IT Specialist (SysAdmin), IS-2210-11/12

About the role

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Unix/Linux-based operating systems across 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 tuning to ensure optimal availability and reliability.
• Install and configure enterprise software applications, including ERP systems (e.g., Oracle), CRM platforms, collaboration tools (Google Suite, MS Teams, Slack), and ensure proper integration.
• Apply updates, patches, and security fixes to critical enterprise applications and participate in major software upgrades.
• Provide technical support to end users and research staff by diagnosing and resolving Unix/Linux system issues using systematic troubleshooting.
• Monitor system performance metrics and proactively identify areas for improvement; optimize configurations to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Participate in planning, testing, and deploying new systems, upgrades, and modernization initiatives; evaluate emerging technologies and contribute to requirements development.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support system lifecycle activities including procurement, deployment, and decommissioning.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of Unix/Linux system configurations, installations, and troubleshooting procedures; share knowledge to expedite problem resolution.
• Implement and enforce security measures, access controls, and authentication mechanisms; respond to vulnerability scans, implement patch management, and system hardening.
• Support audits, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring activities.

Requirements

• For all positions, individuals must demonstrate: Attention to Detail; Customer Service; Oral Communication; Problem Solving.
• Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 9 level in similar positions.

Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management (or a degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of these fields and required 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

• 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 and integration with cloud environments.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across teams.
• Ability to write concise, readable, user-oriented documentation and system maintenance documentation.
• 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.

This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12. Selection will be made at grade level 11. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 12, upon the supervisor's recommendation, based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.

Salary range: $84,579 – $131,790 per year.