📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Network & Systems Administrator - Senior
• Company: Calgary Co-op
• Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: IT Infrastructure & Operations
• Date Posted: 2025-08-01
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Senior Network & Systems Administrator responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's network, storage, and server infrastructure.
• High Availability & Reliability: Ensures minimal downtime and optimal performance of both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
• Proactive Issue Resolution: Identifies and addresses potential issues before they impact the organization.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with IT security, operations, and other teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in network and systems administration, with a focus on proactive management and issue resolution.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Network Administration:

  • Designs, configures, and maintains LAN, WAN, VPNs, firewalls, and WLANs.
  • Monitors network performance, troubleshoots issues, and implements improvements.
  • Ensures network security through firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular audits.
  • Implements and manages network segmentation, routing, and VLANs.

• Systems Administration:

  • Manages Windows and Linux servers, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and GPOs.
  • Administers applications such as Exchange, ADFS, and DFS.
  • Manages and supports virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper-V/HPE Essentials) and storage systems (SAN/NAS).
  • Maintains patch management and server performance monitoring.
  • Administers backup solutions and disaster recovery plans.
  • Automates system tasks using scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell, Python).
  • Manages cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure).

• Security, Policy, and Audit:

  • Works closely with the IT security team to ensure adherence to security best practices, processes, and protocols.
  • Updates and enforces policies to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Performs vulnerability scanning, systems audits, and forensics.
  • Ensures the effectiveness of data protection and cybersecurity measures.

• Performance Improvement and Monitoring:

  • Takes proactive measures to ensure minimal downtime of IT infrastructure through continuous service improvements.
  • Monitors compute and storage capacity to ensure effective short and long-term operations.
  • Utilizes available tools to monitor network performance and analyze performance statistics to enhance compute and storage systems.
  • Practices asset management, including maintaining inventory.
  • Documents processes, procedures, and configuration standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on proactive management, continuous improvement, and collaboration with various teams to ensure optimal network and systems performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or diploma in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in network and systems administration, with a focus on enterprise-level environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise LANs, WANs, WLANs, VPNs, and hybrid environments.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Windows and Linux administration, including patching, hardening, and lifecycle management.
• In-depth knowledge of core infrastructure technologies, including Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, HPE, VMware, Active Directory, and Cloud.
• Strong understanding of network and server architecture, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF), and IT security best practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with SIEM solutions, monitoring and alerting tools, vulnerability assessment tools, and IT ticketing systems.
• Working knowledge of ITIL frameworks.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• A recognized advanced professional qualification and/or relevant industry certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in managing hybrid environments, cloud services, and a strong focus on security will be highly competitive for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise-level networks and servers.
• Showcase projects that highlight problem-solving, performance optimization, and security implementation.
• Include case studies that illustrate network segmentation, routing, and VLAN management.
• Highlight experience with cloud services, virtualization, and storage systems.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide detailed documentation of network and server configurations, including diagrams and flowcharts.
• Include process documentation, standard operating procedures, and configuration standards.
• Demonstrate experience with scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell, Python) and their application in automating system tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will showcase the candidate's ability to design, implement, and maintain complex network and server infrastructure, with a focus on security, performance, and reliability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 110,000 - 140,000 per year (based on regional market research and industry standards for senior network and systems administrators)

Benefits:

• Extended Health Benefits
• Paid Vacations
• Employee Discount (cashback) on all purchases
• Recognition Program
• Social Committee Events
• Employee & Family Assistance Plan
• Training and Development Programs

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market research and industry standards for senior network and systems administrators. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Calgary Co-op operates in the retail and grocery industry, with a focus on providing fresh, farm-to-table foods and supporting local producers.

Company Size: Calgary Co-op is one of North America's largest retail co-operatives, with 3,530 employees, $757 million in assets, and $1.3 billion in annual sales. This size allows for significant career growth and development opportunities.

Founded: 1956, with a commitment to sourcing locally and supporting the community.

Team Structure:

• The IT department consists of various teams, including network and systems administration, IT security, and operations.
• The network and systems administration team is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's network, storage, and server infrastructure.
• The team works closely with other IT teams, as well as business units, to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.

Development Methodology:

• Calgary Co-op follows ITIL frameworks for IT service management.
• The organization emphasizes continuous improvement, proactive management, and collaboration with various teams to ensure optimal network and systems performance.

Company Website: Calgary Co-op

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's commitment to sourcing locally and supporting the community provides unique opportunities for candidates interested in working for an organization that prioritizes sustainability and community impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network & Systems Administrator - Senior Role Level: This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization's network, storage, and server infrastructure. It requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in network and systems administration, with a focus on proactive management and issue resolution.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the IT Director and works closely with the IT security, operations, and other teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the organization's overall IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and reliability of both on-premises and cloud-based systems. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining data protection and cybersecurity measures.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: With experience and strong performance, candidates can progress to roles such as IT Manager or IT Director, overseeing the organization's IT strategy and teams.
• Specialization: Candidates can specialize in specific areas, such as cloud services, security, or infrastructure management, and become subject matter experts in their respective fields.
• Mentoring and Training: Senior network and systems administrators can mentor junior team members, providing guidance and supporting their professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's size and commitment to continuous improvement provide numerous opportunities for career growth and development in the network and systems administration field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Calgary Co-op's headquarters is located in Calgary, Alberta, with additional offices and facilities throughout the region. The work environment is collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.

Office Location(s): Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members and with other departments.
• Development Tools: The organization provides access to industry-standard tools and technologies for network and systems administration, including Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, HPE, VMware, Active Directory, and Cloud services.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Network and systems administrators work closely with IT security, operations, and other teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows as needed. The organization offers a competitive benefits package, including extended health benefits, paid vacations, and an employee discount program.

