IS Operating Systems Analyst II - San Diego State University Research Foundation

Overview

• The starting pay range for this position is $26.99 - $46.49 per hour depending upon qualifications and internal equities and is non-negotiable. 
• This position works a hybrid, in-office/remote schedule and the incumbent must live a commutable distance from SDSU. 

SDSU Research Foundation is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization committed to driving innovation and making a positive impact.

We are currently seeking a Systems Administrator II to join our team! If you are passionate about leveraging your skills to contribute to meaningful projects and collaborate with stakeholders, we want to hear from you. 

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to focus on realizing the research objectives of San Diego State University, and to be the backbone for faculty and staff to find, attract, win, and administer their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. The SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to realize these discoveries, interventions, and solutions that make a difference.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

The Information Systems team serves the evolving information services and technology needs of SDSURF. The team is responsible for the operation, maintenance, security, and ongoing development of SDSURF enterprise systems and providing administrative desktop services for central staff personnel. We are service oriented and collaborate with colleagues across the organization to develop and implement innovative user-focused IT solutions that are vital for informed decision making and improved services for researchers and employees.

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE FOUNDATION’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

Under the general direction of the IT Operations Manager, this position is responsible for the deployment, administration, and management of complex server architecture comprised of Linux and Windows servers in virtual and cloud environments.  This includes  planning, researching, deploying and maintaining Foundation servers and cloud resources, managing back-up and recovery, designing and documenting systems, managing systems automation, and ensuring the uptime and availability of assigned systems and services.  Duties also include systems change management, working with the IT Service Desk as an escalation point, and mentoring junior members of the Operations team. 

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

With a passion to innovate and a drive for enterprise level technology solutions, while displaying personal accountability for results and an uncompromising dedication to quality, the Systems Administrator responsibilities include:

• Deployment, administration, maintenance, and complete systems lifecycle of all Research Foundation servers and infrastructure.
• Manage Cloud Services including monitoring, incident resolution, problem management, configuration and change management, systems administration, security management and monitoring
• Managing system resources including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and capacity planning, ensuring serviceability and planning for recovery
• Responsible for upkeep, configuration and reliable operation network and server systems. Plans system transitions, builds servers, ensures systems and builds are documented, hardens OS, incorporates security patching, and assists in installing and testing applications.  Seeks to ensure that uptime, performance, resources, and security of computers meet the needs of users without exceeding budget. 
• Manage and tune system resources including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, capacity planning, logging and retention, database infrastructure, and ensuring serviceability of servers and related equipment
• Plan, implement, manage, and support complete systems backup lifecycle
• Responsible for creation and management of all build documentation, ensuring currency and accuracy
• Responsible for development, implementation, and documentation of repeatable systems procedures and automation.
• Responsible for complete IT systems automation implementation and lifecycle
• Day-to-day monitoring and administering of Active Directory components, including Azure AD, Intune/MEM, and Defender ATP and related review, auditing, and object management
• Deployment, Management and Maintenance of centralized and local Linux Authentication
• Collaborate with other SDSU technical staff to facilitate seamless systems integration and alignment
• Work cross functionally with other teams to drive initiatives
• Day-to-day administration and development of disaster recovery plans for data security, reliability, and redundancy
• Perform proactive server vulnerability scanning and hardening, including prevention, detection, and resolution in coordination with other IS personnel
• Administration of, and accountability for, server patch management
• Implement security policies and procedures across all SDSURF systems and applications
• System Log Centralization, Management, and Monitoring

This position requires the ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, and occasional holidays for required maintenance and testing.

Qualifications

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• Experience in Linux and Windows System Administration
• Experience managing web and application Servers: IIS, Apache, Tomcat, NginX, or similar
• Experience working with networks and networking concepts including VLANs, Routers, and Firewalls
• Experience with administration of AWS environment including EC2, RDS, and S3
• Experience with systems orchestration and configuration management tools (Ansible, Chef, Puppet – Ansible Preferred)
• Knowledge of Familiarity with ADFS/Azure AD
• Ability to plan for infrastructure and operational changes such as server or storage infrastructure upgrades
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate working relationships at all levels of the organization and with its customers
• High level of attention to detail with sharp troubleshooting skills, problem resolution, decision making, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and multi-task in a fast paced, challenging environment.
• Ability to review existing configurations and operations procedures and make recommendations to improve system performance and operational efficiency including automation, where possible.
• Understanding of change management concepts
• Ability to communicate verbally and clearly in written communication to deliver messages to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail with sharp troubleshooting skills. Must possess a sense of personal accountability for results and an uncompromising dedication to quality.
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines, detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities and moving deadlines
• Ability to think critically, logically, and reflectively and be comfortable with ambiguity
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity
• Ability to demonstrate strong customer focus, and understand and respect the value of the IT team.

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, mathematics, Information Technology or related technical field or equivalent technical training and/or experience.
• 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Linux and/or Windows server and desktop environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, AD GPO, Terminal Services, IIS, Server Firewalls, SQL Server and Application Administration.

Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Experience with System Automation and/or Orchestration (Ansible/Puppet/Chef or similar)
• Experience working with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, or other cloud solutions
• Experience with Azure Active Directory (AAD)
• Scripting experience - PowerShell, Bash, Python
• Experience with patch management and endpoint security software
• Databases: MySQL and SQL Server
• Experience with Google Apps for Business and/or Microsoft Office 365
• Experience implementing and managing virtualization technologies in a production environment, VMWare, Hyper-V or similar
• Specialized relevant industry certifications such as Azure, AWS, Security+, ITIL Practitioner/Intermediate, CCNA, RHCSA, Project+, CAPM, or similar a plus

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Employer contributed 403b retirement plan
• Generous vacationand sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidaysand 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events.
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

If you are a seasoned IT professional and are looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact, we would love to hear from you! Please apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. 

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer