System Administrator (Senior)

Job Summary:

The Network Operations Center (NOC) Senior System Administrator is responsible for managing the Census Bureau’s NOC and works with the NOC team to monitor network availability and performance, and provide 24/7 support to ensure network availability, security compliance, and optimal performance. Specific responsibilities include:

• Review daily checklist to ensure services are running properly.
• Monitor system for anomalies and conduct root cause analysis.
• Document changes in test, operational, and cloud environments per compliance standards.
• Implement Engineering Implementation Plans (EIPs) for system enhancements and change control.
• Collaborate with system administrators to maintain multi-user system operations.
• Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
• Maintain and administer computer networks, hardware, software, and configurations.
• Plan and implement network security measures.
• Conduct routine network startup/shutdown and maintain records.
• Assess user requests for upgrades and provide technical guidance.

*This position is dependent upon contract award. Selected candidate must be within a commutable distance of Suitland, MD.* 

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Install new software releases, system upgrades, evaluates and installs patches and resolves software related problems.
• Maintains data files and monitors system configuration to ensure data integrity.
• Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Lead the NOC team.
• Administer and monitor core network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers, to ensure continuous availability and optimal performance.
• Implement and maintain monitoring tools such as SolarWinds, Splunk, and ServiceNow to track system health, performance metrics, and security events.
• Perform daily system checks, log reviews, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve anomalies in real-time.
• Maintain and manage high-availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions for critical systems to ensure minimal downtime and rapid recovery.
• Develop and execute backup strategies using Veeam, Commvault, or similar tools, ensuring that critical data is backed up and can be restored quickly in case of a failure.
• Conduct regular DR drills to test backup integrity, recovery time objectives (RTO), and recovery point objectives (RPO) as per the Department of Commerce’s DR policies.
• Maintain documentation for backup, recovery procedures, and ensure compliance with federal regulations and data retention policies.
• Work closely with network engineers and IT security teams to troubleshoot and resolve incidents involving network connectivity, security breaches, and performance issues.
• Participate in after-hours on-call support and incident management to minimize service disruptions.
• Coordinate service calls and escalate issues to third-party vendors when required by the COR.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements (Education/Skills/Experience):

• Minimum 8 years of experience, with at least 1 year managing a Network Operations Center for federal agencies.
• US Citizen with active Public Trust.
• Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Systems Tools Familiarity: Remedy, Splunk, SolarWinds, Veeam, Commvault (or similar tools).

Experience Desired:

• Experience managing systems for the Department of Commerce or similar federal agencies.
• Familiarity with USCB’s network and security policies.

Certifications:

• Certifications Desired such as CompTIA Network , Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty.

Work Location:

• Census HQ in Suitland, MD

Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that delivers IT, professional, and environmental solutions to advance the missions of federal, state, and tribal government agencies. As thought leaders and innovators, our team of specialists build client-centric solutions that solve critical challenges faced by defense, civilian, and healthcare organizations. Employing a mission-focused approach, we deliver value that not only enhances current operations, but also drives future change. Closely aligned with this approach is our commitment to advancing the Navajo Nation and its People. Through economic development and community empowerment, we elevate the Navajo Nation to provide lasting impact and sustainable growth for future generations. DDC’s ability to unite legacy-inspired technologies, industry best practices, and proven methodologies has contributed to our success for twenty years.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.