Senior System Administrator, Desktop & Platform Services

First National is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation and any other category protected by law.

First National supports requests for accommodation from applicants with disabilities; please contact Human Resources at [email protected] should you need an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process.

We are hiring a Senior System Administrator, Desktop & Platform Services!

The Opportunity:

Selected candidates will be responsible for managing, supporting, and optimizing our VMware VDI environment, as well as supporting, improving, and developing roadmaps for configuration management tooling to efficiently manage a large fleet of end-user devices. This role involves maintaining end-user devices through various technologies such as Microsoft Intune, VMware, Microsoft Azure, and more. The Senior Systems Administrator will provide advanced support to the helpdesk team, lead and participate in IT projects, and collaborate with other teams and vendors to ensure the smooth operation and security of our IT infrastructure.

How you will contribute:

• VMware VDI Management:
  • Create, maintain, and decommission end-user VMware VDIs and master images.
  • Ensure that Windows updates and security patches are administered effectively.
• Windows Endpoint Management:
  • Manage, support, monitor, and maintain a Windows 10/11 Microsoft Endpoint environment.
  • Gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of Windows OS images and application deployments.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in supporting and managing Windows 10/11 and iOS devices with Microsoft Intune.
• Project Management:
  • Lead and participate in projects from start to finish, including defining project requirements, creating project plans, managing tasks, milestones, and phases.
  • Research, design, and deploy new systems and applications to improve client OS imaging and application deployment processes.
  • Maintain clear and detailed documentation for all core responsibilities and associated technologies.
  • Work on various projects, such as implementing new methodologies, tools, software, or migrating to new systems.
  • Collaborate with vendors on projects and proposals.
  • Participate in the commissioning of the technology infrastructure for corporate office locations and new operational locations.
• Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager:
  • Support and maintain Microsoft Intune for end-user devices, ensuring update policies, app packages, and configuration policies are created effectively and kept up to date.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and advanced experience with Microsoft Configuration Manager, including Task Sequences and Application Packaging.
• Microsoft 365 and Active Directory:
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in supporting and configuring Microsoft 365 (Teams, Apps for Enterprise, Outlook).
  • Proven experience with Active Directory, user and computer, group policy management, and PowerShell scripting.
• System Updates and Security:
  • Perform timely updates on end-user VMs and physical workstations to ensure that Windows is up to date and that any security concerns are addressed promptly.
  • Participate in incident, problem, configuration, and change management activities.
• Advanced Helpdesk Support:
  • Serve as Tier 3 support and an end-of-line resource for the helpdesk team, providing advanced troubleshooting and resolution for complex device and software issues.
• Incident and Outage Response:
  • Assist in gathering information during outages or incidents by collaborating with helpdesk and other IT support teams, as well as contacting end users if required.
  • Relay critical information to management or incident leads.
• Backup Management:
  • Maintain and manage corporate backups to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
  • Learn new systems and technologies as required, with a willingness to innovate and improve existing processes.
  • Embrace change and new technologies, fostering a forward-thinking attitude.
• Collaboration and Vendor Relationships:
  • Establish and maintain close working relationships with vendors and service providers.
  • Work closely with other teams to resolve issues, implement new software, and apply updates.
  • Assist in planning and preparing for Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) scenarios.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to team members.

The experience you need:

Technical Skills:

• Needed Knowledge:
• Microsoft Intune
• Microsoft Azure/Entra
• Active Directory Users and Computers
• Group Policies
• Basic scripting knowledge (Batch and PowerShell)
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft 365 (Teams, Apps for Enterprise, Outlook)
• Desirable Knowledge (Not Mandatory):
• Papercut
• Qualys
• BigFix
• EV Reach/Goverlan
• PowerBI
• VoIP Systems
• Networking and Windows Server
• VMware VDI and Horizon Admin
• VMware vSphere

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Systems Administrator role with a focus on configuration management tools.
• Proven experience in managing VMware VDI environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Intune and Azure.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on security and efficiency.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on various IT projects.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Experience with backup management and disaster recovery planning is a plus.

Relationships:

Internal Customers: Will be working with company employees only.

Working Environment and Physical Demands Analysis:

• Office environment
• Periods of high volume with tight timelines
• Long periods of stationary position/sitting
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement (i.e. using a keyboard and mouse)
• Long periods of time in viewing a computer screen
• Multi-tasking may include speaking to employees and or vendors on a telephone call while looking up information on a computer program, troubleshooting issue or gathering information for new and ongoing projects.

Why join First National?

• Competitive Compensation 
• Comprehensive benefits program (i.e., Health Spending Account, Maternity and Parental Leave Top Up)
• Hybrid working environment.
• Extensive training programs to set our employees up for success
• Modern office environment conducive to collaboration
• Supportive teamwork culture
• Opportunities to give back to the communities and work through events focused on a variety of charities
• Ongoing social events throughout the year

The team you’ll join:

Founded in 1988, First National is one of Canada’s largest non-bank lenders. We provide residential mortgages exclusively through the mortgage broker channel and we are Canada’s largest commercial mortgage lender.

First National has been consistently recognized as a great place to work and we are proud that our employee engagement feedback is higher than our industry partners.

We would like to thank all applications for their interest in this existing vacancy, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

#FNLOON