IT Engineer

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas is seeking an Enterprise IT Manager to support the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) by designing, deploying, and maintaining a complex computing environment for geoscience research. The role combines on‑prem and cloud resources, emphasizing security, automation, and reliability.

Under moderate supervision, you will partner with KU IT and researchers to implement effective IT solutions, manage data protection, and support grant‑funded initiatives.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, monitor, and maintain IT infrastructure including on‑premises servers and Azure resources.
• Manage user groups, roles, and access controls within KU IT security framework.
• Implement and manage 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 administration

VMware virtualization

Linux system administration

Windows system administration

Scripting / automation

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field

Tools

Azure

XCP-NG

Jira

GitLab

GitHub Copilot

Oracle SQL

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. The KGS also houses 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.

In support of this research and service mission, the KGS maintains a large, complex, and mission‑critical computing and application environment. Under moderate supervision, this position assists in the design, implementation, support, and ongoing management of key computing systems and IT infrastructure supporting the KGS research and service mission. The position 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, however 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 (e.g., workstation technology).

Other Duties as Assigned by Supervisor (10%)

Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Position Requirements

1. Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds with or without accommodation.

Required Qualifications

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

Additional Candidate Instruction

• Cover letter indicating how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Full CV/resume
• Contact information for 3 references (email address and phone number)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, 8/10/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.