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University of Utah

Systems Administrator

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Salt Lake City, UT 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $33K - $103K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ April 25th, 2026
SQL Python Kubernetes

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Utah is hiring a Systems Administrator. The role involves developing skills in systems administration by supporting core services for researchers, focusing on containerization, virtualization, physical hosts, networking, and storage connectivity within a complex environment under the Cloud Team Lead's direction.

Highlights
  • Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise Windows and Linux server environments with virtualization technologies like VMWare and KVM.
  • Manage Linux and Windows servers, including OS upgrades, application management, Active Directory, and database administration (MS SQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL).
  • Implement configuration management using Ansible and support CI/CD pipelines.
  • Ensure systems comply with security standards such as NIST 800-171 and collaborate with security teams.
  • Provide documentation and mentorship, train team members, and engage in skill development through conferences and cross-training.
  • Troubleshoot and communicate professionally to support researchers, with occasional physical handling of server equipment.
  • Required skills include Linux proficiency, scripting basics (Bash or Python), and networking fundamentals (IP addressing, RDP, SSH, firewalls).
  • Preferred qualifications include experience with heterogeneous environments (RHEL, Ubuntu, Windows), CI/CD tools, container management (Podman, Kubernetes), database HA, and scripting in multiple languages.
  • Full-time position with standard business hours (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday) and occasional after-hours support; salary ranges from $32,904 to $102,709 depending on level and experience.
  • Works within the Center for High Performance Computing (CHPC) supporting AI and data-intensive research requiring compliance with federal and sponsor regulations.

Systems Administrator Full Description

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Announcement
Details
Open Date 04/23/2026
Requisition Number PRN44829B
Job Title Systems Administrator
Working Title Systems Administrator I, II or III
Career Progression Track P00
Track Level
FLSA Code Computer Employee
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
8am-5pm
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 00640 - CHPC Ctr for High Perform Computing
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 32,904 to 102,709
Close Date 07/23/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
About the Center for High Performance Computing (CHPC)

The Center for High Performance Computing (CHPC) at the University of Utah provides advanced computing and data systems and services that support cutting-edge scholarship and innovation across all disciplines. The CHPC partners with faculty, researchers, and institutional stakeholders to design and operate, scalable and performant computing environments that enable data-intensive and computationally complex research.

In addition to supporting traditional high-performance computing workloads, the CHPC plays a critical role in developing and maintaining computational environments for artificial intelligence (AI) and research with sensitive information that must meet federal and sponsor compliance requirements. Through collaboration, technical expertise, and a commitment to service, the CHPC advances the University of Utah’s research mission by delivering reliable, trustworthy, and forward-looking research computing infrastructure.

At CHPC, we foster a positive, collaborative environment. You will join a team of specialists and have the opportunity to build skills in system administration in a heterogenous computing environment working closely with senior mentors. You will also have the opportunity interact and cross-train with diverse technical groups — including storage, networking, and user services — while being encouraged to experiment and innovate with emerging technologies.

Under the direction of the Cloud Team Lead, you will join a collaborative team of specialists. In this role, you will work closely with senior mentors to develop skills in systems administration. You will assist in supporting core services and the needs of the researchers within a complex environment, focusing on containerization, virtualization, supporting physical hosts, host-side networking, and storage connectivity.

This is a prime opportunity for a System Administrator candidate to further develop their skills at scale while expanding into technologies such as Kubernetes.

Responsibilities
Infrastructure & Virtualization Management: Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise server environments for both Windows and Linux. Management and maintenance of hypervisor’s networking, storage and compute resources (VMWare, KVM).

Linux Server Management: Installing, upgrading, and regular maintenance of Linux OSes, including applications (Apache, Nginx, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, etc.) Configuration Management with Ansible and CI/CD pipelines.

Database Administration: Manage the full lifecycle of various SQL instances (MS SQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL), including installation, configuration, and backups.

Windows Server Management: Installing, upgrading, and regular maintenance of Windows Server versions. Administrating Active Directory, GPO management, Configuration Management, Remote DesktopServices, Internet Information Services (IIS), MS SQL, and various 3rd party applications.

Security: Work closely with security staff to ensure systems are meeting standards (NIST 800-171) and best practices.

Communication: Ability to collaborate in a team environment while still being able to work independently.

Documentation: Participate in the documentation of system configurations, deployment processes, and support procedures. Contribute to user-facing documentation to ensure accurate knowledge transfer.

Mentorship: Train others in your areas of expertise and participate in trainings and conferences to expand skills and areas of knowledge, including exploring new technologies.

Customer Service: Provide professional, clear, and timely communication while troubleshooting issues to ensure researcher success.

Work Environment

Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday during standard business hours. Requires occasional flexibility for after-hours maintenance and urgent system remediation.

Primary Work Environment: Standard office environment for administrative tasks, system monitoring, and team collaboration. Hybrid negotiable.

On-site Engagement: Data Center access as dictated by infrastructure requirements and hardware deployment cycles.



Minimum Qualifications

  • Linux Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage the Linux servers (file permissions, group policy, application management).


  • Scripting Fundamentals: Basic proficiency in a scripting language (Bash or Python) to automate simple administrative tasks.

  • Networking Fundamentals: Understanding of basic networking concepts (IP addressing, RDP, SSH, ports, firewalls).

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and resolve challenges through a mix of critical thinking and following detailed instructions in a complex environment.

  • Physical Requirements: Occasional assistance to move and position server equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. at the data center as possible.


Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:


  • Equivalency Statement: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years directly related work experience).


Systems Administrators, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) with up to 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.

  • Job Code: P34441

  • P14 Salary Range (DOE): $32,904 -$63,774


Systems Administrators, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

  • Job Code: P34442

  • P16 Salary Range (DOE): $39,815 – $77,167


Systems Administrators, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

  • Job Code: P34443

  • P19 Salary Range (DOE): $52,993 – $102,709


Preferences
  • Experience administrating systems in a heterogeneous environment (RHEL, Ubuntu, Windows)

  • Experience with CI/CD (git)

  • Expertise with Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu) and Windows Server

  • Experience with configuration management (Ansible)

  • Experience with running various SQL databases in HA

  • Experience managing containers (Podman, Kubernetes)

  • Strong skills with scripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python, etc.)

  • Familiarity with Kubernetes orchestration

  • Familiarity working with environments that have restricted data (PII, PHI, HIPAA, etc.)
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.


This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.


The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.


Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.


Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.


To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.






Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu


https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.


As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * What is your highest level of completed education?
    • None
    • High School Diploma or Equivalent
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor's Degree
    • Master's Degree
    • Doctorate Degree
  2. * How many years of related work experience do you have?
    • Less than 6 years
    • 6 years or more, but less than 9 years
    • 9 years or more, but less than 12 years
    • 12 years or more, but less than 15 years
    • 15 years or more
  3. * I am a U.S. citizen ** It is anticipated that this position will involve access to federally funded research that is subject to federal sponsorship regulatory restrictions (e.g. certain export control, data security, acquisition regulations, or federal contract clauses) that mandate U.S. citizen participation only.
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * I have dual citizenship with the United States and another country.

    ** It is anticipated that this position will involve access to federally funded research that is subject to federal sponsorship regulatory restrictions (e.g. certain export control, data security, acquisition regulations, or federal contract clauses) that mandate U.S. citizen participation only.

    • Yes
    • No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu

 

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