Linux Systems Administrator

This is a part-time contract position. The expected commitment is approximately 20 hours per week; however, actual hours may vary based on client requirements and project needs.

Summary:
Responsible for the installation, configuration, and ongoing support of the organization’s Linux/UNIX servers, systems, and supporting infrastructure. Serves as a lead contributor on departmental and cross-functional projects, including researching, recommending, and implementing new technologies, automation, and process improvements that strengthen the reliability, security, and scalability of the environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supports the designs and maintenance of the physical layout of server racks and supporting hardware.
• Serves as a proactive point of contact with the datacenter provider, coordinating maintenance, capacity, and on-site activity.
• Supports day-to-day operations of Linux systems, ensuring performance, availability, and adherence to service-level objectives.
• Builds, hardens, and troubleshoots Linux servers across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
• Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and remediates issues across servers, storage, and network systems.
• Administers, configures, and maintains Storage Area Network (SAN) equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Develops, reviews, and maintains automation and file-transfer scripts (e.g., MoveIt), ensuring they execute reliably and securely.
• Performs vulnerability scans, patches systems, and implements remediations to maintain a strong security posture.
• Proactively researches, plans, and implements improvements to systems and networks, including virtualization, containerization, configuration management, and infrastructure automation.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Supports ticket monitoring and response, plus desktop health checks and support (virtual and physical).
• Participates in off-hours and on-call support rotations.
• Serves as secondary contact for router and switch fabric alerts, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Provides escalation support to other members of the IT Operations team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Linux/UNIX system administration, including kernel tuning, performance analysis, and shell scripting (Bash, Python, or similar).
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of networking fundamentals, distributed computing principles, and network security concepts and controls.
• Proven ability to maintain server hardware, storage, and supporting software in production environments.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft operating systems, Active Directory, and Exchange Server sufficient to support integration with Linux services.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Azure, including VM and storage administration, Microsoft Entra ID, virtual networking, and infrastructure as code (ARM/Bicep or Terraform).
• Seasoned ability to administer enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu) at scale.

General:

• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and the changing needs of internal and external clients.
• Resourcefulness and initiative in driving projects from definition through completion.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, two-year technical degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience administering Linux/UNIX server operating systems in production; familiarity with Windows Server and Active Directory.
• At least 3 years’ experience supporting enterprise network systems and services.
• Industry-recognized certification (e.g., RHCSA, RHCE, LFCS, or equivalent) preferred.