Zachary Strader

System Administrator, Devops Engineer, Web Developer

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Credentials

I have a Bachelors degree in Computer Science with an empahsis in Software Development from California State University Monterey Bay, but since graduating I have worked in information technology while working on programming projects in my free time. I also have my MS-900 credential, numerous cetificates for courses ranging from threat hunting to security, not to mention my numerous 'Cool Beans' from my time working at Whole Foods.

Projects

Below are some of the projects I have worked on throughout my career! Some of which are constantly evolving, with the regular addition of various new features and the optimization of existing features as I develop my understanding of programming.

Resource Detection Automation Bot

  • Automatically creates and closes tickets in response to resource usage on monitored devices
  • Written in Python Click on bold text to highlight other areas where they appear, uses agents to detect resource levels - memory, CPU temp, disk usage, CPU usage, etc., and network statistics - latency, packet loss, upload, download, etc.,
  • Alleviates resource and network stress through various PowerShell scripts which can close free up memory, get rid of temp files, and record duration of network degradation

CI/CD

Health Report Generation

  • Web scraper bot and APIs to gather information in order to generate health reports for clients
  • Python, specifically using Selenium, SQLite, python-docx, Cisco Meraki API, SonicWall API, SpeedTest API

CI/CD

Restart Prompt App

  • Basic PowerShell application to monitor patch status and prompts end users to restart to apply updates with custom UI
  • Application created from request for custom patch automation due to unpredictable work schedules

View
V1.0

Website Management and Development

  • Managed and updated website for small staging business in Southern California - HTML, CSS, JS
  • Full stack development for internal site used to display network and hardware data - Python, SQL, Flask
  • Full stack development for this website, including interactive terminal, custom animations, hosting - HTML, JS, Anime.js

View
Various Versions

Secure FTP Transfer App

  • PowerShell application used in classrooms to transfer split audio recordings saved on FTP server to a managed faculty device.
  • After a technical hardware renovation in simultaneous translations classrooms, recordings became more difficult to access for faculty, so I developed an application that would sync recordings on the FTP server to a cloud synced location on managed faculty hardware.

V1.3

Automated Inventory Management

  • Responsible for maintaining and developing inventory management system for thousands of devices - Powershell, Azure Workbooks, JAMF and Intune APIs
  • Optimized API calls to ensure accurate data was gathered and propagated to make sure IT staff had access to reliable information.
  • Implemented useful logging, automatic run schedule, and new data sources (manufacurer warranty information).

CI/CD

Skills

Information Technology

Server Administration
- Windows Server 2012 to 2019, Ubuntu, and Fedora with physical, cloud, and cluster experience
Network Management
- Cisco Meraki, SonicWall, Ubiquity
Backup
- HPE iLO and legacy Array Configuration tool for servers, cloud file level backups
Azure
- User management and permissions, backups, VPN, virtual machines, IAM, and SSO config
Mobile Device Management
- Creating deployment profiles, handling compliance, and troubleshooting; JAMF Pro and Intune
Scripting
- PowerShell, bash, shell, Python

Programming & Development

Task automation
- Python, PowerShell, Bash, Shell
Web development
- HTML, CSS, Javascript, Typescript, AngularJS, SQL
API usage and development
- RESTful API development, SQL, Pandas, JSON
Application development
- Python, Powershell

Soft Skills

Customer Service and Support
- Engaging with customers in retail and technical support situations
Workplace Communication
- Prompt and thorough communicator, experienced in task triaging and escalation as well as open collaboration
- Documentation of solutions to common issues and use manuals for custom applications
Adaptive
- Able to independently solve problems
- Manage evolving expectations and scope on large projects
- Delegate issues to their correct silos
- Timely problem resolution

Hobbies and Interests

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Running / Hiking

Through this time I have been able to explore much of the surrounding area through running including the Fort Ord National Monument, Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, and much of the Carmel Valley. Some of my favorites include Doud Peak via Soberanes Canyon Trail in Garrapata State Park, Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley , and the Del Monte Forest trails in Pacific Grove, all of which can be enjoyed over the course of the year across the seasons.

Cooking

During lockdown I was able to learn a lot about cooking from some very informational cookbooks, and was quickly motivated to continue once the aromatic and succulent food came together. What I found most interesting about cooking after learning more about it over the last few years is how different cultures look at the 'science' behind making food, like the categories that ingredients are sorted into. Flavors I've been unfamilair with for most of my life like umami, bitterness, and spicyness (lol) I now integrate into dishes regularly.

Video Games

Unlike every other computer science graduate, I do enjoy playing video games. Some of my favorites include Risk of Rain 2, Elden Ring, Hollow Knight, Fallout New Vegas, Megabonk, and Smash Bros Melee. Of course those are all on top of the various seasonal ranked grind like Slippi, Teamfight Tactics and and Counter Strike.