Government contracts require secure, reliable, and efficient IT infrastructure to support mission-critical operations. System Administrators play a vital role in managing and maintaining government IT environments, ensuring system availability, security, and compliance with federal regulations.
What does a System Administrator do on Government Contracts?
A System Administrator (SysAdmin) on government contracts is responsible for overseeing, managing, and securing IT systems to ensure smooth operations. Their duties include:
- System Maintenance and Upgrades: Installing, configuring, and updating hardware, software, and operating systems to maintain system integrity.
- Security and Compliance: Implementing security measures to protect sensitive government data, ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards such as NIST 800-53, FISMA, and DFARS.
- User and Access Management: Managing user accounts, permissions, and authentication protocols to maintain system security.
- Troubleshooting and Support: Diagnosing and resolving system issues to minimize downtime and ensure operational efficiency.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implementing backup strategies and disaster recovery plans to protect critical government data.
System Administrator Job Description
System Administrators on government contracts are responsible for managing and maintaining IT infrastructure while ensuring security and compliance. Their key responsibilities include:
- Configuring and maintaining servers, networks, and IT systems.
- Implementing security patches, updates, and access controls.
- Monitoring system performance and addressing vulnerabilities.
- Supporting end users with technical issues and troubleshooting system errors.
- Ensuring compliance with government IT security regulations and policies.
Job Requirements for a System Administrator
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of Windows, Linux, or Unix operating systems.
- Experience with Active Directory, virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and government security compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).
- Proficiency in system monitoring tools and troubleshooting techniques.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Educational Background and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3-5 years of experience in system administration, preferably in a government or DoD environment.
- Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) are highly desirable.
Workspace/Physical Requirements:
- Office-based role with occasional on-site troubleshooting or data center visits.
- May require security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or higher) depending on the government agency.
What does a typical job posting look like for a System Administrator?
Job Posting Example:
“We are seeking a skilled System Administrator to support our government contracts by maintaining secure and efficient IT systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in system maintenance, security compliance, and troubleshooting.”
Essential Job Functions:
- Install, configure, and maintain IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and cloud services.
- Ensure compliance with government security regulations and implement security best practices.
- Perform system monitoring, performance tuning, and issue resolution.
- Manage user accounts, access controls, and authentication systems.
- Develop and implement backup and disaster recovery strategies.
Salary Range
The salary for a System Administrator working on government contracts typically ranges from $75,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and security clearance level.