaries, workgroup connections, workstation connections to scanner, printer and digital copier and data file management.
• Assist Administration Director with setting information technology vision for the organization, including hardware, software, infrastructure, communications systems and staff training.
• Provide staff and graduate students with training on computer systems, use of Institute servers, document retention, email administration, backup procedures, etc.
• Analyze the needs of departments and establish priorities for maintaining and expanding technologies needed to meet their goals.
• Write information technology policies and procedures and how-to documents.
• Monitor and adhere to technology budget and expenses, assist with annual IT budget planning.
• Conduct in-person work and support at the Learning Center 2-4 times a month.

Point-of-Sale:

• Maintain and provide support for Windows based Point of Sale systems in 5 retail stores, one in Sedro-Woolley and four in the North Cascades National Park. Support includes handling hardware, Windows operating system, anti-virus, updates, and network issues.

Telephony Support:

• Work with the US Forest Service communication team in assisting with the management of the Institute's part of the VOIP system at the administrative office. At the Learning Center, work with the Operations Director and vendors to support the telephony systems. Install phones, update directories, provide troubleshooting and training.

Salesforce Web-based CRM Database:

• As lead system administrator, assist with user set-up, configuring, data utilities, security, access, backup, problem solving, and maintenance of database.

Website:

• Work with marketing team and web hosting service (Groundwire) to maintain the Institute's Plone web site.

Perform other duties as assigned by Administrative Director.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum 3 years of system administration/hardware and network support including installation and management of MAC and Windows workstations in a network environment
• Degree in computer science, information technology or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to move from task to task with frequent interruptions
• Ability to work independently and with diverse user community
• Ability to teach technical information to non-technical users and commitment to the end-user experience
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Passion for the Institute's mission to conserve and restore Northwest environments through education
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds
• Valid driver's license at time of hire, good driving record for the past 3 years
• Criminal history disclosure and background check is required before employment

Desired:

• Knowledge/proficiency with MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Knowledge/proficiency with Salesforce CRM
• Knowledge/proficiency with Plone code for website

Compensation: We're looking for someone who wants to work, learn and grow while supporting the mission of one of the Northwest's exemplary nonprofit conservation organizations. Salary is between $35,000 and $40,000. North Cascades Institute provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vacation and retirement, program support toward Institute classes, and the opportunity to work in a spectacular location.

Application deadline: October 25, 2011 or until filled.

To Apply:

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume and names of 3 references with current contact information.

North Cascades Institute
Systems Administrator Search
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Equal Opportunity Employer: Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, marital status, age (over 40), veteran status, physical or mental disability, ex-offender status or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.