SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR I

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,180 - 71,735; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Systems Administrator I - Server Support to maintain and secure campus server environments, including virtualization, storage, backups, and related networks. You will implement, monitor, and troubleshoot infrastructure to ensure reliability and uptime across facilities and building automation platforms.

The role requires strong problem solving, documentation, and collaboration with IT stakeholders, with on‑call coverage and the ability to respond

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; work experience may substitute for education.
• Experience with server operating systems, virtualization, storage, and backups.
• Familiarity with building automation systems and network fundamentals.
• Knowledge of system security principles including firewalls, access control, and policy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Implements, configures, and maintains server and building automation platforms, including hardware, operating systems, virtual machines, and runtime environments.
• Installs, configures, and administers virtual host clusters, storage area networks (SAN), backup systems, and related server infrastructure.
• Monitors system performance, availability, and capacity; performs routine maintenance and applies updates and patches.
• Plans, implements, and enforces system security policies including firewall configurations, user access controls, file permissions, and group policies.
• Troubleshoots server, networks, and applications issues to identify root causes and restore services.
• Provides technical support and consultation to users and client departments regarding system operations and applications.
• Participates in on‑call and after‑hours support rotations to ensure rapid response to outages and critical incidents.
• Documents system configurations, procedures, and changes to support continuity and compliance.
• Collaborates with other IT staff, vendors, and stakeholders on projects, upgrades, and system improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Server operating systems

Virtualization

Network fundamentals

Security policies & firewalls

Troubleshooting

SQL/database concepts

Documentation

Communication

On-call support

Building automation systems

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

VMware vSphere

Backup software

Storage Area Network (SAN)

Job description

Systems Administrator I - Server Support

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Position Summary

Provides technical support and administration for server and infrastructure systems supporting Facilities, campus infrastructure, utilities generation and distribution, and building automation platforms. This position is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring server environments including virtual machines, storage systems, backups, and associated network configurations. The role works under general supervision, follows established procedures, and applies independent judgment to troubleshoot issues, recommend improvements, and ensure system reliability, security, and availability. The position also supports users and client departments by responding to incidents, performing maintenance, and participating in on‑call rotations to address after‑hours or critical system needs.

To deploy the release of new technologies as well as design, install, configure, maintain and perform system integration testing of PC/server operating systems, related utilities and hardware. To troubleshoot server problems as reported by users. To research, evaluate and recommend software and hardware products. To support Web access and electronic messaging services and maintain a secure systems environment. To provide new hardware specifications to users based on application needs and anticipated growth, install new servers and maintain the server infrastructure.

Essential Accountabilities

• Implements, configures, and maintains server and building automation platforms, including hardware, operating systems, virtual machines, and runtime environments
• Installs, configures, and administers virtual host clusters, storage area networks (SAN), backup systems, and related server infrastructure
• Monitors system performance, availability, and capacity; performs routine maintenance and applies updates and patches
• Plans, implements, and enforces system security policies including firewall configurations, user access controls, file permissions, and group policies in accordance with university standards
• Troubleshoots server, networks, and applications issues to identify root causes and restore services
• Provides technical support and consultation to users and client departments regarding system operations and applications
• Participates in on‑call and after‑hours support rotations to ensure rapid response to outages and critical incidents
• Documents system configurations, procedures, and changes to support continuity and compliance
• Collaborates with other IT staff, vendors, and stakeholders on projects, upgrades, and system improvements
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of server operating systems, virtualization technologies, and enterprise infrastructure concepts
• Familiarity with virtual host environments, storage systems, and backup solutions
• Understanding of network fundamentals and building automation systems
• Knowledge of system security principles including firewalls, access control, and policy compliance
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve server, network, and application issues
• Basic to intermediate experience with SQL or database concepts (preferred)
• Ability to follow established procedures while exercising independent judgment when appropriate
• Effective communication skills to interact with users, technical staff, and stakeholders
• Customer service mindset with the ability to acknowledge, clarify, and address user requests
• Ability to provide occasional after‑hours and on‑call support
• Strong organizational skills and ability to document technical processes

Annual Salary Range

• $55,180.00 - $71,735.00 (commensurate with experience & qualifications)

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field is required.
• Work experience may substitute for education requirement

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR): Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including: valid U.S. driver’s license; minimum age of 21; at least three years of driving experience; acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to safely perform job duties with or without mechanical assistance, including: sit, stand, and move throughout the workday in an office and campus environment
• Be able to use a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment for extended periods
• Must be able to lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as computer or office equipment
• Must be able to walk long distances, indoors and outdoors, and climb stairs frequently to access campus facilities

Equal Opportunity Employment

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.