AZARIA JACOBS
Support Specialist
Stellenbosch
Summary
Developed robust skills in Linux system administration within fast-paced IT environment, focusing on system stability and user support. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex issues and perform routine maintenance tasks efficiently. Seeking to transition into new field, leveraging system administration and problem-solving skills to drive operational success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Linux System Administrator
Old Mutual Finance
Pinelands
02.2023 - Current
- Implemented monitoring tools for real-time analysis of system performance, allowing for proactive identification of potential issues before they impacted users.
- Improved system performance by optimizing Linux server configurations, implementing efficient backup processes, and performing regular maintenance tasks.
- Provided hands-on support for end-users experiencing issues with Linux-based systems or applications, facilitating quick resolutions and minimal disruptions to productivity.
- Resolved complex technical issues promptly by leveraging strong troubleshooting skills and root cause analysis techniques.
- Created and serviced administrator and user accounts on Linux-based systems, managing various deployments.
- Contributed to incident response efforts as needed to address urgent situations quickly and effectively.
- Stayed up-to-date on the latest developments in Linux technologies and best practices, sharing knowledge with team members to continuously improve processes and systems.
- Developed scripts for automating routine tasks, reducing human error and increasing overall efficiency in the administration process.
- Ensured high availability of critical systems by proactively monitoring server health and addressing potential issues before they escalated.
- Preserved system documentation accuracy via regular data updates and graphical refreshes.
- Interacted directly with users to diagnose and correct major system issues and address concerns.
- Reduced downtime during planned system upgrades, maintaining seamless user experiences through thorough testing and rollback planning.
- Tuned system performance to optimize efficacy of new and existing hardware components.
- Enhanced network security by implementing firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and fine-tuning access controls on Linux servers.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of server configurations, network architecture, and troubleshooting procedures to ensure consistency across the team.
- Developed organization-wide administration policies to encourage continuity across multiple systems and facilities.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines, prioritizing tasks based on business needs and resource availability.
- Conducted regular audits of system logs to identify potential vulnerabilities or unauthorized activities within the IT environment.
- Maintained smooth operation of multi-user computer systems through collaboration with hardware and network engineers.
- Resolved vulnerabilities by making improvements to network security.
- Provided input on hardware and software purchasing, prioritizing return on investment to optimize IT spending.
- Configured and maintained web servers with business end users.
- Assisted in the evaluation and selection of new hardware or software solutions, ensuring the best fit for organizational needs while maintaining a focus on costeffectiveness.
- Actively participated in disaster recovery planning exercises to ensure preparedness for any unexpected events that could impact critical systems.
- Managed backup and disaster recovery through strict data control and retention policies, personally handling recovery tasks when issues arose.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate new applications into existing infrastructure, ensuring smooth deployments and optimal performance.
- Resolved trouble tickets to reduce backlog for business continuity.
- Oversaw file system and storage upgrades while safeguarding data integrity and redundancy.
- Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
- Worked with users to determine areas of technology in need of improved usability.
- Drove continuous improvement of IT governance processes.
- Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues.
- Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
- Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues.
- Researched and recommended new technologies and strategies for improving system performance.
