Assistant Server Administrator

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Assistant Server Administrator
• Company: North Iowa Area Community College
• Location: Mason City, IA, USA
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: IT & Support
• Date Posted: 2025-06-17
• Experience Level: 2-5 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the secondary contact for server and server virtualization needs, ensuring availability, reliability, and scalability of servers to meet business demands.
• Collaborate on policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure server security.
• Monitor and test system performance, providing performance statistics and reports.
• Develop and maintain training materials and server documentation.
• Assist with server upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches.
• Coordinate and provision video security and door access solutions, and participate in the administration and technical support of the College’s telecommunication system and Microsoft 365 environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong balance of technical proficiency and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and ensure server environment management.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Server Administration & Virtualization:

  • Serve as the secondary contact for server and server virtualization needs and issues.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with technical and end user staff to ensure server availability, reliability, and scalability.
  • Assist in the design and review of new server systems, applications, and hardware; conduct research on options and capacity planning as needed.
  • Develop strategies for client/server implementations; architect the infrastructure required to support those strategies.

• Server Security & Performance:

  • Collaborate on policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure server security.
  • Perform file system configuration and management.
  • Define and monitor server backups and recovery procedures.
  • Assist with server upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches.
  • Monitor and test system performance, providing performance statistics and reports.

• Documentation & Training:

  • Develop and maintain training materials and server documentation.

• Additional Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the secondary contact for the College’s video security and door access solutions.
  • Participate as a member of the administration and technical support team for the College’s telecommunication system and Microsoft 365 environment.

• General:

  • Work cooperatively with technical support staff to perform the above duties.
  • Communicate appropriately and effectively with supervisor, co-workers, staff, and public.
  • Maintain strong organizational skills, demonstrate reliability, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Fulfill other responsibilities as needed or assigned.
  • Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline).

Experience: Two years of experience in a Microsoft Windows Server environment.

Required Skills:

• Microsoft Windows Server
• Interpersonal skills to relate well with persons at all levels of computer competency
• High degree of confidentiality

Preferred Skills:

• Two years of experience with current Windows Server Operating systems
• General knowledge of storage technologies (e.g., SAN or NAS) and Active Directory
• Experience with server hardware and associated network and storage equipment installation, configuration, and maintenance
• Server virtualization technology experience
• Server performance tuning and monitoring tools experience

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience with Microsoft Windows Server and relevant technologies through case studies or projects.
  • Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide examples of server documentation, training materials, or process documentation created.
  • Highlight any performance reports or system analysis documents.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,600 to $61,900 per year, based on experience.

Benefits:

• Major Medical Health Insurance
• Eye Care
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Retirement Plans (IPERS or TIAA)
• Optional Benefits

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education

Company Size: Small to medium-sized community college

Founded: 1966

Team Structure:

• The IT department consists of a Server Administrator, Assistant Server Administrator, Helpdesk Technician, and Network Administrator.
• The team works collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the College's technology infrastructure.

Development Methodology:

• The IT department follows a structured approach to server management, focusing on availability, reliability, and performance.
• The team works together to ensure server security and maintain up-to-date documentation.

Company Website: https://www.niacc.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: North Iowa Area Community College is a small to medium-sized community college with a focus on providing quality education and supporting student success. The IT department plays a crucial role in ensuring the College's technology infrastructure supports its mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position in server administration, focusing on day-to-day server management and maintenance tasks. The role offers opportunities for growth and professional development within the IT department and the broader College community.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Server Administrator reports directly to the Server Administrator and works closely with the IT department team members.

Technical Impact: The Assistant Server Administrator has a direct impact on the College's server environment, ensuring its availability, reliability, and performance. This role also contributes to the security and maintenance of the College's video security and door access solutions, telecommunication system, and Microsoft 365 environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Gain experience with various server technologies, storage solutions, and virtualization platforms.
• Leadership Potential: Demonstrate strong performance and initiative to take on more responsibilities and potentially move into a leadership role within the IT department.
• Architecture Decisions: Contribute to the design and implementation of new server systems, applications, and hardware, influencing the College's server environment architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for growth and professional development within the IT department and the broader College community. By demonstrating strong performance and initiative, the Assistant Server Administrator can take on more responsibilities and potentially move into a leadership role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork within the IT department and across the College.

Office Location(s): Mason City, IA, USA

Workspace Context:

• The IT department offices are located on the College's main campus, providing easy access to various departments and resources.
• The team works closely together, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• The workspace is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to perform server administration tasks effectively.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard workweek of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to address server maintenance or emergency issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at North Iowa Area Community College fosters a collaborative atmosphere that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning. The IT department works closely together to ensure the smooth operation of the College's technology infrastructure.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone/Video Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss the role, qualifications, and answer any initial questions.
2. On-site Interview: A visit to the College's main campus for a more in-depth discussion of the role, team dynamics, and technical skills assessment.
   • Technical Assessment: A hands-on exercise or case study to evaluate the candidate's server administration skills and problem-solving abilities.
   • Behavioral Questions: Questions focused on interpersonal skills, teamwork, and adaptability in a college environment.
   • Culture Fit: An opportunity for the candidate to meet with team members and discuss the IT department's culture and values.
3. Final Decision: The hiring manager will review the candidate's qualifications, interview performance, and any additional information gathered during the process to make a final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight relevant server administration projects or case studies that demonstrate the candidate's technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Include any documentation, training materials, or performance reports created by the candidate.
• Emphasize any experience with Microsoft Windows Server, storage technologies, and virtualization platforms.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, and storage technologies (e.g., SAN or NAS).
• Familiarize oneself with server virtualization technologies and performance tuning tools.
• Prepare for hands-on exercises or case studies that focus on server administration tasks and problem-solving.

