Kirk Schnable
My Professional Experiences
GigeNET Hosting :: Systems Administrator | Support Specialist

As a Systems Administrator at GigeNET, I am responsible for handling customer support tickets, phone calls, server builds, hardware upgrades, scheduled maintenance, and other issues or questions which arise. I provide quality configuration assistance and server hardening and optimization advice to customers in a timely manner.

I have a great deal of experience tuning and providing optimization advice for server applications such as Apache, Nginx, Lightspeed, and MySQL. I heavily support Linux servers including CentOS, Debian, and Ubuntu systems and also support some Windows Server 2003, 2008, and 2012 systems. I deal closely with and troubleshoot problems related to cPanel\WHM and Interworx control panels on many customer servers.

The work is very situational and ultimately I am responsible for fulfilling any of the customer's needs for anything which would conceivably be supported.

What customers said about me on NiceReply:

Marengo Community High School District 154 :: Networking & Technology Assistant

At Marengo Community High School, I was responsible for everything in the IT Department. MCHS had a small support staff responsible for maintaining all technology in the building. Marengo High School is facilitating a 1 to 1 computing initiative, with every enrolled student receiving a Linux powered netbook.

I performed hardware and software maintenance on desktops, laptops, and servers running everything from Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, to Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint. I maintained a network of Cisco switches with redundant 10Gbit fiber backbones throughout the campus, as well as Cisco wireless infrastructure and Ubiquiti PowerBridges to remote sites.

Furthermore, I developed web applications used internally by students and teachers, and created complex SQL database queries needed for our reporting systems and student information system.

Riley Township :: Networking & Technology Consultant

At Riley Township, I facilitated the construction of an IT infrastructure from the ground up. I installed a custom firewall solution, wireless access for their facility, and maintain their office desktops as needed. I set up and maintain a Zimbra email server used by their staff for communication internally and with the public. I developed a custom email "eBlast" system allowing members of the public to opt-in to email bulletins from their Township Supervisor. I designed their website from the ground up, and perform normal web hosting and maintenance tasks for them.

Illinois Railway Museum :: Customer Service

The Illinois Railway Museum was a seasonal position I held during my high school career. I served them for several years in the ticket booth, selling tickets for museum entry. For my last year there, I worked in their office fielding customer phone calls and handling phone orders for advance tickets for their Day Out With Thomas event.