Systems Administrator

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Systems Administrator contributes to the mission of Northwest Harvest through the responsible management and support of end-user and server systems, network security enforcement, patch management, technical documentation, project management, and training. This role requires exceptional diagnostic troubleshooting, desktop (hardware and software) support, and communications skills to support all Northwest Harvest staff with a day-to-day emphasis on Western WA locations (Belltown, SODO, Auburn). We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for continued growth and learning.

This position works in collaboration with the technology team to provide and maintain day-to-day IT system accessibility and functionality and to plan and implement future growth. This role will be crucial in guiding technical alignment, change management, and user adoption in support of Northwest Harvest’s goal to cut hunger in half by 2028.

The successful incumbent possesses strong written and oral communication, interpersonal (customer friendly) skills and independent thinking to communicate technical concerns and solutions to people with varying degrees of technical knowledge. This role will work with individuals in all departments to introduce new technologies and innovations. This position supports Northwest Harvest’s mission by maintaining the organization’s system infrastructure in Western Washington, including managing firewalls, testing and deploying computer equipment, installing and updating software, and overseeing SaaS deployment and administration—all in alignment with established policies and organizational frameworks.

Schedule: This position may be required to work occasional off-shift hours as necessary for special events or other duties assigned. 

Travel: This position will be required to travel to our sites in Auburn and Seattle with short notice. Regular travel to Yakima and Spokane required with prior notice and scheduling.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Systems Administrator position is a hands-on role requiring strong technical, analytical, and communication skills. Ongoing tasks and activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

IT Infrastructure:

• Provide system administration and support for Windows Active Directory; DNS; Internet; Firewall; VPN; virtual machines; access/security systems; communication systems (phones, email, etc.); user account setup authentication, and authorization
• Architect and maintain both physical and virtual server infrastructure, including cloud-based servers and networking
• Support multiple platforms, including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, video conferencing equipment, and phone systems
• Microsoft 365 administration including but not limited to Admin Center, SharePoint, Power Platform, Security and Compliance Center
• Hybrid Active Directory / Entra ID infrastructure as well as Entra ID only infrastructure
• Windows Server, Hyper-V, and Windows 10/11 deployment and support
• Configuration of network switches, firewalls, and VPN
• Review and resolve IT tickets, manage technical assets, and ensure up-time for all essential business systems, business-critical servers, and SaaS systems
• Availability to respond to emergency network and system needs after hours
• Analyze systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvements
• Create and update technical system documentation (server configuration, backup and recovery procedures, system usage guidelines, help / knowledge base articles)

Desktop, Mobile and Peripheral Device Support:

• Provide network and application access for users
• Configure, deploy, and dispose of desktop and peripheral devices (driver tablets, kiosks, iPads) as appropriate
• Partner with team to maintain hardware & software inventory

User Management

• Create and suspend user accounts
• Change user titles and information as directed
• Asset recovery and reconfiguration

User Training & Support:

• Support the technical onboarding of new staff
• Provide user support and training on various Microsoft 365 Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Forms, Power Automate)
• Provide administration support for SaaS systems including but not limited to Salesforce, Kaseya 365, Enterprise Resource Planning and Warehouse Management solutions

Special Projects/Project Management:

• Act with discretion and independent judgment to gather requirements for technological initiatives throughout the organization; assess technology use; plan and support the execution of technology-based initiatives
• Design and implement operational policies and practices across departments that ensure information security and increase technological efficiencies

Perform other duties as needed and assigned.

While performing the duties of this position: 

• Regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear 
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, standard keyboards of office equipment or controls, and reach with hands and arms 
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds 
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close and distant vision and the ability to adjust focus  

EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.

Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency

RELATIONSHIPS: 

Internal: Frequent contact with all levels of staff and teams. Communicate to understand and respond to issues. Gather requirements, offer insights, and provide technical assistance to deliver excellent customer service and customer experiences.

External: Regular contact with vendors, professional associates, and consultants. Collaborate to build requirements, offer insights, and provide technical assistance to projects and service requests. Be able to explain Northwest Harvest mission and goals to those we interact with.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A combination of the reallife experience, education, and training listed

below provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.  

Successful completion of a background check is required. 

Knowledge of: 

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications
• Thorough knowledge of Windows 11
• Thorough knowledge of Windows Server
• Demonstrated experience in managing users in Microsoft Active Directory & Group Policy and Entra ID & Intune
• Demonstrated experience with Firewall maintenance
• Demonstrated experience with Multiple Sites using VPNs to maintain secure connections
• Comprehensive knowledge of system security concerns and vulnerabilities
• PC, Laptop, and tablet configuration for end users
• Remote management tools (ConnectWise)
• Printer troubleshooting and setup
• Ticket management system (Zendesk)

Ability To: 

• Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity
• Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ populations and people living with disabilities
• Lead change through influence and demonstrated practices that drive results
• Ability to reprioritize workload to address tasks and situations as necessary and the ability to follow through on multiple tasks
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leadership, IT partners, and vendors to assure a high degree of mutual accountability
• Analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions, and learn from mistakes
• Provide excellent customer service and customer experience
• Ability to operate strategically in alignment with organizational goals through an IT lens
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

Bachelor’s degree in technology, computer science or an equal combination of education and relevant work experience with the orientation of a lifelong learner.

EXPERIENCE:  

Minimum four (4) + years of progressively responsible experience in the technology industry supporting Information Technology best practices to include but is not limited to helpdesk, end user support and network support.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional or similar certifications desired.
• Valid Driver’s license and/or reliable transportation to commute to and from Northwest Harvest locations 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Non- Profit experience is desired but not required 
• Certification related to computer maintenance or a related field is desired but not required
• Fortigate Firewall and/or Ruckus Wireless expertise is desired but not required
• The ability to speak additional language(s) is desired but not required