Senior Systems Administrator

California State University - Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to provide senior-level administration, engineering, and support for the University's enterprise server, storage, virtualization, and systems infrastructure. You will mentor less-senior IT staff and lead complex projects.

The role requires strong Windows and Linux/Unix administration skills, virtualization and backup experience, and the ability to work independently with excellent communication and documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive, progressively responsible experience administering enterprise server and systems infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of Windows Server and Linux/Unix server administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms, storage systems, and enterprise backup solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, lead technical projects, and mentor other staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior-level administrator for enterprise Windows and Linux/Unix server environments, including installation, configuration, patching, and lifecycle management.
• Design, implement, and maintain virtualization infrastructure (VMware or similar), storage area networks, and backup/disaster recovery systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex systems and infrastructure incidents, escalating and resolving issues with minimal supervision.
• Develop and maintain automation and configuration-management scripts to improve systems reliability and reduce manual administration.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and security, and implement remediation and hardening measures in line with university security policy.
• Document systems architecture, standard operating procedures, and configuration changes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to systems administrators and other IT staff.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours system emergencies as needed.
• Collaborate with network, security, and applications teams on cross-functional infrastructure projects.

Skills

Analytical troubleshooting

Documentation skills

Independent work

Project leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

VMware

Backup solutions

Job description

Senior Systems Administrator

Job No: 553696

Work type: Staff

Location: Los Angeles

Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology

Information Technology Services (ITS) - IT Infrastructure Services

Salary Range: $7,284 - $10,611 Monthly. University salaries are subject to budgetary authorization and modification.

Hiring Range: The anticipated hiring range is $8,042 - $10,611 per month, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

About the Position

Under the general direction of the Manager of IT Infrastructure Services, the Senior Systems Administrator provides senior-level administration, engineering, and support for the University's enterprise server, storage, virtualization, and systems infrastructure. This position serves as a technical lead for complex systems projects and mentors less-senior IT staff.

Essential Functions

• Serve as senior-level administrator for enterprise Windows and Linux/Unix server environments, including installation, configuration, patching, and lifecycle management.
• Design, implement, and maintain virtualization infrastructure (VMware or similar), storage area networks, and backup/disaster recovery systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex systems and infrastructure incidents, escalating and resolving issues with minimal supervision.
• Develop and maintain automation and configuration-management scripts to improve systems reliability and reduce manual administration.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and security, and implement remediation and hardening measures in line with university security policy.
• Document systems architecture, standard operating procedures, and configuration changes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to systems administrators and other IT staff.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours system emergencies as needed.
• Collaborate with network, security, and applications teams on cross-functional infrastructure projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive, progressively responsible experience administering enterprise server and systems infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of Windows Server and Linux/Unix server administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms, storage systems, and enterprise backup solutions.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, lead technical projects, and mentor other staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft, VMware, Linux/Red Hat).
• Experience supporting systems infrastructure in a higher education environment.
• Experience with scripting/automation tools (PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, or similar).

This position requires the finalist to complete the CSU Employment Eligibility Verification process, and the position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily as a condition of employment with the University. Cal State LA will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate has made a false statement or omission on any employment application materials.

California State University, Los Angeles is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

Cal State LA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by state or federal law.