Job Title: System Administrator (Oil and Gas Industry)
Job Location: Saudi Arabia
Job Type: [Fixed Term Contract]
Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled System Administrator with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of IT infrastructure, including servers, network systems, and specialized applications used in the oil and gas sector. This position involves working with complex systems, ensuring high availability, security, and efficiency across critical operations in a dynamic and high-demand environment.
Key Responsibilities:


System Setup and Maintenance:


Install, configure, and maintain operating systems (Windows, Linux, or UNIX) and server hardware for oil and gas operations.


Perform regular system updates, patches, and upgrades for operating systems, applications, and network devices.


Manage virtualized environments and cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure) used for oil and gas applications, including SCADA systems, drilling software, and production data management.




Network and Server Management:


Administer and monitor servers, network infrastructure, and related technologies, ensuring they are properly configured, optimized, and secure.


Troubleshoot and resolve system issues promptly to minimize downtime, particularly for critical systems involved in exploration, production, and asset management.


Monitor network performance, ensure proper data flow, and manage network security, including firewalls, VPNs, and remote access.




Data Security and Compliance:


Implement and enforce security protocols to protect sensitive data related to exploration, drilling, production, and logistics.


Regularly conduct system backups, ensuring disaster recovery and business continuity measures are in place and tested.


Work in compliance with industry regulations and security standards, such as ISO 27001, NIST, and oil and gas industry-specific data protection requirements.




Support for Industry-Specific Applications:


Provide day-to-day system administration support for oil and gas applications, including SCADA, GIS, production monitoring, well management software, and other proprietary tools.


Assist in the installation and configuration of these specialized applications, ensuring they are functioning correctly to support production, exploration, and field operations.




Performance Monitoring and Optimization:


Continuously monitor system performance, ensuring IT infrastructure operates smoothly and at peak efficiency.


Perform regular system diagnostics, implement performance tuning strategies, and proactively address system inefficiencies to prevent service disruptions in critical operations.




User Support and Troubleshooting:


Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to internal users in operations, engineering, and management.


Assist with the creation and maintenance of user accounts, permissions, and access controls, ensuring appropriate access to operational and corporate systems.




Collaboration with IT and Operations Teams:


Work closely with other IT professionals, engineers, and field teams to ensure smooth integration and maintenance of systems, data, and processes.


Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex issues, plan for system expansions, and ensure smooth deployment of new technologies.


Assist in system integration for new technologies related to automation, digitalization, and IoT (Internet of Things) in oil and gas operations.




Documentation and Reporting:


Maintain thorough documentation for systems, configurations, network infrastructure, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).


Provide regular reports on system performance, uptime, incidents, and compliance with industry regulations.


Assist with audits and compliance reviews related to IT infrastructure and security practices in the oil and gas sector.




Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:


Manage disaster recovery (DR) plans for all critical systems, ensuring backup systems are in place and regularly tested to minimize downtime during system failures or unexpected events.


Implement and maintain a robust backup strategy to ensure the integrity and recoverability of critical data.




Qualifications:


Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.


Experience: Minimum of [X] years of experience as a System Administrator, with a strong background in the oil and gas industry.


Technical Skills:


Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Linux/UNIX, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).


Expertise in networking technologies (e.g., DNS, DHCP, VPNs, LAN/WAN, firewalls).


Experience with SCADA, ERP systems, and other oil and gas industry-specific software.


Proficiency with backup solutions, disaster recovery planning, and security tools.


Experience in supporting database systems (SQL, Oracle, etc.) and ensuring their integration with industry-specific applications.




Certifications (Preferred):


Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, or similar.


CompTIA Network+ and Security+, or equivalent certifications.


Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent networking certifications.


Linux certification (e.g., RHCSA, CompTIA Linux+).


ITIL, PMP, or other project management or IT service management certifications.




Personal Attributes:


Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations.


Ability to work independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams.


Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


Proactive, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.


A keen attention to detail and commitment to system reliability, security, and compliance.