Systems Administrator

BWI Companies is seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Systems Administrator to join our IT Infrastructure team in a full-time, multi-role technical position supporting enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, systems automation, messaging platforms, and network operations.

This role is intended for senior-level administrators who can contribute immediately with minimal ramp-up time. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate advanced technical proficiency from day one across Windows and Linux administration, enterprise identity management, Microsoft cloud technologies, security tooling, scripting automation, infrastructure documentation, and operational support.

This is not an entry-level or trainee position. Candidates lacking direct enterprise experience with the technologies and responsibilities listed below should not apply.

As part of a collaborative infrastructure team, this position is responsible for designing, administering, securing, documenting, troubleshooting, and continuously improving enterprise systems and operational processes across multiple locations.

Key benefits for all full-time employees include 401(k) retirement plan with generous company match, excellent health, dental & vision care plan options, flexible spending account and health savings account options, life & disability insurance, paid vacation, company holidays, and scholarship opportunities for dependents.

BWI Companies has over 68 years of successful growth as an industry leader in wholesale distribution for horticulture, pest control, and animal health products. We are seeking professionals who take ownership, value operational excellence, and thrive in highly technical environments.

Essential Functions

Enterprise Infrastructure Administration

• Windows On-Prem Server and Network Tools (Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, NPS, PKI, and related management tools).


• Microsoft 365 / Azure administration.


• Email stack management including mail filters (Proofpoint), Office 365 SMTP routing, mail hygiene, and mail-related DNS records (DMARC, DKIM, SPF).


• DNS zone administration including split DNS.


• MFA configuration and administration.


• Windows File server administration and access control management.


• Converged Virtualization (Hyper-V) and SAN management with Fiber channel and iSCSI.


• Linux Server administration (Ubuntu).

Security Operations & Compliance

• Threat hunting, investigation, remediation, and implementation of proactive security configurations.


• eDiscovery and compliance operations using Microsoft Purview.


• Administration and support of firewalls, VPNs, remote access technologies, and endpoint security systems.


• Continuous monitoring of cybersecurity journals, vendor security bulletins, and IT news services to remain ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.


• Assist in development, testing, and maintenance of disaster recovery and business continuity procedures.


• Management of Least-privilege security including for Domain/Local Administrators.

Automation & Development

• Advanced PowerShell and Bash scripting for automation in Windows and Linux environments


• Development of custom PowerShell administration tools for Help Desk and Systems Administration teams


• Endpoint Management (BigFix) including asset management, OS imaging, software deployment, patch management, and lifecycle management

Networking & Infrastructure Support

• LAN/WAN configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance analysis


• Support and troubleshooting of enterprise wireless infrastructure (802.11)


• Support and administration of RingCentral VoIP environment including SIP technologies


• Experience configuring and troubleshooting Fortinet switches, firewalls, and VPN technologies


• Low-voltage cable project management utilizing vendors for most work.


• Occasional travel to branch locations as required

Documentation & Operational Coordination

• Create and maintain technical procedures, installation documentation, troubleshooting guides, and infrastructure standards


• Documentation editor and contributor for IT knowledge base articles within Confluence


• Maintain floor plan documentation for warehouse and office layouts


• Manage Moodle LMS application and course administration while acting as liaison to corporate warehouse and transportation management teams


• Evaluate hardware and software solutions for reliability, compatibility, scalability, and long-term operational effectiveness

Operational Expectations

• Participate in occasional after-hours support and on-call rotation


• Assist with customer support escalations as needed


• Maintain a high level of accountability, ownership, and operational awareness in a production enterprise environment

Competencies

• Advanced analytical and troubleshooting skills


• Strong systems and infrastructure design aptitude


• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills


• Detail-oriented with strong organizational discipline


• Ability to independently manage projects and priorities


• Strong business acumen and operational awareness


• Ability to work effectively under pressure in production environments


• Demonstrated commitment to continuous technical learning

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field, or equivalent enterprise-level work experience


• Minimum 5 years of enterprise systems administration experience in complex production environments


• Advanced hands-on experience with:




• Active Directory


• Group Policy


• Windows Server administration


• Windows 11 administration


• Hyper-V


• Azure / Microsoft 365


• Exchange Online


• PowerShell scripting


• Linux systems administration


• Enterprise DNS management


• Security-focused systems administration




• Experience configuring and supporting Fortinet infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPN technologies


• Strong understanding of identity management, authentication systems, and enterprise security principles


• Experience with server-class hardware; Cisco UCS experience preferred


• IBM iSeries / AS400 experience is a plus

Preferred Certifications

Industry-recognized certifications in enterprise systems administration, Microsoft 365 administration, cybersecurity, networking, Linux administration, identity and access management, infrastructure automation, virtualization, and firewall/security platforms are strongly preferred.

Equivalent real-world enterprise experience with demonstrated technical depth may be considered in lieu of formal certifications.

Candidate Qualification Expectations

This position requires demonstrable enterprise-level experience with the technologies listed above. Candidates with only academic exposure, lab experience, entry-level certifications, or limited hands-on administration experience are unlikely to be successful in this role.

Applicants should apply only if they can independently administer, troubleshoot, secure, and automate production enterprise systems with minimal supervision.

A detailed cover letter is required for consideration. The cover letter must include specific examples of direct hands-on experience with the technologies, platforms, scripting languages, security responsibilities, and infrastructure projects relevant to this position. Generic or AI-generated submissions without meaningful technical detail may be excluded from consideration.

Technical Interview Assessment

Candidates selected for interviews should expect a technical assessment designed to validate real-world systems administration proficiency. The assessment may include live troubleshooting scenarios, PowerShell scripting exercises, Active Directory and Group Policy tasks, DNS and mail flow analysis, security incident response scenarios, infrastructure documentation review, and practical problem-solving exercises across Windows and Linux systems.

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate operational knowledge without reliance on memorized certification material alone. Practical experience and technical depth will be heavily weighted throughout the evaluation process.