ATS Keywords:

• Programming Languages: PowerShell, Batch scripting
• Server Technologies: Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, IIS, SQL Server
• Storage Technologies: SAN, NAS, DAS
• Virtualization Platforms: Hyper-V, VMware, VirtualBox
• Monitoring Tools: SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix
• Soft Skills: Interpersonal skills, teamwork, adaptability, communication, problem-solving
• Industry Terms: Server administration, server virtualization, server performance tuning, server security, backup and recovery, capacity planning

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Assistant Server Administrator role at North Iowa Area Community College is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical skills, interpersonal skills, and cultural fit within the IT department and the broader College community. By preparing for the interview process and highlighting relevant server administration projects and skills, candidates can demonstrate their qualifications and increase their chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

• Microsoft Windows Server (2012 R2, 2016, 2019)
• Active Directory
• IIS (Internet Information Services)
• SQL Server

Storage Technologies:

• SAN (Storage Area Network)
• NAS (Network-Attached Storage)
• DAS (Direct-Attached Storage)

Virtualization Platforms:

• Hyper-V
• VMware
• VirtualBox

Monitoring Tools:

• SolarWinds
• Nagios
• Zabbix

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for the Assistant Server Administrator role at North Iowa Area Community College is focused on Microsoft Windows Server and related technologies. Familiarity with these technologies and relevant storage solutions is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• User Focus: Prioritize the needs and expectations of the College's faculty, staff, and students when designing and implementing server solutions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the IT department team members and other College departments to ensure server environment management supports the College's mission and goals.
• Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest server technologies, best practices, and industry trends to improve the College's server environment continuously.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness in server administration tasks to ensure the College's server environment remains secure, reliable, and performant.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with the IT department team members and other College departments to ensure server environment management supports the College's mission and goals.
• Code Review Culture: Collaborate with team members to review and refine server administration processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Peer Programming: Work together with team members to troubleshoot server issues, optimize performance, and implement new solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The IT department at North Iowa Area Community College values collaboration, continuous learning, and attention to detail in server administration tasks. By embracing these values and working closely with team members, the Assistant Server Administrator can contribute to the College's server environment management and support the College's mission and goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Server Virtualization: Design, implement, and manage server virtualization solutions to optimize resource utilization and improve server environment flexibility.
• Performance Optimization: Identify and address server performance bottlenecks, optimize server configurations, and implement performance tuning strategies.
• Server Security: Develop and maintain server security policies, procedures, and technologies to protect the College's data and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest server technologies, best practices, and industry trends to identify and implement new solutions that improve the College's server environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Advancement: Gain experience with various server technologies, storage solutions, and virtualization platforms to advance one's technical skills and knowledge.
• Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay up-to-date with the latest server technologies and best practices.
• Certification: Pursue relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, to demonstrate one's technical proficiency and commitment to continuous learning.
• Technical Mentorship: Seek guidance and support from experienced team members or external mentors to develop one's technical skills and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Assistant Server Administrator role at North Iowa Area Community College presents various technical challenges and growth opportunities. By embracing these challenges and pursuing relevant learning and development opportunities, the Assistant Server Administrator can advance their technical skills and career progression within the IT department and the broader College community.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Server Administration Fundamentals: Explain the process of installing, configuring, and managing Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, and related technologies.
• Server Architecture: Describe the architecture of a server environment that supports the College's mission and goals, including server virtualization, storage solutions, and performance optimization strategies.
• Problem-Solving: Walk through a real-world scenario involving a server issue or performance bottleneck and explain the steps taken to identify, diagnose, and resolve the problem.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Culture: Describe the IT department's culture and values, and how they contribute to the College's mission and goals.
• Team Dynamics: Explain how the IT department works together to ensure the smooth operation of the College's technology infrastructure and support the College's mission and goals.
• User Impact: Discuss how server environment management supports the College's faculty, staff, and students, and how it contributes to their success.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Live Server Demonstration: Present a live demonstration of a server administration task or project, showcasing the candidate's technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Case Study Walkthrough: Walk the interview panel through a server administration case study, highlighting the candidate's approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration.
• Documentation Review: Review relevant server documentation, training materials, or performance reports created by the candidate, emphasizing their attention to detail and commitment to continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Assistant Server Administrator role at North Iowa Area Community College is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical skills, interpersonal skills, and cultural fit within the IT department and the broader College community. By preparing for the interview process and highlighting relevant server administration projects and skills, candidates can demonstrate their qualifications and increase their chances of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Assistant Server Administrator position at North Iowa Area Community College:

1. Submit Application: Visit the College's careers website (https://niacc.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/468?c=niacc) and submit an application for the position.
2. Tailor Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant server administration experience, technical skills, and interpersonal skills. Emphasize any experience with Microsoft Windows Server, storage technologies, and virtualization platforms.
3. Prepare Portfolio: Curate a portfolio of server administration projects or case studies that demonstrate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Include any documentation, training materials, or performance reports created by you.
4. Research Company: Learn about North Iowa Area Community College's mission, values, and culture. Understand the College's technology infrastructure and how the Assistant Server Administrator role supports its mission and goals.
5. Prepare for Interview: Brush up on your server administration skills, familiarize yourself with the College's technology infrastructure, and practice answering technical and behavioral interview questions. Prepare for hands-on exercises or case studies that focus on server administration tasks and problem-solving.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with North Iowa Area Community College before making application decisions.