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's commitment to a collaborative work environment and cross-functional interaction provides unique opportunities for candidates interested in working for an organization that prioritizes teamwork and knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone or Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills and initial fit for the role.
2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of the candidate's technical skills, focusing on network and systems administration tasks, such as configuring routers, switches, and servers, and troubleshooting network issues.
3. Behavioral Interview: A discussion focused on the candidate's problem-solving skills, experience with ITIL frameworks, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
4. Final Interview: A meeting with the IT Director to discuss the candidate's fit for the role, career goals, and the organization's long-term plans.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight projects that demonstrate experience in designing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise-level networks and servers.
• Include case studies that illustrate problem-solving, performance optimization, and security implementation.
• Showcase experience with cloud services, virtualization, and storage systems.
• Provide detailed documentation of network and server configurations, including diagrams and flowcharts.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on network and systems administration fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and IT security best practices.
• Familiarize yourself with Calgary Co-op's technology stack, including Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, HPE, VMware, Active Directory, and Cloud services.
• Prepare for hands-on tasks that focus on configuring routers, switches, and servers, and troubleshooting network issues.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

• Networking: Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, WAN, LAN, WLAN, VPN, firewall, intrusion detection, network segmentation, routing, VLAN, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, hybrid environment, cloud services
• Server Administration: Windows, Linux, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, GPO, Exchange, ADFS, DFS, VMware, Hyper-V, HPE Essentials, SAN, NAS, patch management, server performance monitoring, backup solutions, disaster recovery
• Security: IT security best practices, network security, data protection, cybersecurity, vulnerability scanning, systems audits, forensics, compliance, policy enforcement
• IT Infrastructure: ITIL frameworks, IT service management, continuous improvement, proactive management, issue resolution, asset management, inventory management, documentation
• Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, cloud migration, cloud security, cloud architecture
• Scripting: PowerShell, Python, automation, system tasks, configuration management
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, analytical skills, communication, collaboration, teamwork, mentoring, training

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's commitment to a structured interview process and technical assessment provides candidates with a clear understanding of the organization's expectations and the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

• Cisco (routers, switches, wireless access points)
• Fortinet (firewalls, intrusion prevention systems)
• Aruba (wireless access points, switches)
• HPE (servers, storage systems, networking equipment)

Server Administration Technologies:

• Windows Server (2016, 2019)
• Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS)
• Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, GPO
• VMware vSphere (ESXi, vCenter)
• Hyper-V
• HPE Essentials
• SAN, NAS (NetApp, HPE)

Cloud Services:

• AWS (Amazon Web Services)
• Azure (Microsoft Azure)

Scripting Tools:

• PowerShell
• Python

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's technology stack includes industry-standard tools and technologies for network and systems administration, providing candidates with a familiar environment in which to demonstrate their skills and experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network & Systems Administration Values:

• Proactive Management: Focus on preventing issues before they occur, rather than reacting to them after the fact.
• Continuous Improvement: Emphasize ongoing learning and development to enhance skills and stay current with industry best practices.
• Collaboration: Work closely with IT security, operations, and other teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.
• Performance Optimization: Prioritize network and server performance, reliability, and availability.
• Security Focus: Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Interaction: Work closely with IT security, operations, and other teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encourage team members to share their expertise and learn from one another.
• Mentoring: Provide guidance and support to junior team members, fostering their professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's network and systems administration team values proactive management, continuous improvement, and collaboration, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the organization's expectations and the opportunity to contribute to its success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Hybrid Environment Management: Balance on-premises and cloud-based systems, ensuring high availability, performance, and reliability.
• Security and Compliance: Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and optimize network and server performance, reliability, and availability.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, integrating them into the organization's infrastructure as appropriate.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Training: Calgary Co-op offers training and development programs to help employees enhance their skills and advance their careers.
• Conferences and Events: Attend industry conferences and events to stay current with best practices, emerging technologies, and networking opportunities.
• Mentoring and Leadership Development: Participate in mentoring programs and leadership development opportunities to grow as a technical professional and contribute to the organization's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's commitment to continuous improvement, technical training, and professional development provides candidates with numerous opportunities to grow as network and systems administration professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Networking Fundamentals: Demonstrate a strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, and other networking protocols.
• Server Administration: Showcase experience with Windows and Linux administration, including patching, hardening, and lifecycle management.
• Security: Discuss IT security best practices, network security, data protection, and compliance.
• Problem-Solving: Provide examples of complex network and systems administration challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
• Cloud Services: Describe your experience with cloud services, migration, and security.

Company & Culture Questions:

• ITIL Frameworks: Explain your experience with ITIL frameworks and how you've applied them in previous roles.
• Collaboration: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams and how you've ensured infrastructure aligns with business needs and security standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Discuss your approach to continuous learning and development, and how you've applied it in previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Case Studies: Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in designing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise-level networks and servers.
• Documentation: Include detailed diagrams, flowcharts, and process documentation to showcase your technical expertise and attention to detail.
• Performance Optimization: Emphasize projects that illustrate your ability to optimize network and server performance, reliability, and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Calgary Co-op's interview process focuses on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, providing candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications and contribute to the organization's success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network & Systems Administrator - Senior position at Calgary Co-op:

1. Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, highlighting key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications.
2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments in network and systems administration.
3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience in designing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise-level networks and servers, with a focus on problem-solving, performance optimization, and security implementation.
4. Research the Company: Learn about Calgary Co-op's commitment to sourcing locally, supporting the community, and providing fresh, farm-to-table foods.
5. Prepare for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with Calgary Co-op's technology stack, ITIL frameworks, and interview process, focusing on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.