IT Engineer

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is hiring an Enterprise IT professional for the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The role focuses on designing, deploying, and maintaining core computing systems and IT infrastructure to support KGS research and public service.

Under moderate supervision, you will collaborate with KU IT, implement data protection and automation, and ensure security and reliability across on‑premises and Azure resources. Start date targeted for August 31, 2026; U.S.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional experience provisioning and managing cloud storage and computing resources (Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud).
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting virtualization platforms (VMware, XCP-ng, or similar).
• Five years of device setup, deployment, management, and retirement (desktops, laptops, tablets).
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting Microsoft Windows Desktop & Server instances, incl. Active Directory.
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting Linux environments.
• Strong communication skills, as illustrated by application materials.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, monitor, and maintain KGS IT infrastructure, including on‑premises servers and Azure compute/storage resources.
• Work within KU IT security framework to manage user groups, roles, and access controls.
• Implement and manage data & system protection strategies, including backup and recovery for on‑premise and cloud systems.
• Implement automation technologies to streamline system management procedures.
• Evaluate system performance, security, capacity, and reliability; recommend improvements.

Skills

Cloud storage

VMware

XCP-ng

Azure

GitLab

Jira

GitHub Copilot

Windows Server

Linux

Active Directory

Networking basics

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

VMware

XCP-ng

Azure

GitLab

Jira

GitHub Copilot

Job description

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) is a research and service division of the University of Kansas that investigates and provides information about the state's geologic and groundwater resources. KGS scientists pursue research related to surface and subsurface geology, energy resources, groundwater, and environmental hazards. They develop innovative tools and techniques, monitor earthquakes and groundwater levels, investigate water‑quality concerns, and map the state's surface geology. Their analyses, findings, and data are shared with the scientific community and general public through publications, online resources, and presentations.

KGS also holds thousands of oil and gas and water well records filed with the state over several decades as well as thousands of rock cores and cuttings brought to Earth's surface during oil and gas drilling.

Under moderate supervision, this position assists in the design, implementation, support, and ongoing management of key computing systems and IT infrastructure that support the KGS research and service mission. The role collaborates with the KGS IT management team and KU IT to ensure effective management of KGS technical resources.

The start date is targeted for August 31, 2026; exact start date is negotiable. We are unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Technologies We Use

• Server platforms: Linux, Windows
• Desktop platforms: Windows, OS X, Linux
• Virtualization: XCP-NG, VMware
• Storage platforms: NAS, OneDrive, Azure
• Cloud platforms: Azure, ArcGIS Online
• Web application environment: Apache, ColdFusion
• Office software: MS365 suite
• Graphic design: Adobe Creative Suite
• Collaboration software: Teams, Zoom
• Front‑end: ColdFusion, JavaScript, jQuery, DataTables, Bootstrap
• Back‑end: Oracle (SQL, PL/SQL), ArcGIS Enterprise
• Desktop development environments: Python, Java, C#
• Frameworks: ColdBox
• Dev‑ops: GitLab, Jira
• Agentic coding: GitHub Copilot
• Testing automation: Playwright

Research Software We Use

• GIS: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Global Mapper, QGIS
• Petroleum Modeling: Petrel, Petra, Geographix, Golden Software
• Seismic Data Processing: Earthworm
• Statistical: SPSS, SAS, R

Job Description

Enterprise IT Management (50%)

• Deploy, configure, monitor, and maintain KGS IT infrastructure, including on‑premises physical and virtual servers and Microsoft Azure compute and storage resources.
• Work within the KU IT security framework to manage user groups, roles, and access controls.
• Implement and manage data & system protection strategies, including backup and recovery solutions for both on‑premise and cloud‑based systems.
• Implement automation technologies to streamline system management procedures.
• Evaluate system performance, security, capacity, and reliability; recommend and implement improvements.

System Design, Engineering & Research Support (25%)

• Analyze complex system requirements and develop effective technical solutions.
• Collaborate on the design, implementation, operation, and monitoring of systems, devices, and technologies that support the KGS research and service mission.
• Partner with researchers on the technical components of research initiatives and contribute to grant proposal development as appropriate.

Technical Liaison (15%)

• Serve as a technical liaison among IT teams, researchers, and external collaborators. Participate in KGS program, project, and research meetings as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and training resources for KGS systems.
• Maintain active engagement with KU IT, including awareness of centralized systems, initiatives, policies, and security frameworks; participate in relevant KU IT meetings.

Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor (10%)

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Position Requirements

• Must be able to lift and move up to 30 pounds with or without accommodation.

Required Qualifications

• High school/GED with 5 years related experience OR Associate’s degree with 3 years related experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 1 year related experience.
• Five years of professional experience in provisioning and managing cloud storage and computing resources (Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud).
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting system virtualization platforms (VMware, XCP‑ng, or similar).
• Five years of device setup, deployment, management, and retirement (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets).
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting Microsoft Windows Desktop & Server instances, including experience with identity and access tools like Microsoft Active Directory.
• Five years of experience installing, configuring, and supporting Linux environments.
• Strong communication skills, as illustrated by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience installing, configuring, and managing server hardware and storage systems.
• Experience installing, configuring, and supporting automated data backup systems & procedures.
• Experience working with imaging software and endpoint management tools (e.g., JAMF, MECM, or similar).
• Experience working with wired & wireless networks, including an understanding of associated firewall and network security technologies.
• Experience configuring and managing connections to remote devices & telemetry units.
• Staff supervision experience.
• Technical certifications such as Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ‑104), Microsoft Identity & Access Administrator Associate (SC‑300), or similar.