Active Directory Specialist

Key Responsibilities:

• Active Directory Management & Modernization:

• Lead efforts to modernize and optimize the Active Directory (AD) to meet the organization's evolving needs.

• Integrate AD with modern identity management platforms such as Entra AD, Okta, and other solutions to support hybrid and cloud environments.

• Plan and implement the modernized AD environment.

• Develop and enforce AD domain security policies, ensuring secure authentication, authorization, and compliance with best practices.

• Conduct AD audits and monitoring to ensure integrity, performance, and security of the AD environment.

• DNS & DHCP Administration:

• Manage and troubleshoot DNS and DHCP services within the organization, ensuring reliability, security, and performance.

• Maintain DNS zones, records, and troubleshooting DNS issues related to AD integration.

• Ensure proper DHCP configuration, including IP address management, scope setup, and failover configurations.

• Work with network and infrastructure teams to maintain DNS/DHCP scalability, redundancy, and performance.

• Collaboration & Support:

• Collaborate with the security and infrastructure teams to develop and enforce identity and access management policies.

• Provide expert-level support to resolve complex issues related to AD, DNS, and DHCP.

• Deliver technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff on AD, DNS, and DHCP best practices.

• Documentation & Best Practices:

• Develop and maintain clear documentation for AD, DNS, and DHCP configurations, procedures, and disaster recovery plans.

• Promote best practices in Active Directory management, including security policies, schema management, and replication strategies.

• Provide recommendations for continuous improvement based on industry trends and emerging technologies.

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Required Skills & Qualifications:

Experience:

• Extensive experience managing and modernizing Active Directory environments (at least 7+ years).

• Proven experience integrating AD with modern identity management solutions such as Entra ID, Okta, or similar platforms.

• Strong in DNS and DHCP management within large-scale, complex network environments.

• In-depth understanding of AD infrastructure, Group Policy, Trusts, Replication, Sites, and Organizational Units (OUs).

• Experience migrating and restructuring Domain objects to conform to Best Practices

Technical Skills:

• Expert-level knowledge of Windows Server (2012/2016/2019/2022) and AD-related services.

• Familiarity with cloud-based identity solutions (Entra ID, AWS IAM, etc.).

• Expertise in DNS (including DNSSEC) and DHCP configuration, management, and troubleshooting.

• Experience with PowerShell scripting for automation and reporting within AD/DNS/DHCP.

• Strong understanding of security protocols, Kerberos, LDAP, and AD Certificate Services (ADCS).

Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, or similar certifications are highly desirable.

• ITIL, CISSP, or other related certifications are a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think analytically and troubleshoot complex issues.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

• Proven ability to work in high-pressure situations, providing timely solutions to critical issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments.

• Familiarity with automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) to manage AD infrastructure.

• Knowledge of identity federation, SSO, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

• Experience with monitoring and performance tuning of AD, DNS, and DHCP.