IT Systems Administrator

Qualifications

Company Overview

Dominion Terminal Associates operates a state-of-the-art, cost-effective coal shipping and ground storage company. We are committed to delivering high-quality, uncontaminated coal products through efficient handling and advanced technology.

Summary

We are seeking an IT Systems Administrator to join our team in Newport News, VA. In this role, you will play a crucial part in maintaining our IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations that support our mission of efficient coal handling and delivery.

The IT Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring the secure, reliable, and high-performance operation of Dominion Terminal Associates' (DTA) information technology and industrial network infrastructure.

This position focuses on advanced systems engineering, network architecture, database administration, virtualization, cybersecurity, and infrastructure optimization across both IT and operational technology (OT) environments.

The Administrator designs, implements, and maintains servers, storage, virtualization clusters, databases, and wired/wireless networks across the enterprise. This role provides Tier 3-level expertise and leadership while working collaboratively with DTA's Managed Service Provider (MSP), Electrical Maintenance, and Technical Services teams to ensure system integrity, security, and performance.

This position also ensures compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, DoD, DFARS, and CMMC cybersecurity requirements, supporting mission-critical operations that demand exceptional system availability, reliability, and data integrity.

Responsibilities

Tier 1 and 2 Responsibilities (as needed)

• Provide Tier 3 escalation support for complex incidents unresolved by Tier 1 or Tier 2 staff.
• Oversee and validate incident resolutions, ensuring documentation meets enterprise standards.
• Support endpoint protection, software patching, and access management processes.
• Assist with user account provisioning, permissions reviews, and Active Directory maintenance.

Tier 3 Responsibilities

Network & Infrastructure

• Architect, configure, and maintain industrial networks with Cisco CCIE-level expertise, including routing, switching, VPNs, VLANs, and network segmentation.
• Design and support commercial and industrial wireless connectivity to ensure secure, reliable coverage across the terminal.
• Manage and troubleshoot fiberoptic systems, including single-mode and multi-mode installations, termination, and testing.
• Implement redundancy, load balancing, and failover configurations to ensure continuous system availability.
• Conduct advanced performance analysis, packet tracing, and root-cause diagnostics on network infrastructure.

Systems, Virtualization, and Storage

• Design, deploy, and maintain VMware virtualization environments, including vSphere (VX) and vSAN clusters.
• Manage hybrid on-premises/cloud workloads and ensure system scalability, performance, and fault tolerance.
• Develop and execute automation scripts (PowerShell, etc.) for system provisioning, patching, and reporting.
• Oversee storage performance tuning, replication, and disaster recovery configurations.

Database Administration

• Serve as Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise Expert, managing installation, optimization, patching, and data integrity.
• Design and maintain SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for operational analytics and business reporting.
• Perform database tuning, indexing, and query optimization to maximize performance and reliability.
• Develop and enforce database backup and recovery strategies consistent with enterprise DR standards.

Cybersecurity and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, DoD, DFARS, and CMMC cybersecurity regulations and practices.
• Lead vulnerability assessments, security audits, and incident response planning.
• Manage endpoint protection, firewall policies, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Coordinate with MSP and government compliance representatives to maintain certification readiness.
• Implement and maintain network segmentation, access controls, and system hardening baselines.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Develop, test, and maintain disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BC) plans.
• Manage backup and replication solutions to ensure rapid data restoration and minimal downtime.
• Conduct annual DR tests and maintain accurate recovery documentation.

Operational Technology (OT) Integration

• Collaborate with Electrical Maintenance and Technical Services to integrate and secure network-connected PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Maintain strict separation and security between IT and OT networks while ensuring reliable data exchange.
• Support OT cybersecurity initiatives, firmware management, and control system connectivity.

Project Management & Leadership

• Lead enterprise infrastructure and cybersecurity projects from design through implementation.
• Coordinate vendor and contractor relationships for specialized technical services and system upgrades.
• Maintain current network diagrams, configuration databases, and hardware/software inventories.

Additional Expectations

• Provide on-call and after-hours support for critical systems and maintenance windows.
• Participate in budget preparation, asset lifecycle management, and long-term IT strategy development.
• Support DTA's mission in safety, security, reliability, and continuous improvement of facility systems.
• Communicate effectively across departments and with external vendors to align technology solutions with operational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in systems administration, networking, and IT infrastructure management.
• Industrial Network experience with Cisco CCIE-level knowledge and hands-on configuration skills.
• Microsoft SQL Server Enterprise Expert, including SSRS development and administration.
• VMware virtualization expert, with strong experience in vSphere (VX) and vSAN environments.
• Extensive experience with fiberoptics (single-mode and multi-mode) and industrial network cabling infrastructure.
• Enterprise wireless connectivity experience for both commercial and industrial environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard, DoD, DFARS, and CMMC cybersecurity frameworks.
• Strong understanding of LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, VLANs, and routing protocols.
• Proven ability to design, secure, and manage hybrid on-prem/cloud infrastructures.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical personnel.

Abilities & Competencies

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Maintains organized and detailed technical documentation.

Problem Solving

• Excels in diagnosing complex technical issues across IT and OT systems.
• Demonstrates a proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and move within office and industrial environments.
• Must be able to climb ladders, access confined spaces, and work safely near electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Capable of working in varying weather and environmental conditions typical of an industrial terminal.

Work Environment

The IT Systems Administrator performs approximately 90% of job duties in an office environment and 10% in the field. While most responsibilities are completed in a climate-controlled setting, occasional work is required in non-climate-controlled areas of the terminal to support equipment, infrastructure, or network systems. Fieldwork may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, noise, and industrial environments.

The incumbent must be available for on-call duties and after-hours support as required to ensure the continuity and reliability of mission-critical systems.

Call-To-Action

If you're ready to make an impact in the coal shipping industry with your IT expertise, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $90, $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person