Jason Laskey
DevOps Engineer
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Area of Specialization: DevOps Engineer, SRE Engineer, Linux, Systems Engineer, Networking Engineer Total IT experience: + 25 Years
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
16
16
Certifications
Work History
DevOps Engineer & Solutions Architect
Etechsolutions
01.2025 - Current
- Work Environment: Fully remote (Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5:30 pm)
- Utilized DevOps Stack:
- Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu), MacOS, MS Windows
- Version Control: Git/GitHub, GitLab
- Programming Languages used: BASH, Python, PowerShell
- Containerization: Docker
- Orchestration: Kubernetes
- Cloud Platforms: Digital Ocean, Azure
- CI/CD Tools: DroneCI, GitLab
- Database: MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL
- Webservers: IIS , Nginx
- Proxy servers and Load Balancing: Nginx
- DevOps Project Management Tools: Clickup
- Scripting Languages: Bash , PowerShell, Python
- Served as Senior DevOps Engineer and Solutions Architect, reporting directly to company owner, with full management authority over multiple developers and technical staff during owner's absence
- Led architectural design and implementation of comprehensive Azure migration project as Principal Solutions Architect
- Designed and implemented enterprise-level DevOps solutions and infrastructure modernization initiatives
- Provided operational support to development teams across South Africa, including troubleshooting, fault resolution, and CI/CD pipeline optimization
- Ensured high availability and operational readiness of all production services while implementing innovative technical solutions
- Conducted application analysis and led containerization initiatives, implementing robust Kubernetes infrastructure for improved scalability and deployment efficiency
- Architected and deployed cloud-native solutions to enhance system performance and reliability
- Benefits:
- Remote Work
- 24 Days Leave
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Retrenchment concluded due to company finances and D8tavision being closed down during critical infrastructure modernization phase. At the time of departure, was serving as the sole Principal Solutions Architect responsible for comprehensive infrastructure redesign and leading enterprise containerization strategy implementation through Kubernetes orchestration. As the primary architect and implementer of this transformation, planned next phases included CI/CD pipeline optimization and implementation of advanced monitoring solutions (Grafana, Datadog, OpsGenie) to complete the DevOps transformation initiative.
DevOps Engineer
Gumtree
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Work Environment: Fully remote (Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5:00 pm)
- Utilized DevOps Stack:
- Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu), MacOS, MS Windows
- Version Control: Git/GitHub
- Programming Languages used: BASH, Pearl, Python
- IaC: Terraform
- Containerization: Docker
- Orchestration: Kubernetes
- Configuration Management and Automation: Ansible, Puppet
- Cloud Platforms: Openstack, Azure
- CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, DroneCI
- Service and Artifact Monitoring: Prometheus for K8s Artifacts, Rancher for K8s pods, Consul for services, Prometheus and ArgoCD
- Log Analysis and Visualization: Kibana
- Database: MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
- Webservers: Apache Tomcat
- Proxy servers and Load Balancing: Nginx and Ha Proxy
- DevOps Project Management Tools: Jira and Linear
- Scripting Languages: Bash , some python and some Powershell when needed
- Support Developers in South Africa with CI/CD Pipeline issues
- Ensured operational readiness of all services, promptly addressing issues and escalating when necessary.
- Assisted in testing and adjustments related to ongoing migration tasks post eBay/Adevinta acquisition, aligning infrastructure with new requirements.
- Amended code in Terraform and Ansible to accommodate infrastructure change
- Usage of Kubernetes and DroneCI for automated Docker image deployment to Kubernetes Cluster in the pipeline.
- Conducted testing and adjustments to Perl and Bash scripts to align with updated infrastructure standards.
- Benefits:
- Full Medical Aid (Family Inclusive)
- Full Gap Cover (Family Inclusive)
- Pension Fund Contribution of 8% of Gross
- Full Life Insurance
- Monthly Sport/Gym Allowance (R1000)
- Remote Work
- 24 Days Leave
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Actively pursuing opportunities to expand my expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure. My current company relies heavily on legacy on-premises solutions like OpenStack, and with the rapid implementation of AI in cloud environments, I am eager to grow my cloud skills to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. I want to be part of an organization that supports this growth and fosters a positive, forward-thinking work culture.
DevOps Engineer
Moonspin (WHG)
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Work Environment: Transitioned from office-bound to fully remote work due to company policy changes (Mon-Fri, 10am - 6pm).
