📍 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: June 17, 2025
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.
Assist with server upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches, improving efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Develop and maintain training materials and server documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on supporting the Server Administrator, requiring strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with various levels of computer competency. The position involves hands-on server management, security, and documentation tasks, making it an ideal fit for an experienced IT professional seeking to grow in a server administration role.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Server Administration: Assist in the design, installation, administration, and optimization of College server technology. Ensure the availability of client/server applications and develop processes for ongoing management of the server environment.
Security & Backup: Collaborate on policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure server security. Define and monitor server backups and recovery procedures.
Upgrades & Maintenance: Assist with server upgrades, maintenance fixes, and vendor-supplied patches. Improve efficiency, reliability, and performance through modifications to the server environment.
Documentation & Training: Develop and maintain training materials and server documentation to support the IT team and end-users.
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.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of Microsoft Windows Server environments, with a preference for experience with current Windows Server Operating systems and storage technologies. Familiarity with server virtualization technology, server performance tuning, and monitoring tools is beneficial but not required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Two years of postsecondary education or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Experience: Two years of experience in a Microsoft Windows Server environment is required. Experience with current Windows Server Operating systems, storage technologies, and server virtualization is preferred.

Required Skills:

Microsoft Windows Server
Interpersonal skills
Confidentiality
Server virtualization (preferred)
Storage technologies (preferred)
Active Directory (preferred)
Server performance tuning (preferred)
File system management
Backup procedures
Server upgrades
Documentation

Preferred Skills:

Experience with installing, configuring, and maintaining server hardware and associated network and storage equipment
Server performance tuning and monitoring tools

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell) and familiarity with IT service management (ITSM) tools would be valuable for this role. Additionally, certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or similar could demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development in server administration.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with Microsoft Windows Server, including installation, configuration, and administration.
Showcase your ability to manage server backups and recovery procedures.
Highlight any experience with server virtualization, storage technologies, and Active Directory.
Include examples of server performance tuning and monitoring.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation samples showcasing your ability to create and maintain clear, concise, and organized technical documentation.
Include any training materials you've developed for server administration tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with sensitive data, ensure that any portfolio materials or projects shared do not compromise the security or confidentiality of the information they contain.

💵 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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of on-call duties for server maintenance and emergencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is within the average for an Assistant Server Administrator role in the United States, considering the required experience level and regional cost of living. However, it is essential to research local salary standards and adjust expectations accordingly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education; North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a public, two-year college offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Company Size: Medium (around 250 employees); NIACC's size allows for a more personal work environment, with opportunities for close collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1918; NIACC has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing quality education and community service.

Team Structure:

The IT department at NIACC consists of several teams, including Network & Server Administration, Helpdesk, and Instructional Technology.
The Assistant Server Administrator role reports directly to the Server Administrator and works closely with other IT teams to ensure the college's technology infrastructure supports its educational mission.

Development Methodology:

NIACC follows ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) best practices for IT service management.
The IT department uses a ticketing system (likely ServiceNow or similar) to track and manage requests, incidents, and problems.
Collaboration and communication are key aspects of NIACC's IT culture, with regular team meetings and open-door policies fostering a supportive work environment.

Company Website: NIACC Website

📝 Enhancement Note: NIACC's commitment to education and community service creates an environment where technology plays a crucial role in supporting the college's mission. The IT department's structure and development methodologies emphasize collaboration and communication, making it an ideal fit for an experienced IT professional seeking to grow in a server administration role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Assistant Server Administrator; this role serves as a stepping stone to more senior server administration positions, with opportunities for growth in technical leadership and architecture decision-making.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Server Administrator reports directly to the Server Administrator and works closely with other IT teams, providing opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Technical Impact: This role has a direct impact on the college's server infrastructure, ensuring the availability, reliability, and performance of critical systems that support the educational mission. The Assistant Server Administrator plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the college's server environment, contributing to the overall success of the IT department and the institution.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Gain experience with current Windows Server Operating systems, storage technologies, and server virtualization to enhance your skillset and prepare for more advanced roles.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrate strong performance and initiative to take on more responsibilities and eventually transition into a senior server administration role or a technical leadership position.
Architecture Decisions: As your experience and expertise grow, you may have the opportunity to contribute to strategic decisions regarding the college's server infrastructure and architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Assistant Server Administrator role at NIACC offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. By demonstrating strong performance and a commitment to continuous learning, individuals in this role can advance their careers in server administration and technical leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site; the Assistant Server Administrator role requires a physical presence on the NIACC campus to ensure the availability and reliability of the college's server infrastructure.

Office Location(s): Mason City, IA, USA; NIACC's main campus is located in Mason City, with additional locations in Charles City and Hampton.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The IT department at NIACC fosters a collaborative environment, with open communication and regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned with the department's goals and objectives.
Technical Tools & Resources: NIACC provides the necessary tools and resources for Assistant Server Administrators to perform their jobs effectively, including access to relevant software, hardware, and documentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Assistant Server Administrator works closely with other IT teams, as well as faculty and staff, to ensure the college's technology infrastructure supports its educational mission.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the possibility of on-call duties for server maintenance and emergencies. The work schedule may vary depending on the college's needs and the Assistant Server Administrator's availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: NIACC's on-site work environment fosters collaboration and communication, with opportunities for professional growth and development. The college's commitment to education and community service creates a supportive and engaging work environment for IT professionals.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your communication skills, experience, and fit for the role.
On-Campus Interview: A face-to-face interview with the Server Administrator and potentially other IT team members to discuss your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Technical Challenge: A hands-on assessment of your server administration skills, focusing on your ability to manage and maintain Windows Server environments, perform backups, and ensure server security.
Final Decision: NIACC will make a final decision based on your interview performance, technical skills, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with Microsoft Windows Server, including installation, configuration, and administration.
Showcase your ability to manage server backups and recovery procedures.
Include examples of server virtualization, storage technologies, and Active Directory management.
Demonstrate your understanding of server performance tuning and monitoring tools.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Microsoft Windows Server skills, focusing on the latest operating systems and best practices.
Familiarize yourself with storage technologies, server virtualization, and Active Directory.
Prepare for hands-on tasks that demonstrate your ability to manage and maintain Windows Server environments, perform backups, and ensure server security.

