DEPT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

100 N 15th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Information Technologies Division

Salary: $79,000-$82,500 

Grade: S25

Closing Date: 03/12/2026

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for ensuring the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of enterprise IT systems, networks, and infrastructure. This role proactively solves complex technical issues, implements and maintains security controls, and supports agency operations through system administration, network management, and customer-focused technical support. The position owns day-to-day technical decision making, escalated incident response, and enforcement of technical standards across systems and infrastructure. The position collaborates closely with business partners to protect data, mitigate security risks, and support ongoing technology improvements. The position works with minimal supervision, contributes to IT planning and resource management, and helps drive operational efficiency through automation, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role includes configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting servers, workstations, networks, cloud platforms, and enterprise applications; administering user access and security controls; responding to incidents and suspicious activity; and supporting IT projects, upgrades, and migrations. Strong communication, customer service, and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to balance competing priorities and adapt to emerging technologies.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Administer, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot enterprise systems, networks, servers, workstations, cloud platforms, and applications to ensure reliability, performance, and availability.

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, endpoint protection, patch management, and access controls to safeguard agency systems and data.

• Oversee and manage enterprise systems, networks, servers, cloud platforms, and security infrastructure.

• Monitor system and network activity, perform traffic analysis, respond to incidents, and investigate and document suspicious or anomalous behavior.

• Provide responsive, customer-focused technical support; diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, and connectivity issues.

• Manage user and access administration across state and non-state platforms, including account provisioning, permissions, Active Directory, and authentication systems.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, system configurations, and standard operating procedures.

• Collaborate with internal teams and agency business partners to identify risks, support compliance requirements, and implement technology solutions.

• Support IT planning, projects, upgrades, migrations, asset management, and continuous improvement initiatives; evaluate and adopt emerging technologies as appropriate.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of enterprise IT infrastructure, including servers, workstations, storage, virtualization, and network technologies (routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, including intrusion detection/prevention, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, patching, and access controls.
• Knowledge of operating systems and platforms, including Microsoft Windows (desktop and server), cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and enterprise applications.
• Knowledge of identity and access management concepts, including Active Directory, group policy, authentication, and authorization.
• Knowledge of system and network monitoring, incident response, traffic analysis, and security event investigation.
• Knowledge of IT service management principles, documentation standards, and change management processes.
• Knowledge of IT compliance, data protection requirements, and security best practices in a regulated or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of IT asset management, procurement processes, and vendor support coordination.

Skills:
• Skill in configuring, administering, and troubleshooting servers, networks, workstations, and enterprise applications.
• Skill in implementing and managing security technologies such as firewalls, endpoint protection platforms, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Skill in diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues using monitoring tools, logs, and systematic troubleshooting techniques.
• Skill in providing effective, customer-focused technical support and communicating technical information to non-technical users.
• Skill in creating and maintaining clear, accurate technical documentation, procedures, and system diagrams.
• Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple tasks, projects, and incidents in a dynamic operational environment.
• Skill in collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging business partners to deliver technology solutions.
• Skill in evaluating, testing, and implementing new technologies to improve efficiency, security, and reliability.

Abilities:
• Ability to proactively identify risks, analyze problems, and develop effective technical solutions.
• Ability to monitor systems and respond appropriately to incidents, outages, and security events.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to team objectives.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and organizational needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive systems and data.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in oral and written form.
• Ability to follow established policies and procedures while recommending improvements when appropriate.
• Ability to plan work activities, meet commitments, and manage time effectively.

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field and/or equivalent professional experience. Industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, CCNA, Microsoft, cloud, or cybersecurity certifications are preferred.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Sick leave
• Paid Parental leave

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note that enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Debbie Muhlestein @ debbie.muhlestein@difi.az.gov.