System Administrator-Linux
Chicago, IL

Job Description

Department44716 IT Services Voice & Data Net.

About the UnitIT Services is an integral part of the University of Chicago, committed to service delivery and support of the university mission through innovative uses of technology.

Job Information

Job Summary:

Under general direction the Systems Administrator-Linux position is responsible for day-to-day administration and technical support of complex Linux servers, including but not limited to Virtual Infrastructure and Systems Management. Responsibilities include installation, upgrades, system patching, configuration and monitoring of Linux servers/applications both physical and virtual. Works closely with vendors and cross-functional departmental teams to provide tier 2 support, fulfill new service requests, resolve incidents and problem cases. Develops and maintains a library of standard operating procedures documentation. Responsible for 24/7 on-call support rotation.

Responsibilities:

* Server Administration (65%)
* Assist Senior members of the Linux team design, Install, configure, upgrade, maintain, monitor and tune performance for load balancing technologies in terms of global and local traffic management (e.g. F5's GTM, ASM, APM and LTM modules).
* Install, configure, upgrade, maintain, monitor and tune performance for Linux Server operating systems, utility software and server hardware including installing patches and corrective service.
* Provide support for problems escalated from the IT Services Service Desk and other groups.
* Respond to problems and apply appropriate operating system fixes and patches as necessary. Examine various server logs and determine if any corrective action is required.
* Review releases of new operating systems and evaluated their implementation in the enterprise. Implement new operating system releases in both virtual and physical servers.
* Install, configure and maintain server firewall and other security software. Identify and provide technical resolution for potential security breaches. Establish and monitor security and apply appropriate fixes.
* Monitor and maintain system integrity assuring maximum availability using RHN and configuration management systems (e.g. Puppet). This includes monitoring backups, maintaining appropriate access rights, and securing enterprise systems in accordance with IT Services standards. Monitor and forecast future capacity needs.
* Implement and maintain technical solutions for disaster recovery and business continuity of enterprise systems. Administration of LDAP including group policy management, OU administration and maintaining user/computer account permissions and access rights.
* Administer Blade Center environment (chassis management, firmware updates).
* Perform administration tasks and troubleshooting related to the Virtual Infrastructure.


* Plan and Design Server Hardware (15%)
* Select and size server hardware including configuring processors, memory and I/O Interface Cards appropriate to business requirements.
* Plan local and shared storage partitions for operating system, data, logs etc.


* System Automation, Research, and Consulting (10%)
* Participate in research and development projects within organization to assist in overall improvement and optimization of environment.
* Contribute to system automation via scripting and other tools to reduce time spent on operational tasks.
* Interact effectively and courteously with both technical and non-technical users across all levels of organization.
* Document system design and related processes.


* Participation in team meeting and organization projects (10%)
* Participate in team, department, and IT Services staff meetings.
* Participate in on-call 24/7 support rotation for problem resolution.
* Prioritize projects and meet deadlines consistently.


* Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Required:

* Server Administration - Effectively plan, deploy and administer Linux servers in an enterprise environment (ex. Apache, SMTP, SFTP, Linux Firewall, IPtables, and NFS Permissions.) Strong understanding of modern Linux Server technologies and related best practices.
* Troubleshooting - Strong familiarity with Linux OS, application and hardware troubleshooting.
* Hardware - Familiarity with current Intel/AMD hardware platforms, Blade and rack server architecture and Blade Centers.
* Networking and Storage - Understanding of storage and network protocols/concepts (FC, FCoE, iSCSI, NFS, GigE, TCP/IP, UDP, Ether channel and VLAN configurations).
* Documentation - Ability to compose thorough and clear documentation on routine tasks, standard operating procedures and other documents beneficial to team members.
* Focus - focus on delivering high quality service, needs of the key stakeholders, end-users, service orientation, organizational communications and getting results
* Listening and communications - build partnerships/relationships through listening for understanding. Express oneself effectively in all media, with diplomacy, openness and transparency. Provide specific and appropriate feedback.
* Accountable and commitment and follow-through - do what you say you will do and be personally responsible for your actions. Take individual responsibility for performance including quality and quantity of work. Be willing to own the issue, problem, activity and accomplishments. Commit to own development.
* Initiative and innovation - pro-active approach interest in problem solving. Display creative approach to everyday problems, ask good questions, and stimulate ideas. Offer creative ideas for improvements and solutions to problems.
* Keep abreast of IT trends and technologies and build knowledge and technical expertise.
* Collaborative - builds effective relationships with others. Works effectively as a member of a department and/or project team. Open to assistance and willingness to assist others. Puts success of team above own interest.
* Professional - internalizes and acts on organizational mission and goals. Works effectively across organization and campus community. Active interest in The University and IT in higher education. Takes personal ownership of professional development. Values and respects differences.
* Decision making / problem solving - generates pragmatic approaches to addressing issues, challenges, and opportunities. Analyzes problems. Develops and implements effective solutions. Makes sound business decisions in a timely manner.
* Familiarity with system management implementations based on SNMP, and familiarity with Zenoss or other enterprise class monitoring.

Preferred:

* A strong interest in group dynamics and team building.

Additional Requirements

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

* Bachelor's degree or minimum four years of related work experience required.

Experience:

* Minimum three years of experience in Linux server administration in a large (100+ server) enterprise environment is required.
* Experience with Linux Red Hat operating systems, roles, services, concepts, security, permissions, middleware and facilities is required. (ex., SMTP, SFTP, IPtables, LVM, Enterprise Backups).
* Experience in scripting concepts and methods with competence in at least one relevant language (e.g. Python, Perl.) required.
* Experience with Internet clients/servers/protocols, including the Apache web server, HTTPS services, SSH products, email servers, Proxy servers required..

Licenses and Certifications:

* Technical training and achieved certifications such as RHCE preferred.
* ITIL training and certification preferred.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

* Knowledge of scripting concepts and methods with competence in at least one relevant language (e.g. PowerShell) is preferred.
* IT project management practices and techniques preferred.
* Strong written and oral communication skills preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

* Standard office environment.
* On-call responsibilities.
* Ability to stand for short or extended time periods.
* Ability to bend, crouch, or stoop.
* Ability to extensively use computer.
* Ability to make repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movements.
* Ability to see, including color, depth perception, or clarity.
* Ability to hear, including making fine discrimination in sound.
* Ability to carry/lifts loads of 25 lbs. to 49 lbs.

Required Documents:

* Resume
* Cover Letter

NOTE: When applying all documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

Benefit EligibilityYes

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay RangeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

UnionNon-Union

Job is Exempt?Yes

Drug Test Required?No

Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job?No

Health Screen Required?No

Posting Date2019-03-08-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-09-08-07:00

Posting Statement:

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.