SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR II IST Systems Operations

Boston University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off and leave policy

University-funded retirement plan

Tuition assistance program

Job summary

Boston University is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator II to support IS&T Linux based services. In this role, you will manage server operating systems, identify issues, and collaborate with various technology groups.

The ideal candidate has experience in Linux systems administration, scripting in a Linux environment, and a commitment to supporting university client services. This position offers flexible working options and includes participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience or relevant post-secondary education.
• Good understanding of Linux utilities and the ability to diagnose Linux OS issues.
• Experience with installing and configuring Linux applications.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain server operating systems and hardware.
• Monitor systems to identify issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide Level 2 support for complex technical issues.

Skills

Linux systems administration

Scripting in Linux environment

Monitoring performance

Automation of tasks

TCP/IP LAN networking principles

Education

2+ years of relevant work experience or relevant post-secondary education

Tools

CentOS/RHEL

Git

VMWare/OpenShift/Kubernetes

Job description

Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking applicants with diverse skills and experience to join our innovative and inclusive community.

Join us as a Linux Systems Administrator II where you will contribute to the implementation, operation, and support of IS&T Linux based services. You will have the opportunity to leverage your technical expertise to assess client system needs, advocate for and implement technology solutions, and refine existing processes and procedures to help ensure the availability, reliability and responsiveness of University systems. As part of the Infrastructure Operations team, you will report to the Assistant Director and collaborate with multiple technology groups across campus to administer and advance the underlying server technology that enables a wide variety of University client services. This position offers options for hybrid or remote, and includes a rotating 24/7 on‑call support with occasional night and weekend service for critical University business cycles and routine maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain server operating systems, hardware, and core infrastructure to ensure reliability, performance, and security
• Monitor systems proactively to identify issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement
• Troubleshoot and resolve incidents, partnering with teams and vendors for timely resolution
• Provide Level 2 support for complex technical issues escalated from the Help Desk
• Participate in a 24/7 on‑call rotation to support critical operations and incident response
• Apply system upgrades, patches, and maintenance to keep environments current and secure
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to test, implement, and transition systems into production
• Maintain clear system documentation, standards, and recovery procedures
• Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing
• Automate monitoring and operational tasks to improve efficiency and service quality
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance system performance and reliability
• Partner with vendors to troubleshoot issues and optimize support outcomes

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience or relevant post‑secondary education, or a combination of both
• Experience with CentOS/RHEL Linux systems administration, with a good understanding of basic Linux utilities and infrastructure, and the ability to diagnose Linux operating system and associated hardware & software issues
• Experience with scripting in a Linux environment and comfortable working in CLI
• Experience with monitoring performance, patching, backup & restore, internal firewalls, and SSL certificate management of Linux servers, and the automation of these tasks
• Experience with installing, configuring, and upgrading Linux applications and specialized third‑party applications, peripherals, and knowledge of TCP/IP LAN networking principles and application protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, and FTP)
• Experience with configuration‑management systems, version control systems (e.g., git), remote assistance, image deployment, and native and centrally managed encryption solutions

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Linux virtualization and containerization technologies (e.g., VMWare, OpenShift, Kubernetes), infrastructure‑as‑code tools including Ansible and Terraform, and cloud‑native deployment practices would be advantageous

Benefits

• Time Off: In addition to PTO and leave policy, BU employees have a paid intersession break and 13 paid holidays
• Retirement: University‑funded retirement plan with full vesting after 2 years of eligible service
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program for yourself and family members
• Check out https://www.bu.edu/wellness/ and https://www.bu.edu/hr/part-time-employee-perks/ for more information

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We, at IS&T, appreciate each individual's knowledge, experiences and insights which enhance who we are, and as our DEIA knowledge and practice grows, we will ensure that our Mission, Vision, & Practices remain equitable and welcoming to all. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.