- Utilized DevOps Stack:
- Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu, Redhat, MacOS, MS Windows)
- Version Control: Git/GitHub
- Containerization: Docker
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, Digital Ocean
- CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, Circle Ci
- IaC: Terraform
- Configuration Management and Automation: Ansible
- Programming Languages used: BASH, PHP, NodeJS
- Webservers: Apache
- Service Monitoring: Datadog
- Build Tools: Grunt
- Databases: MySQL
- Collaborated with Front End Developers in South Africa and Europe (WHG) to ensure operational efficiency and automate processes.
- Provided OS support, including installation, troubleshooting, and network support as required.
- Utilized Jira for issue tracking and project management across all projects.
- Moonspin umbrella company of White Hat Gamming
- Benefits: Medical Aid, Annual Bonus, Remote Work, Parking, Study Benefits
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Retrenchment due to company restructure in CPT SA
- Notice Period: 1 month (Not calendar month)
System Application Administrator
Turfsport
05.2016 - 08.2019
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: Windows Servers 2003 – 2012, VMware Hypervisors, Ubuntu and CentOS servers
- VOIP: Trixbox
- Database: MS SQL
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, MySQL
- Service Monitoring: Datadog, Nagios
- Webservers: Apache, IIS
- Mail Servers: Office 365
- Inhouse Key Responsibilities:
- Managed installation, configuration, and maintenance of internal infrastructure systems:
- Ubuntu and CentOS servers (Nagios, MediaWiki, Trixbox)
- SQL servers 2005 - 2012, SQL data manipulation, data analysis, and reporting
- AWS configuration
- LAN, telephony, and WAN management with network security best practices
- Peplink firewall management (replaced with Fortigate UTM)
- Nagios for external client networks and Zabbix server on Linux CentOS for internal LAN monitoring
- Apache Web Server (MediaWiki, Zabbix, WordPress)
- Daily backups using BASH scripts for Ubuntu and MySQL and Microsoft servers using Cloudberry to AWS S3 bucket
- Configuration and management of company email infrastructure (Office 365)
- Installation and management of IIS servers and websites
- Desktop and printer support
- Plan and test internal software systems with segregated networks and virtual machines
- Documentation on company wiki/knowledge base and network diagrams with MS Visio
- Outsourced Duties to Clients:
- Installed/configured Betting Software and integrated with SQL databases and APIs for Online betting websites
- Managed IIS websites, certificate assignment, web application installations
- Troubleshooting and log analysis of websites and applications
- DNS management, SQL data analysis and manipulation with TSQL queries
- Infrastructure analysis and security recommendations
- Betting software support and advisory
- Scripting using Windows Command Prompt/PowerShell, XML configuration
- Benefits: 13th Cheque (paid in November), Profit share (paid in February)
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Seeking a role with structured mentorship and a supportive workplace culture, preferably in a DevOps capacity.
- Notice Period: 1 month (Not calendar month)
2nd Line ICT Systems Engineer
ITLAB
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Work Environment: Summer: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 10am – 7pm) Winter: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 11am – 8pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , Ubuntu , Redhat, MacOS, MS Sharepoint
- Database: MS SQL
- Virtualization: VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix XenApp
- Mail Servers: Office 365 and MS Exchange
- Networking and Firewall: Cisco, Fortigate
- Service Monitoring: Zabbix, Kaseya
- VOIP: Cisco
- Outsourced Duties to Clients:
- Provided remote and telephone support for IT services to over a hundred clients across Europe.
- Managed and resolved second-line technical issues and escalated when necessary.
- Ensured operational efficiency and performance of IT systems and infrastructure.
- Implemented and maintained systems and network configurations.
- Supported and maintained Windows and Redhat/Linux Servers and desktop environments.
- Configured and managed Active Directory, Group Policy, and Exchange Server.
- Conducted troubleshooting and problem resolution across a variety of technologies and platforms.
- Implemented backup and disaster recovery procedures.
- Contributed to documentation and knowledge base articles.
- Benefits: 100% Medical Aid, 30 Days Annual Leave, Reimbursement for Exams Passed (No work-back agreement with the company)
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Seeking career growth and a shift to a 07:00-16:00 or 08:00-17:00 schedule to attend night classes for additional training.
- Notice Period: 30 days
ICT Systems & Network Administrator
Smartgrid Technologies
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , Ubuntu
- Database: MS SQL
- Virtualization: VMware, Citrix XenServer
- Mail Servers: Office 365 and MS Exchange
- Networking and Firewall: Cisco, Mikrotik, GSM Satellite Routers
- Service Monitoring: Nagios
- VOIP: Asterisk
- Team Lead: Technical Mentorship
- Inhouse Key Responsibilities:
- Provided IT systems and network administration for SmartGrid Technologies.
- Managed internal IT infrastructure and network systems.
- Implemented and maintained IT security measures and protocols.
- Ensured operational continuity and efficiency of IT systems.
