> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2711474-it-specialist-sysadmin](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2711474-it-specialist-sysadmin). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # IT Specialist (SysAdmin) - **Company:** Smithstonial Observatory - **Location:** Cambridge, MA, United States - **Salary:** $84,579.0 - $131,790.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Computing Platforms, User Authentication, Authentication Protocols, Unix, Configuration Management, Collaborative Software, Databases, System Configuration, File Systems, Monitoring of Systems, Information Sciences, Oracle (Applications), Software Maintenance, Software Deployment, Software Vulnerability Management, Enterprise Software Applications, Cloud Platform System, Information Technology, Slack, Patch Management, Gsuite, Server Operating Systems & Platforms, User Accounts - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/76bd65da-6146-4381-8158-671622e140df ## About the Role For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. 3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Additional Requirements:Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position, such as the duties listed above. OR Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required: * Experience and knowledge in software installation, support, maintenance, and upgrades. * Knowledge of security protocols and best practices for enterprise software administration. Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, system hardening, access control, encryption, and vulnerability mitigation. * Knowledge of and skill in deploying software containerization platforms as well as integration with cloud environments. * Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. * The ability to write concise, readable, user-oriented documentation for software and/or hardware systems, and to write system maintenance documentation, is essential. * Knowledge of operating systems, databases, APIs, authentication services, and cloud environments. * Skilled in scripting/automation to support deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting * Knowledge of ITIL, change management, and configuration management practices. ## Description This position is a Unix/Linux Systems Administrator role, responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of Unix-based computing environments supporting scientific research and institutional operations. The incumbent should have a strong foundation in Unix/Linux system administration and be skilled in planning, executing, and monitoring systems across short-and long-term timelines. MAJOR DUTIES Systems Administration: Administer, configure, and maintain Unix/Linux-based operating systems across a variety of server environments including physical, virtual, and cloud-based infrastructure. Manage user accounts, permissions, file systems, and storage systems including SAN and NAS technologies. Perform routine system monitoring, capacity planning, and performance turning to ensure optimal availability and reliability. Execute disruption to operations. Skillfully install and configure a wide range of enterprise software applications, including ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), CRM platforms, collaboration tools, including Google Suite, MS Teams, and Slack. Ensure applications are properly integrated into existing systems. Participate in regular software maintenance tasks, including applying updates, patches, and security fixes to critical enterprise applications. Participate in the execution of major software upgrades for enterprise applications. Support and Issue Resolution: Provide technical support to end users and research staff by promptly diagnosing and resolving Unix/Linux system issues. Utilize a systematic troubleshooting approach to address complex problems across enterprise and legacy computing environments. Monitor system performance metrics and proactively identify areas for improvement. Optimize system configurations to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Project and Lifecycle Management: Participates in planning, testing, and deploying new systems, upgrades, and modernization initiatives. Evaluates emerging technologies and contributes to requirements development. Coordinates with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support system lifecycle activities including procurement, deployment, and decommissioning. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Maintain comprehensive documentation of Unix/Linux system configurations, installations, and troubleshooting procedures. Share knowledge to expedite problem resolution across platforms. Provide technical guidance to project teams, end users, and leadership on system capabilities, limitation, and best practices. Participate in planning for new software acquisitions, upgrades, and modernization initiatives. Compliance and Security: Implement and enforce stringent security measures, access controls, and authentication mechanisms to safeguard Unix/Linux systems. Implement security controls in accordance with agency policies, NIST standards, and cybersecurity directives. Respond to and act on information provided by vulnerability scans, implement patch management, and system hardening. Supports audits, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring activities. Performs other related duties as assigned. ## Related Videos - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Stack Overflow: Community and AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/600-stack-overflow-community-and-ai) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Node and Package Security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2138-wearedevelopers-live-node-and-package-security) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Leading Through Stagility: Human Capital Trends That Redefine Work](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1717-leading-through-stagility-human-capital-trends-that-redefine-work) - [The Time Paradox: Building Timezone-Safe Python/Django Applications](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1915-the-time-paradox-building-timezone-safe-python-django-applications) ## Related Articles - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [System change: restart as developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/39-system-change-restart-as-developer) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk)