What a systems administrator does
A systems administrator installs, configures and maintains the servers and core services your organization depends on. Typical work includes managing Windows or Linux servers, Active Directory or Entra ID, Microsoft 365, file storage, virtualization platforms and backups. They apply patches, monitor system health, plan capacity, restore data when something is lost and often support help desk staff and coordinate with outside vendors.
When systems administration is neglected, the result is often discovered during a crisis: a failed backup, an expired certificate or an unpatched server. A dependable administrator prevents these problems with routine maintenance and good records. Finch screens candidates for depth in your platforms, their backup and recovery experience and how they plan and communicate changes, so the people you meet can take ownership of your systems.
Typical responsibilities
- Administer Windows and Linux servers, virtual machines and storage
- Manage Active Directory or Entra ID, group policies and user permissions
- Administer Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, including email and file sharing
- Run and test backups, and restore data when needed
- Apply patches and monitor servers for performance and security issues
- Plan upgrades and document systems, procedures and changes
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma or degree in computer systems, information technology or a related field
- Experience with Windows Server, Linux or both, and with virtualization such as VMware or Hyper-V
- Hands-on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace administration
- Scripting in PowerShell or Bash to automate routine tasks
- Certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft administrator credentials are often assets
Who hires a systems administrator
- Mid-sized companies with in-house IT departments
- Law firms, accounting firms and other professional services
- Health care organizations and clinics
- Colleges, school boards and public sector bodies
- Managed service providers
Where we recruit systems administrator candidates
We fill systems administrator roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Depth in your server, directory and cloud productivity platforms
- Backup and recovery experience, including real restores they have performed
- Patching and change management practices
- Scripting and automation examples
- Ability to explain technical risks to managers in plain language
Interview questions to ask
- When did you last restore data from a backup? What happened, and what did you learn?
- How do you plan and communicate a server upgrade that will cause downtime?
- A user has access to a folder they should not see. How do you investigate and fix it?