- Outsourced Duties to Clients:
- Supported electrical engineering services and hardware devices provided to clients such as Eskom and Vodacom.
- Assisted with external client support and service delivery.
- Implemented and maintained IT security measures and protocols.
- Ensured operational continuity and efficiency of IT systems.
- Contributed to IT project planning and implementation.
- Participated in troubleshooting and problem resolution across systems and networks.
- Benefits: None
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Retrenched
- Notice Period: 1 month (Not calendar month)
Senior IT Engineer / Team Leader / Operations Manager
Kanoline (Pty) Ltd
05.2012 - 04.2013
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , Ubuntu , Redhat, MacOS, MS Sharepoint
- Database: MS SQL
- Virtualization: VMware
- Mail Servers: MS Exchange Server and ClearOS
- Networking and Firewall: Endian, IPCOP
- Service Monitoring: Zabbix
- VOIP: 3CX
- Team Lead: Technical Leader
- Assisted in providing compliance solutions to the mining industry across South Africa by supporting and maintaining IT infrastructure and systems. Oversaw IT operations and managed day-to-day technical activities, ensuring high availability and performance of systems. Ensured smooth operation of IT systems and infrastructure, including troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
- Implemented IT security measures and protocols to protect sensitive data and systems.
- Managed systems and network engineering responsibilities for internal and external support teams.
- Provided technical leadership in project management and implementation of compliance software solutions.
- Managed team performance and conducted training and development initiatives to enhance technical skills.
- Supported and maintained software applications and systems critical to compliance solutions.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to meet project requirements and deadlines, ensuring technical specifications were met.
- Benefits: Car Allowance, Medical, Pension, Cell phone
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Company was dissolved due to liquidation
- Notice Period: 30 days
Senior Field Technician / Systems Engineer
Dial A Nerd
02.2011 - 05.2012
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , MS Sharepoint, Ubuntu, Fedora
- Database: MS SQL
- Virtualization: VMware, Hyper-V
- Mail Servers: MS Exchange Server
- Networking and Firewall: Mikrotik, IPCOP, Cisco, MacOS
- Service Monitoring: Zabbix
- Provided IT services to SMEs across Cape Town, specializing in systems and network engineering.
- Managed and resolved technical issues for clients, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
- Implemented and maintained IT infrastructure for various clients, including network setup, server maintenance, and security protocols.
- Conducted on-site technical support and troubleshooting for hardware and software issues
- Mentor technicians, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Assisted in project planning and execution for IT infrastructure upgrades and installations.
- Ensured customer satisfaction through effective communication and timely resolution of technical problems.
- Documented technical procedures and client interactions for future reference and improvement.
- Benefits: Car Allowance, Monthly Incentive, Cell phone
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Career growth, headhunted for a management position to develop IT infrastructure for a new billion-rand company with better salary and endless opportunities
- Notice Period: 30 days
Senior Systems and Network Engineer
CSC / Compusup
03.2009 - 02.2011
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , MS Sharepoint
- Database: MS SQL
- Virtualization: VMware ESX
- Mail Servers: MS Exchange Server
- Networking and Firewall: Mikrotik, IPCOP
- Team Lead: Technical Leader
- Provided IT services to SMEs in Cape Town and rural areas, specializing in systems and network engineering.
- Managed and maintained IT infrastructure for clients, including network setup, server maintenance, and security implementations.
- Resolved technical issues and provided troubleshooting support for hardware and software problems.
- Led a team in delivering high-quality IT solutions and support services.
- Implemented IT projects and upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their IT needs and provide tailored solutions.
- Documented technical processes and procedures for reference and training purposes.
- Benefits: Car Allowance, Incentive, Cell phone
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Departed due to misalignment between promised career advancement opportunities during the interview process and subsequent realities, while seeking enhanced salary prospects and professional growth.
- Notice Period: 30 days
Junior and then Intermediate IT Systems Engineer
Integr8IT (Pty) Ltd
07.2004 - 07.2008
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , MS Sharepoint, Ubuntu/Linux
- Database: MS SQL
- Mail Servers: MS Exchange Server, Lotus Notes
- Networking and Firewall: Cisco, ISA
- Provided comprehensive IT services to clients across Cape Town, focusing on systems and network engineering.
- Managed and maintained IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and Linux systems.
- Implemented and supported Cisco networking solutions as required by clients.
- Resolved technical issues and provided support for hardware and software systems.
- Benefits: Laptop Allowance, Car Allowance, Cell phone Allowance
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Pursued career growth opportunities to further develop skills in networks, servers, Open Source Linux, and Cisco practices, seeking better salary prospects.
