Robert A. Babel
IT infrastructure and systems administration professional with 9+ years of experience supporting enterprise, education, and manufacturing environments. Skilled in Windows and Linux servers, network infrastructure, virtualization, endpoint management, identity administration, and automation. Supported a 5,000+ device environment, administered large-scale deployments, and coordinated infrastructure projects. Brings manufacturing IT experience at Mando America and a journeyman electrician background on commercial and industrial projects.
Core Technical Skills
- Infrastructure & Systems: Windows Server, Linux, Active Directory, Group Policy, VMware vCenter, Hyper-V, Proxmox VE
- Networking: LAN/WAN, VLANs, switches, routers, firewalls, network configuration and troubleshooting, Ethernet cabling, physical infrastructure
- Endpoint Management: SimpleMDM, Jamf, Mosyle, Windows deployment, WDS, MDT, software deployment, endpoint lifecycle management
- Identity, Access & Data Privacy: Active Directory, Group Policy, user provisioning, role-based access management, FERPA compliance, Google Workspace administration
- Automation & Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, Python, PHP, SQL, VBScript, Terraform
- IT Operations: Infrastructure maintenance, hardware/software lifecycle management, incident troubleshooting, technical documentation, inventory management, technical project coordination
- Virtualization: Physical and virtual server administration, server upgrades, desktop imaging, centralized device administration
Professional Experience
Russell County Board of Education — Seale, Alabama
Systems Administration / Network Administrator Consultant | Remote | 2024–Present
Systems Administrator / Network Administrator | 2021–2024
Technical Systems Support Specialist I | April 2017–September 2019
- Provide systems administration and infrastructure support for an enterprise education environment with more than 5,000 technology devices, including Windows and Linux servers, network infrastructure, endpoints, and virtualized systems.
- Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, Google Workspace, and user access permissions, supporting FERPA compliance and the protection of confidential student and staff information.
- Manage Google Workspace for more than 3,500 students and 300 faculty members, including an environment with more than 3,500 Chromebooks.
- Administer software deployment for more than 800 computers using Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
- Maintain physical and virtual server infrastructure using VMware and Hyper-V, including system configuration, upgrades, maintenance, and technical issue resolution.
- Install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure and connectivity, including Ethernet cabling and a PBX system supporting more than 300 SIP phones and speakers.
- Develop automation scripts using PowerShell, PHP, SQL, and VBScript to streamline administrative workflows, automate account provisioning, and synchronize information across systems.
- Developed and maintained a PHP/MySQL technology inventory application to track district equipment and support IT asset management.
- Coordinate infrastructure projects, resolve complex hardware, software, and connectivity issues, and maintain technical documentation and service-ticket records to support reliable IT operations.
Mando America — Opelika, Alabama
Technical Systems Support Specialist | October 2019–May 2021
- Provided IT support in a manufacturing environment, troubleshooting and maintaining PCs, audiovisual equipment, phones, printers, and related technology.
- Installed and upgraded hardware and software to maintain endpoint availability and operational continuity.
- Configured and troubleshot user accounts and supported network resources.
- Installed and terminated Ethernet cabling and assisted with physical network infrastructure deployment.
- Maintained IT inventory and supported budgeting for end-user computers and software.
- Documented incidents and service requests through electronic help-desk ticketing.
Chattahoochee Valley Community College — Phenix City, Alabama
Student IT Support Services (Work Study) | August 2016–March 2017
- Resolved user account and application access issues and responded to IT service requests through the help-desk ticketing system.
Lee County Board of Education — Opelika, Alabama
Summer Computer Technician Intern | May 2016–August 2016
- Performed computer hardware and software upgrades, equipment maintenance, network cabling, and technical support.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 212 — Cincinnati, Ohio
Apprentice / Journeyman Electrician | June 2006–March 2015
- Installed and upgraded electrical and data wiring systems, conduit, and connected components on commercial and industrial projects.
- Contributed to projects involving General Electric Aviation, DuPont, Procter & Gamble, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | In progress | GPA: 3.77
University of North Alabama — Florence, Alabama
Scholarship of Distinction in Information Technology - Associate in Applied Science, Information Technology | May 2019 | GPA: 4.0
Chattahoochee Valley Community College — Phenix City, Alabama
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ CE
- CompTIA Network+ CE
- CompTIA Server+ CE
- CompTIA Security+ CE
- TestOut Certified Server Pro 2016
- FCC Amateur Radio Technician License — KD8SOY
Additional Achievements
- University of North Alabama Scholarship of Distinction in Information Technology
- NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars — On-site Experience Team MVP, 2018
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College President’s Award for Highest Cumulative GPA, 2019
- Top Graduating Scholar, 2019
- Outstanding Achievement in Computer Information Systems, 2018