IT Server Operations Analyst

IT Server Operations Analyst

Houston, TX (100% on-site)

Duration: initial 6-month contract (W2, not eligible for C2C)

Pay: $51-56/hr




We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented IT Server Operations Analyst to join our Network Operations Center (NOC) team. This role is ideal for an IT professional who excels in a fast-paced operational environment and possesses a strong foundation in server administration, infrastructure monitoring, incident response, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure Monitoring & Incident Management

• Monitor infrastructure, applications, and platform health using tools such as SolarWinds Orion, Dynatrace, AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, and related monitoring solutions.
• Respond to alerts and incidents promptly, perform triage, escalate issues appropriately, and drive resolution within established SLA targets.
• Document incidents, troubleshooting activities, resolutions, and escalation paths to support root cause analysis and knowledge sharing.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide after-hours operational support.
• Execute maintenance window activities, including validation testing, maintenance mode verification, and alert suppression management.

Server Operations & Infrastructure Support

• Perform troubleshooting, diagnostics, and remediation for Windows and Linux servers across physical, virtual, and hybrid environments.
• Support routine server maintenance, health checks, patching activities, firmware updates, and post-maintenance validation.
• Manage and coordinate support tickets, ensuring timely communication and resolution across technical teams.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation, system configurations, procedures, and support standards.
• Support disaster recovery processes, including failover and failback activities, validation, and documentation.
• Administer and maintain DNS records using Infoblox to support infrastructure changes, application updates, and business continuity activities.
• Utilize AWS CloudWatch and Azure Monitor for infrastructure visibility, alerting, reporting, and operational monitoring.
• Partner with observability teams to improve monitoring coverage, service visibility, and application-aware troubleshooting capabilities.

Automation & Operational Excellence

• Contribute to automation initiatives that improve operational consistency, reduce manual effort, and enhance service reliability.
• Develop or maintain scripts and workflows using PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar automation technologies.
• Identify repetitive operational tasks and recommend automation, runbook creation, or workflow improvements.
• Support enhancements to monitoring onboarding, maintenance procedures, ticket routing processes, and operational documentation.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide clear and effective communication during shift handoffs, incident escalations, operational reviews, and stakeholder updates.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, application, cloud, and support teams to ensure alignment on service priorities and issue resolution.
• Assist in developing operational dashboards, reporting metrics, and actionable alerting strategies.
• Track and analyze operational performance metrics, recurring incidents, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in server operations, infrastructure support, systems administration, or NOC environments.
• Strong experience supporting Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Hands-on experience with infrastructure monitoring, alert management, and incident response processes.
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability platforms such as SolarWinds Orion, Dynatrace, or similar tools.
• Working knowledge of AWS and/or Microsoft Azure, including CloudWatch and Azure Monitor.
• Experience supporting data center operations, hardware troubleshooting, and physical/virtual infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, participate in on-call support, and operate effectively within a NOC environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting hybrid infrastructure environments spanning on-premises, AWS, and Azure platforms.
• Familiarity with enterprise observability and monitoring strategies utilizing CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, and related tools.
• Experience with automation and scripting using PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, or comparable technologies.
• Knowledge of virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V.
• Experience with ITSM platforms and ticketing systems, including Helix Remedy or similar solutions.
• Hands-on experience with Infoblox or enterprise DNS administration.
• Experience developing runbooks, playbooks, operational procedures, or automation workflows.
• Industry certifications such as Microsoft, Red Hat, AWS, Azure, CompTIA Server+, or equivalent credentials.

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