- Notice Period: 30 days
Desktop and LAN Administrator
T-Systems (Pty) Ltd
10.2002 - 06.2004
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows , IBM Mainframe
- Mail Servers: Lotus Notes
- Networking: HP
- Provided IT services within T-Systems, focusing on desktop administration and LAN management.
- Supported and maintained desktop systems for Sanlam, Damien Chrysler, and other major clients.
- Assisted in Sanlam's network upgrade from token ring to Ethernet, contributing to network infrastructure improvements.
- Resolved desktop-related issues and provided technical support to end-users
- Participated in network administration tasks, ensuring smooth operation and connectivity
- Documented and updated network configurations and troubleshooting procedures
- Collaborated with team members to optimize network performance and reliability.
- Benefits: Laptop Allowance, Car Allowance, Cell phone Allowance
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Pursued career growth opportunities to expand server and network skills while studying part-time for MCSE & MCDBA certifications. Better salary offered.
- Notice Period: 1 month (Not calendar month)
Junior Desktop Engineer
Advocate Solutions (Pty) Ltd
06.2002 - 09.2002
- Work Environment: Onsite (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
- Utilized Tech Stack:
- Operating Systems: MS Windows
- Mail Servers: Lotus Notes
- Networking: Basic N+
- Provided desktop support services within Advocate Solutions, focusing on maintaining and troubleshooting desktop systems.
- Managed IT stores and inventory for Santam, ensuring availability of necessary IT equipment and supplies.
- Assisted in resolving technical issues and providing support to end-users.
- Contributed to the smooth operation of desktop systems and user productivity.
- Documented and maintained records related to IT inventory and service requests.
- Collaborated with team members to improve IT support services and efficiency.
- Benefits: None
- Reason for Seeking New Opportunities: Pursued career growth opportunities and better salary prospects.
- Notice Period: 1 month (Not calendar month)
Skills
Linux operating system
Scripting languages
System administration
Infrastructure automation
Containerization technologies
Configuration management
Maintenance and troubleshooting
Monitoring and logging
Security best practices
IT solution development
Windows operating system
Microservices architecture
Virtualization technologies
Project planning
Test automation
Performance optimization
Incident management
Network fundamentals
Continuous deployment
Release management
Version control systems
Amazon web services
Cloud computing
Linux environments
Source and version control: git, github
JIRA
Continuous integration systems
Continuous improvement
Problem-solving abilities
Virtualization
Microservice design
Certification
MCP 2000 (Microsoft Certified Professional)
Year Obtained: 2005-02-21
Certificate ID: 3862156
Candidate Introduction
- I consider myself an experienced IT professional with a strong passion for continuous learning and adaptability. Over my career, I have gained extensive experience across various IT departments, with a particular focus on DevOps and automation in the past 6 years. I thrive on creating efficient solutions using CI/CD pipelines and staying current with emerging DevOps tools and methodologies.
- I excel at problem-solving, managing both major and minor issues, and finding timely solutions. My curiosity drives me to understand broader architectural and technological scopes, always asking questions and learning from mistakes. I am proactive in acquiring new skills through self-directed learning and online courses, and I am willing to pursue certifications as needed.
- Committed to excellence, I consistently go the extra mile for my employers and clients. I balance my dedication to work with my responsibilities as a family man, adhering to the philosophy of working hard and playing hard while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- My meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills ensure high-quality work and continuous self-improvement, valuing personal growth over financial gain.
- Motivational Quotes:
- Albert Einstein: "Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death."
- Steve Jobs: "Great things in business are never done by one person. They are done by a team of people."
Timeline
DevOps Engineer & Solutions Architect
Etechsolutions
01.2025 - Current
DevOps Engineer
Gumtree
08.2022 - 09.2024
DevOps Engineer
Moonspin (WHG)
08.2019 - 08.2022
System Application Administrator
Turfsport
05.2016 - 08.2019
2nd Line ICT Systems Engineer
ITLAB
06.2014 - 06.2016
ICT Systems & Network Administrator
Smartgrid Technologies
08.2013 - 05.2014
Senior IT Engineer / Team Leader / Operations Manager
Kanoline (Pty) Ltd
05.2012 - 04.2013
Senior Field Technician / Systems Engineer
Dial A Nerd
02.2011 - 05.2012
Senior Systems and Network Engineer
CSC / Compusup
03.2009 - 02.2011
Junior and then Intermediate IT Systems Engineer
Integr8IT (Pty) Ltd
07.2004 - 07.2008
Desktop and LAN Administrator
T-Systems (Pty) Ltd
10.2002 - 06.2004
Junior Desktop Engineer
Advocate Solutions (Pty) Ltd
06.2002 - 09.2002