Shane Townsend

Shane Townsend

Systems Administrator · Server Support · Tampa Bay, FL

IT professional with 5+ years of experience across server support, Windows and Linux environments, virtualization and enterprise networking. Currently providing L1/L2 support for Dell PowerEdge servers in Windows Server, Linux and VMware environments. Background includes Active Directory, support for 1,000+ Windows endpoints and network deployments across 150+ sites.

Download resume (PDF) See my home lab
Portrait of Shane Townsend

About

I started in help desk and field service and have worked up through installation, endpoint and server support. I like the part of IT where you diagnose a real problem on real hardware, fix it, and document it so the next person doesn't have to.

Outside of work I run a home lab: a Linux VPS I manage over SSH, my own DNS and domain configuration, firewall rules, and hands-on practice with Azure. This site is part of it.

Experience

  • Jr. Server Support (Dell contract) — CGS (Computer Generated Solutions) 2026 – Present · Remote
    Remote L1/L2 support for Dell PowerEdge servers in enterprise customer environments: isolating hardware and system-level faults, coordinating component replacement, and troubleshooting Windows Server, Linux and VMware. Completed an 11-week Dell training program. Owns cases end to end in Salesforce.
  • IT Specialist — Bloomin' Brands Inc. 2024 – 2026 · Tampa, FL
    Supported 1,000+ Windows endpoints and Active Directory. Configured and deployed switches, routers and access points across 150+ locations with Cisco Meraki. Managed iOS/Android profiles in Workspace ONE UEM, Duo MFA onboarding, the ServiceNow queue and vendor RMAs for failed hardware.
  • IT Installation Technician — L. Ortega & Associates of Tampa Bay 2023 – 2024 · Tampa, FL
    Installed server rack UPS units, wireless access points and Smartboards for clients including Pinellas County Schools; rack-mounted hardware and verified network connectivity.
  • Field Service Technician — World Wide Tech Services 2022 – 2023 · Indianapolis, IN
    Diagnosed and repaired Dell and Lenovo systems on-site across a multi-territory route. Dell and Lenovo certified.
  • Tier 1 Technical Support — Circle K 2022 · Indianapolis, IN
    Troubleshot POS systems by phone using Linux CLI and remote tools.

Skills

Servers & directory

  • Windows Server 2019/2022
  • Active Directory
  • Group Policy
  • DNS
  • DHCP
  • Dell PowerEdge diagnostics

Virtualization

  • VMware vSphere/ESXi
  • Hyper-V

Linux

  • CLI administration
  • SSH
  • Package updates
  • Service configuration
  • Firewall rules

Cloud & identity

  • Microsoft Azure
  • Office 365
  • Duo MFA
  • CyberArk
  • GitHub Actions

Networking

  • Cisco Meraki
  • UniFi
  • TCP/IP
  • LAN/WAN
  • Firewalls
  • GlobalProtect VPN
  • SolarWinds

Endpoint & security

  • Workspace ONE UEM
  • MDM (iOS/Android)
  • Tanium
  • OS imaging

Tools & ticketing

  • ServiceNow
  • Salesforce
  • SecureCRT
  • PuTTY
  • Bomgar
  • Remote Desktop
  • Citrix

Certifications

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

AZ-900 · Earned Nov 2026

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Core IT concepts and terminology

TestOut IT Pro

Hands-on, lab-based IT certification

Home lab & projects

Active Directory & DNS Lab

A Windows Server 2025 domain controller built in VirtualBox to learn DNS hands-on inside Active Directory: zones, records, network isolation and real troubleshooting, built for Network+ and sysadmin roles.

See the lab →

This website

Static site on Azure Static Web Apps, deployed from GitHub with GitHub Actions, on a custom domain with HTTPS.

How it's built →

Linux VPS

A remote Linux VPS I deploy and administer over SSH: system updates, service configuration and troubleshooting.

Firewall & remote access

Firewall rules and networking on the VPS to secure remote access and limit exposed ports.

Domains & DNS

Domain registration and DNS records (A, CNAME, MX) to route traffic to self-hosted services.

Azure practice

Applying Azure concepts hands-on: virtual networking, resource groups, and identity and access management.

Contact

Open to systems administrator roles in the Tampa Bay area and remote.