Unix Systems Administrator

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Aug 08, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS Are you a self-starter who enjoys solving open-ended problems and supporting research, learning, and outreach through technology? The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is seeking a Unix Systems Administrator to join our Unix Group. We are seeking a Systems Administrator to support and enable the College'sresearch, teaching, and outreach missions. You'll do this by working closely with faculty, staff, and students to design, develop, and implement software and hardware solutions. Experience working in a Unix or Linux environment, understanding software compilation (C and Fortran), MySQL and PostgreSQL databases, and strong skills with bash, python, perl, or a comparable scripting language are required. Experience working in higher education is a plus! You will be working with a team of systems administrators to provide a complex Linux environment comprising storage, databases, small-scale computational research, and web-based outreach. This typically means you will: Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade Linux systems and software to support a wide range of academic, research, and outreach activities Monitor system performance, backups, and security; respond to alerts, incidents, and outages Troubleshoot network connectivity issues and reported system problems, including hardware, software, and security-related events Manage scientific workstations and servers used in research and teaching, including installing applications, maintaining user access, and supporting evolving software environments as libraries and compilers change Develop and maintain scripts to automate system administration tasks and improve efficiency Assist with the administration of storage and database servers used across the college Install and configure software to meet the requirements of specific research or outreach projects Consult with faculty and graduate students on system design, ensuring solutions are tailored to project and performance needs Prepare technical specifications, obtain quotes, and work with vendors on equipment and service purchases Contribute to system documentation and ensure knowledge is shared across the team QUALIFICATIONS Strong experience with Linux/Unix system administration, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash, Python, or Perl for automation Experience monitoring system performance, backups, security, and incident response Familiarity with network troubleshooting and basic network concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls). Experience supporting scientific computing or research computing environments is desired. Prior experience in academic or higher education IT environments is preferred. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. 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