Ali Saad
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Results-driven IT Systems Administrator with over 13 years of experience in managing both on-premises and cloud server environments, specializing in Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft Azure. Proficient in server setup, configuration, and maintenance, including VMware networking, and ensuring optimal system performance through regular updates and monitoring. Skilled in implementing robust security measures in collaboration with security teams and ensuring compliance with industry standards for data protection and access management. Experienced in cloud infrastructure management, including setting up and optimizing resources in Azure and AWS, and leveraging automation tools like PowerShell and Python to enhance operational efficiency. Demonstrates strong expertise in backup and recovery strategies, both on-premises and in cloud environments, ensuring data integrity and business continuity. Known for superior troubleshooting skills, critical thinking, and a dedication to maintaining clear, thorough documentation of processes and procedures. Holds a solid foundation in networking protocols (DHCP, TCP/IP, VLANs) and industry certifications, making a valuable contributor to cross-functional IT operations and support.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Information Technology Infrastructure Consultant
PETRONAS Canada
Calgary, Canada
03.2021 - 11.2024
- Managed a hybrid cloud infrastructure, overseeing on-premises servers and Azure-based virtual machines to ensure optimal performance, security, and availability
- Configured and maintained Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP, while ensuring connectivity with VMware virtual networks
- Implemented security protocols such as firewall configuration and antivirus solutions, working closely with the Security team to maintain compliance
- Conducted regular data backups and recovery tests using Veeam and Azure Backup, ensuring business continuity
- Created automation scripts in PowerShell to streamline server setups, optimize resource allocation, and reduce manual workload
Senior IT System Administrator - Consultant
AESO
Calgary, Canada
04.2019 - 11.2021
- Administered a hybrid Azure and on-premises environment, managing Azure VMs, Key Vault, and storage accounts
- Set up and configured new cloud and on-prem servers, applied patches, and optimized system performance
- Used Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to automate resource provisioning in Azure, improving consistency and speed of deployment
- Worked closely with the IT team to troubleshoot infrastructure issues, optimize configurations, and ensure alignment with organizational standards
IT System Administrator
STARS Air Ambulance
Calgary, Canada
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Led system performance optimization and monitored Microsoft Exchange (2010, 2016, 2019), Office 365, and Azure environments
- Configured and maintained VMware, VxRail, NetApp, and SAN storage systems to ensure data accessibility and security
- Managed backup strategies using Avamar and Veeam, performing regular data recovery tests for business continuity
- Collaborated with vendors and security teams to implement critical updates, patches, and antivirus solutions
- Developed user access policies in Active Directory, ensuring compliance with organizational security standards
Systems Administrator
The Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Canada
06.2015 - 10.2019
- Configured and maintained a virtualized server environment using VMware and Hyper-V, supporting a mixed Windows and Linux environment
- Managed Active Directory, user access controls, and permissions, ensuring secure and compliant access across the organization
- Provided technical support for end-users, troubleshooting server and network issues efficiently to minimize downtime
- Documented and updated existing processes, aligning operational standards with industry best practices
Information Technology System Specialist
Executive Flight Center Fuel Services Ltd.
Calgary, Canada
09.2012 - 04.2015
- Microsoft Cloud 365 & Exchange Online Administration: Managed Office 365 and Exchange Online accounts, handling email setup, migration, and troubleshooting
- Collaboration Tools: Administered Microsoft Lync for video and voice conferencing and managed SharePoint for document collaboration
- System Center 2012 R2 (SCCM): Configured and managed SCCM for application deployment and updates
- Azure Active Directory: Managed Office 365 user accounts, permissions, and access using Azure AD
- IT Training and Support: Planned and conducted training sessions for new and existing users, providing hands-on support and technical assistance
- Active Directory & Domain Administration: Maintained Active Directory 2008 R2 environments, managing users and groups, and enforcing domain policies
System Specialist
Air Canada
Calgary, Canada
09.2009 - 08.2012
- System Administration: Installed, configured, and maintained PCs and peripherals; managed Office 365 and Azure environments as a System Analyst
- Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, and Certificates: Managed essential network services, configured DHCP, DNS, and user certificates to ensure seamless connectivity and security
- Technical Support (Tier 2 & 3): Provided advanced desktop support, resolved escalated issues, and mentored help desk support personnel
- Software Licensing and Standardization: Maintained an inventory of software and managed licenses (Microsoft 365, Adobe) to ensure compliance
- Network and Hardware Support: Troubleshot connectivity issues, performed data migration, and repaired hardware to keep systems running smoothly
- Process Improvement: Analyzed issue trends, devised preventive solutions, and created documentation for standard processes and procedures
Education
Post-secondary education - Computer Science
Skills
- Cloud Infrastructure Management
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- On-Premises Server Administration
- Windows Server
- VMware
- Active Directory
- DNS
- DHCP
- Security and Compliance
- Firewall setup
- Antivirus
- Intrusion detection
- Industry standards compliance
- Automation and Scripting
- PowerShell
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Backup & Recovery
- Veeam
- Azure Backup
- Disaster recovery planning and testing
- Networking
- TCP/IP
- VLANs
- VPN
- Connectivity management
- Documentation & Process Improvement
- Creating and maintaining detailed technical documentation and procedures
- Cross-functional coordination
- Enterprise architecture
- Virtualization technologies
- System deployment
- IT service management
- Company policy adherence
- Deployment support
- IT collaboration
- Microsoft exchange
- Windows exchange
- Exchange coordination
- Microsoft certification
Educationandcertifications
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- ITIL Certified
- Post-secondary education in Computer Science
Timeline
Information Technology Infrastructure Consultant
PETRONAS Canada
03.2021 - 11.2024
IT System Administrator
STARS Air Ambulance
11.2019 - 01.2021
Senior IT System Administrator - Consultant
AESO
04.2019 - 11.2021
Systems Administrator
The Calgary Stampede
06.2015 - 10.2019
Information Technology System Specialist
Executive Flight Center Fuel Services Ltd.
09.2012 - 04.2015
System Specialist
Air Canada
09.2009 - 08.2012
Post-secondary education - Computer Science
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