Systems Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Systems Operations Manager

Are you passionate about technology, project management, and delivering exceptional customer service? Imagine working for one of the leading land trusts in the United States where you can help with our mission to protect green open spaces for the benefit of everyone in our region.

Why You Will Love This Job

You'll be responsible for supporting 70+ amazing colleagues who are dedicated to protecting our precious natural environment, its wildlife, and for connecting communities to nature for generations to come.

The Systems Operations Manager is POST's primary administrator for core technology platforms and the day-to-day steward of reliable, secure technology operations. The role manages identity and access management, device lifecycle, endpoint protection, backups, and cloud service administration, and maintains POST's technology environment to meet security, compliance, and risk management requirements.

As the first point of contact for staff technology needs, the Systems Operations Manager provides support, coordinates escalations with vendors, and delivers training, documentation, and user education to strengthen adoption and digital fluency. The role leads operational onboarding and offboarding activities to protect data and maintain continuity, and contributes to cross-functional technology projects such as system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and new tool integrations that improve stability, security, and scalability.As POST explores how AI can meaningfully change the way we work, you'll help expand what's possible, finding practical ways to bring new tools and capabilities to our team while keeping our people, data, and systems secure.

Work Schedule

POST is currently a hybrid workplace with work schedules custom designed to optimize productivity for each job and for our teams. This customer-focused position requires full-time onsite work five days per week at our Palo Alto, CA office, conveniently located at 222 High Street, just a stone's throw from the Palo Alto, CA CalTrain station. We provide a free unlimited CalTrain GoPass and other commuter benefits. On occasion we also provide the flexibility to work remotely as your responsibilities permit.

Duties &Responsibilities:

Infrastructure, Identity and Security Management

• Administer POST's identity and access environment, including Okta (SSO and MFA), Google Workspace Admin Console, Box permissions, and Slack administration. Maintain role-based access controls, authentication workflows, and device compliance standards.
• Manage macOS device provisioning and lifecycle, endpoint protection (including CrowdStrike), backups, and disaster recovery processes. Maintain security monitoring and enforce standards for identity governance and data protection.

Security, Compliance and Risk Mitigation

• Enforce organization-wide security practices including MFA, password and device compliance, privileged access control, patching schedules, endpoint monitoring, and incident response workflows across Okta, CrowdStrike, Google Workspace, and Box.
• Support annual audits and compliance reviews, assist with implementing POST's AI Policy and information security standards, and proactively monitor systems for vulnerabilities or unusual activity.

System Administration and IT Support

• Lead onboarding and off boarding across Okta, Google, Box, Slack, and device setup, and maintain system upgrades, support documentation, runbooks, standard operating procedures, and IT policies within POST's Unified Workspace.
• Install and configure software and hardware.
• Set up accounts and workstations.
• Serve as administrator for cloud-based services and platforms.
• Serve as a support liaison with outsourced IT service providers.
• Monitor and troubleshoot systems, coordinate vendor support, and maintain required security controls, including access management, backups, and firewalls. .
• Troubleshoot issues and outages.
• Ensure security through access controls, backups, and firewalls.
• Assist in onboarding, offboarding, and training on various technology platforms.
• Upgrade systems with new releases and models.
• Build and maintain internal support documentation, runbook manuals, standard operating procedures, and IT policies.

Technical Support

• Serve as the primary Tier 1 and Tier 2 support to staff, troubleshooting and resolving issues related to software, hardware, and network systems, resolving issues across macOS, Google Workspace, Box, Slack, Zoom, printing, networking, authentication, and system access. Coordinate escalations with vendors or Tier 3 support.
• Properly escalate unresolved queries to the next level of support.
• Track, route, and redirect problems to correct resources.
• Update staff data and produce activity reports.
• Provide training for staff on optimized use of technology for maximum productivity and efficiency including coaching staff through troubleshooting steps and adopting best practices.
• Walk staff through problem-solving processes.
• Follow up with staff, provide feedback, and see problems through to resolution.
• Provide technical and production support for Zoom meetings and recommend process improvements to strengthen service quality and help desk standards.
• Ensure proper recording, documentation, and closure of issues.
• Recommend procedure modifications or improvements.
• Preserve and grow your knowledge of help desk procedures, products, and services.

Systems Improvement, Automation and Optimization

• Identify and implement automation and workflow improvements using Okta Workflows, Google Workspace automation, Box governance tools, and other cloud platform capabilities to increase operational efficiency.
• Evaluate hardware, software, and cloud services for modernization, cost savings, and consolidation. Contribute to infrastructure planning including device refresh cycles, network improvements, and adoption of new technologies.

Cross-Team Collaboration, Unified Workspace and Project Delivery

• Support the Unified Workspace by configuring identity access, maintaining platform integrations, and assisting with staff adoption and content updates.
• Partner with Senior Manager, Digital Strategy on system integrations between WordPress, Salesforce, Box, Google Workspace, Slack, and related platforms, and contribute to cross-functional projects involving AI readiness, system upgrades, and digital improvements.

Supervision

• This role may supervise the work of contractors, developers and system managers as needed.

Knowledge & Skills Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in related Systems Administration or IT Operations experience in cloud-based environments, including identity management, macOS device lifecycle, endpoint protection, and enterprise user support.
• Ability to enforce security and compliance standards, including MFA enforcement, privileged access controls, device compliance, backups, and incident response workflows, aligned with organizational policies.
• College degree in a related field, or a combination of academic, vocational or work experience that provides a similar foundation of technical and operational skills
• Has a proven track record of working effectively cross functionally
• Has demonstrated change management skills.
• Highest personal and professional integrity related to interpersonal activities, access to confidential or sensitive data, and managing costs and budgets
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, using data to make recommendations and improve service delivery.
• Must have solid project management skills, including planning, prioritization, documentation, and follow-through across multiple efforts.
• Experience in managing facilities is required
• Proficiency with administering core platforms, including Okta (IAM, SSO, MFA), Google Workspace (Admin Console, email and collaboration), Box (permissions and governance), Slack, and endpoint protection tools (including CrowdStrike).
• Strong troubleshooting skills across authentication and access control, network fundamentals (Wi-Fi, DNS, VPN, IP), workstation provisioning, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 support for a 70+ user environment.
• Skilled at managing outsourced service providers
• Customer service focus to effectively prioritize simultaneous projects and address the unique needs of multiple departments.
• Demonstrated ability to use analytical skills to make data-driven decisions and recommendations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills that lead to outcomes aligned with strategic goals and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and business centered decision-making
• Demonstrated excellence in project management including project planning and execution, organizational skills, prioritization across multiple projects, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Commitment to POST's Core Values and our work in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment, data, feedback, and thorough processes in decision-making and managing complex situation toward desired outcomes.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to POST's mission.
• California Drivers' license and insurable driving record.

Physical requirements

• Regular and accurate communication with others and completion of work tasks involving the use of phone, computer, web, and video technology, the ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials, and to operate required job-related equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of equipment or supplies in the office or in the field.
• Ability to drive POST vehicles and other motor vehicles as needed.
• This position requires limited evening and weekend work.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

To Apply:

Please write a cover letter telling us how you connect to our mission and why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

STARTING SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:

$107,730-$119,700 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, life and long term disability insurance, pet insurance, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!
POST's Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect andheal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care AboutHowWe Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to striving for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant based on legally recognized protected classes under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation when applying for a position with us. Please contact us if you need assistance applying for this position.

POST is committed to maintaining an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees canthrive.We encourage interested applicants with varied backgrounds and/or skill sets to apply for open positions so we may consider individual qualifications and evaluate great candidates whoseprior experiencemay not precisely meet all the posted criteria.

We look forward to receiving your application for employment at POST!