Linux Systems Administrator – RCS

Additional Position Information:

This position will have opportunities to learn and use skills in Linux system administration, scientific computing, x86 hardware maintenance, configuration automation, and operating systems security. As an RCS team member, you will support the two high-performance computing clusters, the high-performance filesystems, a small OpenStack cluster, and administer multiple Linux VMs and stand-alone servers used by RCS, the GI, and various research projects.

Additional Department Information:

The RCS team is an integral part of the GI. Founded in 1948, the GI is a world-renowned center for the study of geophysics from the sun to the center of the Earth. RCS provides advanced computing, storage, data sharing solutions, and research IT support to GI and UAF research communities, collaborators, and supporters. RCS is a dynamic team of IT professionals developing and maintaining the GI’s cyberinfrastructure and a core set of cyberinfrastructure services for a wide variety of UAF research projects. We collaborate with multiple groups throughout the GI, UAF research, and UA’s Office of Information Technology. Our goal is to ensure researchers have high-performing and adaptable network, storage, compute, web, and hosted systems services they can depend on to conduct their research.

Geophysical Institute:

The Geophysical Institute is a research-driven organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers an attractive work environment and strong benefits including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute is committed to equity, inclusion, and accountability and values the open sharing of different perspectives. We support a respectful and welcoming environment and a commitment to serving Alaska and Alaskans with strong applied science. Career growth and professional development are expected and encouraged.

As a public, regional, comprehensive university, UAF is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages women, minorities, members from marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Advanced knowledge of a specialized area.

Knowledge of Linux system administration (preferably Red Hat based) in either an operational or a scientific research environment. Additional Windows and/or Mac system administration knowledge is a bonus.

Knowledge of digital security best practices and methods.

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and deploy computer hardware and software.

Demonstrated ability to write shell scripts or programming in Python, Ruby, C, or other equivalent languages.

Effective verbal and technical writing communication skills.

Ability to analyze daily performance of operational systems, develop problem descriptions, and formulate problem resolutions.

Ability to formulate and implement a robust backup and recovery strategy for a disparate set of hardware and software platforms.

Ability to work in a team environment with other system administrators, software developers, academic faculty, and students.

Ability to guide and mentor peers on tasks related to their area of expertise.

Ability to write and maintain robust technical documentation.

Ability to work scheduled periods of 24×7 on-call support.

Ability to identify and understand researchers’ needs.

Typical Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other related fields) and 1-3 years systems administration experience that includes Linux, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Required Education or Training:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other related fields) and 1-3 years systems administration experience that includes Linux, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Salary Information: 
This position is full-time, Grade 80 , term-funded, exempt, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule , based on education and experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants:

*This position will be physically located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. The successful finalist will be expected to report to duty at the UAF office on the first day of employment

**To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date. Applicants must be legally eligible for unrestricted employment to work in the U.S. No work visas will be sponsored for this position. YOU MUST BE A US CITIZEN AND PROVIDE THIS CONFIRMATION IN YOUR RESUME OR COVER LETTER.

To apply for this position, please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references with your application.  Please submit your application no later than 10/31/2022 at 11:55 PM Alaska Time. The review of this posting will start on 11/1/2022. This posting will be closed once it is filled.

If you need assistance applying to this posting, please contact GI – Office of Human Resources at 907-474-7357. 

Applicants needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should contact the UA Human Resources office at 907-450-8200.

This recruitment is open internally to current UA employees or those otherwise eligible to apply to internal postings.

UAF COVID Requirements:

Effective immediately, all new UAF hires, whose job function or work location results in the employee being subject to the UAF vaccine requirements guided by the Federal Contractor Employee vaccine mandate*, must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption no later than six weeks from the new hire’s start date.

*Employees based on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ (Fairbanks) campus, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks (including Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station); and Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contract.

This recruitment is open internally to current UA employees or those otherwise eligible to apply to internal postings.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University’s discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.

Advertised:24 Oct 2022 Alaskan Daylight Time
Applications close:Open until filled