Systems Administrator II

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Systems Administrator II 
Job Title: Systems Administrator II 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: ITS Application & Data Support 
Posting Number: 21431 
Closing Date: 09/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: FORT WORTH 
Job Location Address: 1501 CIRCLE DR 
Other Locations: Arlington; Austin; Bastrop; Greenville; Harlingen; Houston; San Antonio; South Houston 
MOS Codes: 0605,0670,0671,0679,2651,5974,6049,6694,8858,17C,17C0,17DX,17S,17SX,181X,182X,1B4X1,1D7X1,255A,255N 
255S,255Z,25B,25D,26A,26B,26Z,514A,5C0X1D,5C0X1N,5C0X1S,681X,682X,781X,782X,784X,CTI,CTM,CTT,CWT 
CYB10,CYB11,ISM,IT,ITS 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs routine (journey-level) systems administration work involving maintaining the configuration and operation, and reliability of systems and installing and upgrading computer components and system software. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Performs troubleshooting support of systems hardware, software, and networking issues.

• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and network issues by identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and ensuring timely restoration of system functionality for end users.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance for desktops, laptops, printers, applications, and network connectivity issues, documenting incidents and escalating complex problems as needed.

Responds to incident and problem calls, and processes service requests and tasks.

·    Respond to and resolve incidents, service requests, and assigned tasks by diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and escalating hardware, agency application, network, and end-user technology issues in accordance with established service level agreements (SLAs).

• Perform problem identification, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for technology-related issues, including hardware deployment and maintenance, application configuration, and technical support to ensure reliable IT service delivery and customer satisfaction.

 Installs, configures, maintains, and administers servers, operating systems, and applications.

• Install, configure, and maintain server operating systems and enterprise applications, including performing software upgrades, security updates, system imaging, backups, and configuration changes to ensure reliable and secure operations
• Monitor and administer server and application environments by troubleshooting issues, maintaining system performance and availability, implementing corrective actions, and supporting the installation, configuration, and maintenance of agency infrastructure and business applications.

 Supports operational, technical, and system requirements for the location, installation, operation, and maintenance of servers.

• Coordinate and support the installation, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle management of servers, infrastructure components, and business applications to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient system operations.  

• Monitor server and application environments, troubleshoot operational and technical issues, perform system and application upgrades or data fixes, and maintain documentation to ensure system availability, performance, and end-user support.

Prepares and maintains operating procedures for technical support, troubleshooting, maintenance, and innovative systems administration techniques.

• Develop, maintain, and update technical procedures, knowledge base articles, and support documentation for system administration, application support, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational processes.
• Research, document, and implement improved systems administration and application support practices, providing guidance and standardized procedures to promote operational efficiency, service consistency, and knowledge sharing.

 Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of systems administration; computer hardware and software configuration and troubleshooting; operating systems and applications; computer programming and architecture of scripting languages; and basic Internet security administration.

Skill in:

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Ability to:

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.

Ability to recognize, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues; to analyze systems and procedures; to use network management, administration, and other system administration tools; and to communicate effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited College or University with a degree is preferred. Experience can be substituted for education requirement.
Prior experience supporting customers in use of application software.
Customer service orientation and/or prior customer service training.
Two years' experience in at least one DFPS Program area with thorough knowledge of DFPS programs, policy, or use of DFPS internal applications is preferred
Access or SQL experience. Graduation from high school or equivalent. At least 12 months’ experience in systems administration or IT helpdesk type work. Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, management information systems, or a related field is generally preferred.  Acceptable Substitutions: Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.

Additional Information:

 1.DFPS is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident or work for DFPS or be willing to relocate to Texas.

2. This position is full-time telework and can be filled anywhere in the state of Texas. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at [email protected] with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.