POSITION SUMMARY

Intermediate to advanced level system administrator with experience in Linux (RedHat 8 and above, Ubuntu) and Windows Server OS (2016, 2019, 2022).  This role will involve managing, maintaining and optimizing Linux Server and infrastructure to support IMSA’s organization’s operations.

The Linux Systems Administrator is part of a four-person IT Engineering team and reports to the Director of Information Technologies. The IT Engineering team is tasked with providing server and network infrastructure services. Some travel may be necessary for training, trade shows or conferences. Off-hour remote and on-site support is required as necessary.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Co- responsibility for operation of Windows and Linux servers used in the Academy computing system
• Co- responsibility for the operation of the core services provided (email, web, directory, file and print, etc.)
• Assist in operation of network infrastructure
• Build and implement new systems per specifications
• Evaluate hardware and software and make purchase recommendations
• Perform system upgrades, patching and security hardening
• System monitoring via tools, log analysis and reports
• Co-manage disk storage sub-systems (RAID, SAN)
• Performing regular system preventative maintenance
• Technical documentation as required
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience as a Linux Systems Administrator
• Strong knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu distributions
• Experience with Cisco network infrastructure components (routers, switches, firewalls)
• Experience with Open-Source Software as used in enterprise computing (Apache, Tomcat, MySQL, Postgres, PHP, WordPress)
• Experience with configuring and managing Dell EMC storage systems
• Familiarity with OpenLDAP and JumpCloud
• Understands and can implement multi-factor authentication protocols
• Understand and can implement Single Sign-on Protocols (OneLogin, OKTA)
• Monitor System Health and performance and logging tools (Nagios, Nagios Log Server, PRTG)
• Experience with system and network protocols (DNS, DHCP, SMTP, HTML, SSH)
• Implement automation solutions using configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet)
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in administrative scripting languages such as Perl, Python, Bash, shell, PowerShell
• Strong inter-personal and communication skills; capable of writing purchase justifications, training users in complex topics, and interacting positively with Academy administration
• Ability to interact in a team environment with other computer department personnel, as well as with other professionals from various areas of the Academy

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifications such as Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, VMware Horizon)
• Experience with Veeam Backup & Replication
• Experience with Puppet Enterprise for configuration and automation

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards.  Substantial time is spent working on a computer.  This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, loading, unloading and moving materials/boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements. 

COMPENSATION:

This position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like institutions with a range of $81,400 to $99,500. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, arrest record, military status, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.