IT Operator
Old Mutual Finance
Pinelands
01.2018 - Current
- Executed system processes and troubleshooting at highest level of operations
- Ensure data centre facilities and IT infrastructure are operated according to the highest applicable service levels in accordance with standards, legislation, codes and procedures
- Deploy performance enhancing and monitoring tools
- Ensure computer systems are operated according to established policies and procedures
- Performed security monitoring tests to identify intrusions
- Ensure production jobs are run and completed on schedule and in accordance with service level requirements
- Ensure that organizations data is backed-up in line with business continuity policies and practices
- Monitoring DR (disaster recovery) systems for each OMF branch
- Assist with training new IT service desk staff
- Perform standby support after hours
- Active Directory administration and management
- Work in coordination with senior technical support staff to test performance of newly installed systems
- Assess problems of systems by analyzing error signals and messages
- Recognized and diagnosed hardware and software failures while performing troubleshooting
- Solved minor/major issues related to hardware and computer peripherals
- Documented reports of malfunctions, hardware replaced and repairs done
- Created back up of database, as protection from hardware failure or data loss
- Remotely setting up printers on network as well as adding new user onto Omcore domain
- Floor walking in Old Mutual building assisting with set ups which cannot be done remotely
- Resolve complex issues pertaining to hardware and network failure – Monitoring both Hardware and Software systems for errors and update them regularly to maintain proper functioning and flow of information
- Maintained and updated systems and hardware to avoid system failure
- Discuss complaints and needs with employees to assess actual requirements
- Ensured proper quality of newly installed hardware
- Grant access to users as per their needs and requirements
Content Quality Associate
OLX South Africa
Cape Town
03.2014 - 12.2017
- Review and moderate all user-generated online ads and user profiles (pre-, post- or reactive moderation)
- Manage the banned user process, and track and remove previously banned users
- Maintain the Moderation Guidelines and SLA, ensure they are up to date
- Moderate online ads located in social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, and other similar social media outposts
- Outbound calls/Emails to new users on a daily basis thanking them for using OLX
- Produce daily reports through excel on relevant moderation statistics, issues and outcomes based on customer feedback
- Answering queries on a daily basis from users on Zendesk with regards to posting or app issues and also user reviews
Data Services Consultant
Teleperformance
Cape Town
03.2012 - 02.2014
- Providing advice, information and assistance to callers
- Arranging appointments for engineers to attend premises and perform repair work
- Responsible for quality assessment and on the job coaching
- Dealing with customers queries, requests, orders or complaints
- Research required information for callers using available resources
- Essentially receiving up to 50 incoming calls from customers daily
- Involved in processing orders, forms and applications
- Accurately recording details of calls and issues on logging software
- Having a professional and courteous manner at all times
- Troubleshooting mobile devices, computers and routers
- Identifying and escalating priority issues or customer complaints
Education
Certificate of Completion - Java SE 8 Fundamentals Ed 1
Oracle University
Bellville 11.2019 - 11.2019
Certificate of Completion - Linux Advanced, Master Microsoft Powershell
UDEMY
Online 05.2021 - 05.2021
CompTIA A - CompTIA A+ 2015, CompTIA N+ 2014
IT Academy
Cape Town 07.2016 - 06.2017
Certificate of Completion - Website Design, Python, SQL
Code Cademy
Online 03.2017 - 03.2017
GRADE 12, SENIOR CERTIFICATE -
EBEN DONGES
Kraaifontein 01.2004 - 12.2008
Skills
Active Directory
JIRA
JQuery
HTML
CSS
Git
Python
SQL
COMPTIA A
COMPTIA N
Linux Ubuntu
Citrix Xenserver
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2019
TrueNAS Core
TrueNAS Scale
pfSense Firewall
VMware vSphere
Linux server management
Configuration management
Server management
Multi-user system management
System monitoring
Disk space optimization
Web server administration
System performance tuning
Package management
System maintenance
Backup and recovery
undefinedPersonal Information
- Date of Birth: 05/16/90
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 08
- Marital Status: Single
Contactablereferences
Employment references available on request.
Timeline
Linux System Administrator
Old Mutual Finance
02.2023 - Current
Certificate of Completion - Linux Advanced, Master Microsoft Powershell
UDEMY
05.2021 - 05.2021
Certificate of Completion - Java SE 8 Fundamentals Ed 1
Oracle University
11.2019 - 11.2019
IT Operator
Old Mutual Finance
01.2018 - Current
Certificate of Completion - Website Design, Python, SQL
Code Cademy
03.2017 - 03.2017
CompTIA A - CompTIA A+ 2015, CompTIA N+ 2014
IT Academy
07.2016 - 06.2017
Content Quality Associate
OLX South Africa
03.2014 - 12.2017
Data Services Consultant
Teleperformance
03.2012 - 02.2014
GRADE 12, SENIOR CERTIFICATE -
EBEN DONGES
01.2004 - 12.2008
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