ATS Keywords: Microsoft Windows Server, Server Administration, Backup Procedures, Server Virtualization, Storage Technologies, Active Directory, Technical Interview, IT Support, Education, On-site, Full-time

📝 Enhancement Note: NIACC's interview process focuses on assessing your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit for the Assistant Server Administrator role. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in server administration, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Microsoft Windows Server (required)
Current Windows Server Operating Systems (preferred)
Storage Technologies (preferred, e.g., SAN or NAS)
Active Directory (preferred)

Development & DevOps Tools:

IT Service Management (ITSM) tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira Service Management)
Ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira Service Management)
Monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Datadog, New Relic)
Documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for the Assistant Server Administrator role at NIACC is centered around Microsoft Windows Server, with a preference for experience with current Windows Server Operating Systems and storage technologies. Familiarity with IT service management (ITSM) tools, ticketing systems, monitoring tools, and documentation tools is beneficial but not required.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Customer Focus: NIACC places a strong emphasis on customer service, ensuring that the IT department meets the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
Collaboration: The IT department fosters a collaborative environment, with open communication and regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned with the department's goals and objectives.
Continuous Learning: NIACC encourages professional development and continuous learning, providing opportunities for IT professionals to grow and advance their careers.
Innovation: The IT department embraces new technologies and best practices to improve the college's server infrastructure and support its educational mission.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Assistant Server Administrator works closely with other IT teams, as well as faculty and staff, to ensure the college's technology infrastructure supports its educational mission.
Code Review Culture: While not explicitly stated, NIACC's IT department likely encourages a code review culture to ensure the quality and security of its server environment.
Knowledge Sharing: NIACC fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and mentoring, with opportunities for IT professionals to learn from one another and contribute to the department's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: NIACC's IT department values customer focus, collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, creating an environment where technology plays a crucial role in supporting the college's mission. The department's collaborative culture and commitment to professional development make it an ideal fit for an experienced IT professional seeking to grow in a server administration role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Server Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage and maintain Windows Server environments, ensuring their availability, reliability, and performance.
Backup & Recovery: Showcase your expertise in managing server backups and recovery procedures, ensuring the safety and security of critical data.
Security: Contribute to the development and implementation of server security policies, procedures, and technologies to protect the college's server environment from threats and vulnerabilities.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in server administration, storage technologies, and virtualization to enhance your skillset and prepare for more advanced roles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Gain experience with current Windows Server Operating systems, storage technologies, and server virtualization to enhance your skillset and prepare for more advanced roles.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay current with the latest trends and best practices in server administration.
Certification: Pursue relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or similar, to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and enhance your employability.
Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior IT professionals to gain insights into the server administration field, develop your skills, and advance your career.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Assistant Server Administrator role at NIACC presents numerous technical challenges and learning opportunities. By embracing these challenges and pursuing continuous learning and development, individuals in this role can advance their careers in server administration and technical leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Server Administration: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft Windows Server, including installation, configuration, and administration. Demonstrate your understanding of server virtualization, storage technologies, and Active Directory.
Backup & Recovery: Showcase your expertise in managing server backups and recovery procedures, ensuring the safety and security of critical data.
Security: Contribute to the development and implementation of server security policies, procedures, and technologies to protect the college's server environment from threats and vulnerabilities.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in server administration, storage technologies, and virtualization to enhance your skillset and prepare for more advanced roles.

Company & Culture Questions:

Customer Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of NIACC's commitment to customer service and your ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students to meet their technology needs.
Collaboration: Showcase your experience working in a collaborative environment and your ability to contribute to NIACC's IT department goals and objectives.
Continuous Learning: Discuss your commitment to professional development and your eagerness to learn and grow in the server administration field.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Server Administration: Highlight your experience with Microsoft Windows Server, including installation, configuration, and administration. Include examples of server virtualization, storage technologies, and Active Directory management.
Backup & Recovery: Showcase your ability to manage server backups and recovery procedures, ensuring the safety and security of critical data.
Security: Demonstrate your understanding of server security best practices and your ability to contribute to the development and implementation of server security policies, procedures, and technologies.
Emerging Technologies: Include examples of your experience with emerging technologies in server administration, storage technologies, and virtualization to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Assistant Server Administrator role at NIACC focuses on assessing your technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in server administration, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

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

Submit Your Application: Visit the NIACC job posting and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Highlight your experience with Microsoft Windows Server, including installation, configuration, and administration. Include examples of server virtualization, storage technologies, and Active Directory management. Showcase your ability to manage server backups and recovery procedures, and demonstrate your understanding of server security best practices.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the Assistant Server Administrator role, emphasizing your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Include specific examples of your server administration experience and any relevant certifications or training.
Research NIACC: Familiarize yourself with NIACC's mission, values, and culture. Understand the college's commitment to education and community service, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the Assistant Server Administrator role and NIACC's goals.

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

Assistant Server Administrator