Systems Administrator - Linux

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Systems Administrator (Linux)
Location: Fairmont, West Virginia OR Boulder, Colorado
Security Clearance: Active Security Clearance Required
Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Employer: Bay Systems Consulting Inc.

Salary: Open

About NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a premier U.S. government agency committed to understanding and predicting changes in the Earth's environment. From climate monitoring and environmental forecasting to coastal resource management, NOAA’s science, service, and stewardship support the nation's environmental intelligence capabilities and strengthen its resilience to environmental hazards.

Position Overview

Bay Systems Consulting Inc. is seeking a skilled and reliable Linux Systems Administrator to support NOAA’s critical IT infrastructure. This role is responsible for maintaining, securing, and optimizing Linux-based systems that support NOAA’s scientific and operational missions. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in Linux environments, a proactive approach to systems integrity and performance, and a commitment to working in a secure and mission-driven federal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and administer Linux-based systems, including configuration, updates, patch management, and performance monitoring.
• Manage user accounts, assign and enforce password policies, and monitor system access for security compliance.
• Ensure system security and data integrity by implementing access controls, file system protections, and backup solutions.
• Respond to system outages, errors, and user issues with root cause analysis and timely resolutions.
• Implement and maintain control procedures, ensuring that all critical data files are backed up and recoverable.
• Coordinate with IT and network teams to support the integration of desktop and server systems within a complex networked environment.
• Generate reports and provide system-related outputs such as logs, performance data, labels, and other documentation for management as requested.
• Support the deployment of applications and system services across the environment, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
• Provide system documentation, standard operating procedures, and training as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include physical tasks such as lifting or moving equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience: 2–4 years of hands-on experience administering Linux systems in a networked environment.
• Proficiency in managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Ubuntu, or similar distributions.
• Experience with shell scripting and command-line utilities to automate administrative tasks.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, NFS, firewalls, etc.) in a Linux environment.
• Knowledge of system security best practices and tools for hardening, monitoring, and auditing.
• Experience in backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Security Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in federal or scientific research environments.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Docker.
• Exposure to mixed operating system environments, including Windows or macOS.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or similar.

Bay Systems Consulting Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply.