Joseph Blake Hickman
9819 Spring Beauty, San Antonio, Texas 78254
jbhickman@gmail.com / 240-297-4744

Objective
Position in Systems Network Administration or Network Operations

Summary of Qualifications
  • System Administrator and IT Specialist with over 5 years experience administering servers and networks and providing technical assistance and training to business professionals on-site and at remote locations.
  • Experienced in Microsoft server software, hardware (PCs and servers), virtualization, and procedures. Diagnosed hardware failure, user errors. Administered OS installation, configuration, and management of networks.
  • Provided technical consulting for network infrastructure, security, and data backup.
  • Strong team builder with the demonstrated ability to manage projects, people, and budgets, and to develop process and procedures to decrease implementation time, reduce cost, ensure quality, and promote high customer satisfaction.
  • People-oriented problem-solver with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly develop rapport and credibility with staff, clients, and vendors at all levels of an organization.
  • Consistently provided effective technical support including innovative solutions to difficult software problems. Proven ability to analyze, evaluate, and resolve hardware and software conflicts, application errors, and network connectivity problems.
  • Assisted users with daily operational issues and instructed users on the use of equipment, software, and manuals.
  • Skilled at troubleshooting and solving problems while maintaining consistent and secure data communications in a networking environment, as well as minimizing customer stress levels by providing end user support and training.
  • Excellent communication skills with experience interacting with executives and training coworkers.
  • Self-motivated administrator who blends business and technical skills.

Skills
  • Software and Hardware Installation for Server and Desktops,
  • Customer Needs Assessment, Computer/Network Security, Desk Side and Remote Support
  • Troubleshooting/Problem Solving Network Issues, User Training and Support
  • Network Administration, Network Analysis and Design, Active Directory, GPO Management, DNS, DHCP, and MTA engines
  • Network Cabling, Network Monitoring, WSUS, Backup Systems, Printer Systems, Help Desk, Network Software and Hardware, and Wireless Networking
  • Windows 95/98/XP/NT4.0/2000/2003/2008; Windows Server 2000,2003,2008
  • Microsoft Products (Exchange, SharePoint, VM, SQL, ISA, etc.)
  • DOS, Microsoft Office, Apple Applications
  • SonicWALL and Juniper firewalls

Professional Experience
Systems Administrator
September '04 ~ June '11Decision Software, IncLandover, MD
Originally started as first level support at the help desk assisting clients from around the country and internationally and quickly became the Lead Support technician. Worked as the initial internal point of contact assisting staff throughout the organization with a wide range of technical issues (troubleshooting network connectivity issues, hardware and software issues). Promoted to Systems Administrator and managed and maintain three on-site Microsoft networks and a combined 60+ servers (majority of them HP and Dell).

Duties include:
  • Building and configuring workstations, servers, printers and other devices to the network.
  • Troubleshooting network connectivity, hardware, software and peripheral equipment issues, software installation and configuration.
  • Monitoring and maintaining all networks, as well as instructing users in network security and hardware and software use.
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware.
  • Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications and virus protection software.
  • Monitoring and managing system backups and data recovery for network servers. Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
  • Conducting software installations and updates for desktop PCs, telecommunications, and related hardware for multiple clients and users.
  • Troubleshooting common Microsoft application problems, hardware and software malfunctions, and other miscellaneous technical issues.
  • Investigating network connectivity issues and installing necessary support equipment where needed
  • Administering, monitoring, tracking, and documenting all software, equipment, issues, and changes to the network. 
Optician
May '00 ~ August '04 LensCraftersAnnapolis, MD
Entry level position initially as an Eyewear Consultant in a high-volume, upscale retail store. Rapidly advanced into formal training in optometry and was promoted to Optician and optical remake coach responsible for assisting other opticians and eyewear consultants improve their quality of service.  Cross trained as a Production Technician. Responsibilities include producing high-quality eyewear in a timely fashion for customers within the store as well as three remote facilities. 

Education
Bachelor in Criminology and Criminal Justice
2007 ~ 2013University of Maryland University CollegeCollege Park, Maryland
Course work towards a Bachelor in Criminology and Criminal Justice
2002 ~ 2004University of MarylandCollege Park, Maryland
Associate of Arts
2000 ~ 2002Anne Arundel Community CollegeArnold, Maryland

Certifications
Network and Computer Systems Administrators University of Maryland University College12/2012