Systems Administrator II

UCAR is excited to announce a job opening for a Systems Administrator II. This is a new position related to an initiative in Earth System Data Science with opportunities to collaborate around delivering impactful, actionable, and reproducible science. This system administration position in NCAR’s Computational & Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) is responsible for the installation, maintenance, administration, troubleshooting, and enhancement of computing systems, operating systems, cloud-hosted platforms, and other system software and hardware for various CISL researcher-facing services including those leveraging hybrid cloud infrastructure for Earth System Data Science.

You will work with peers organization-wide and participate in teams that implement security, cloud, and technological policies, procedures, and changes. This position provides an opportunity to work with more senior system administrators and software engineers in evaluating new technologies and designing and implementing novel approaches to meet user and system requirements.

NCAR’s Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) is a leader in supercomputing and data services necessary for the advancement of atmospheric and geospace science. CISL’s mission is to remain a leader at the forefront of ensuring that research universities, NCAR, and the larger atmospheric, oceanographic, and related research communities have access to the computational resources they need for their research. To fulfill the need for a stronger workforce at the intersection of High Performance Computing (HPC) and geoscience problems, CISL engages in education and outreach activities to inspire and attract a diverse future workforce.

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Location Type: Hybrid and fully remote options available

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular

Hiring Range: $77,377 - $96,722

Application Notes:

• Application Deadline: The position will be posted until filled.

• Required application materials:

  •  Resume (preferably in PDF format)

• Work Authorization: US Residency is a Requirement. You must reside in the U.S. for this position. UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H-1B, etc.) for this position. U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) is required for this position. Please see “Final Considerations” for more information at the bottom

• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

• Pre-employment screenings are conducted for selected candidates; background checks are also conducted for risk-based positions. Learn more.

Benefits Overview (not including internship or casual roles) 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance,  UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 14 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. 

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR

Here is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role. 

Key Responsibilities

Works in conjunction with organizational systems administrators for daily support to deployed systems, platforms, and computing environments. Provides system management support for the heterogeneous systems environment consisting of Linux systems located on-premise and within commercial cloud environments. Collaborates and works closely with technical groups across UCAR to ensure compliance with all applicable policies and best practices for system infrastructure. Consults with service owners regarding problems. Researches and implements solutions to problems. Solves subsystem-level problems independently and may communicate with vendors regarding software licensing or hardware. Consults with senior CISL systems administrators as necessary. Runs diagnostics to isolate problems.

Under guidance of senior team systems administrators, performs the deployment of Linux software packages and operating systems and cloud solutions and services in conjunction with tools such as Ansible, Uyuni or similar. Examples include enabling researchers to deploy continuous integration and continuous development workflows to help create a create once, deploy anywhere environment. Works independently and assists other team members with installing, maintaining, upgrading and testing systems, processes and software. Crafts processes that automate routine tasks. Is an active contributor to group discussions regarding the direction of computer systems and support; may lead smaller technical teams.

Research new hardware and software products to improve end-user computing services and systems administration tasks. Assists service owners in defining and implementing special applications and requirements.  Makes recommendations on solutions and best practices.

Creates and maintains on-line documentation of deployed service and platform environments, for distributing information to the service owners and other systems administrators. May conduct basic training related to infrastructure deployment, operations, and use.

WHO WE’D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

• REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree in computer-related field and progressive relevant experience in systems administration in a networked computing environment, which is typically gained by four to eight years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Solid knowledge and experience of Linux systems administration
• Solid knowledge of web services
• Demonstrated knowledge of developing and maintaining cloud solutions
• Demonstrated knowledge in TCP/IP networking, file systems and cybersecurity
• Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of system and software lifecycle maintenance
• Ability to determine when system changes will affect others and is able to mitigate consequences.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one scripting language

SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance requirements.  This position is open to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.