Linux System Administrator
A Linux System Administrator takes care of computers running on the Linux operating systems. The professional will handle the support infrastructure, operating systems, virtual platforms, and applications. The administrator is responsible for the integrity and security of the servers and computer systems by following established security protocols and practices.
These professionals work in collaboration with the computer system engineer to install the system. The Linux administrator ensures the systems are updated with changing technologies. They are in charge of the installation of new software, granting permissions, and training users for the applications.
The Linux administrator has an active role in patching, compiling, securing, and troubleshooting Linux servers in a heterogeneous environment. The professional performs system updates and server configurations. They are responsible for implementing changes in multiple environments from development to production. The professional may also develop scripts with various languages, such as Bash, Python, and PHP.
Job Description
The Linux System Administrator will provide technical support to Netapps and Dell fire servers running XFS, NFS, CIFS as well as our SGI DMF backup systems. The professionals have to take care of the large MySQL and Postgres databases along with saltstack and Jenkins. The System Administrator has to identify and rectify issues utilizing monitoring systems. They have to bring together the latest open-source and commercial technologies to develop and improve services.
The professional works in close coordination with the developers to support new features, software releases, and other technical issues. They should provide quick and instant solutions for issues related to the production Linux systems. The Linux System Administrator works to optimize real-time performance requirements and system backups.
The administrator will make sure the current security patches and bug fixes are intact. The professional provides a guide for patching schedules and outages. They have a prominent role to play in the successful completion of major system enhancements and various other development activities. The professional must have excellent knowledge of domains and VM installation.
The Linux administrator is the common point between the organization and the customer. The professional performs monitoring, partitioning, replication, load balancing, system administration, and performance tuning as well. They also have to conduct root cause analysis to prevent the recurrence of problems.
The administrator will handle the recovery and restoration of servers. They provide technical assistance in system diagnostics, documentation, and errors. The Linux administrator supports disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution. They will document and upgrade system software and hardware products. The professional should have Linux System Administration experience to lead the team.
The System Administrator will mechanize different tasks in multiple environments. The professionals have to respond to alerts, customer-reported issues and troubleshoot the problems. They can independently decide within the established support practices. The professionals will leverage the configuration management infrastructure to accomplish consistent and scalable results.
The Linux System Administrator will take care of the small projects at the service level. They have to optimize the existing environments based on business and security needs. There is a need for the System Administrator to identify and rectify any complex OS issues. They must ensure high availability and resiliency of production systems.
The professional will take care of the software and hardware function. The system administrator has to install in a physical or virtual computer environment such as VMware, and Amazon Web Services. It is the job of the Linux System Administrator to resolve file service issues with Network File Service and storage with NetApp. They should ensure the computer systems are following the security practices and established guidelines. The administrator has to coordinate with the internal customer teams to drive projects and improvements.
Educational Qualifications
A Linux system administrator should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, information science, telecommunications or any other related field. The candidate should have significant work experience in Linux. Some organizations hire candidates with a master’s degree or other specialization.
Useful Certifications
LPIC-1: Linux Administrator
The LPIC-1 certification gives the candidate a good understanding of low-level maintenance tasks, such as backup, restore, reboot, and shutdown. The professional should have a basic knowledge of Linux, GNU, and UNIX command. They must be capable of installing Linux workstations, monitoring access permissions, and understanding basic system architecture.
Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS)
The Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator certification teaches the candidate how to install CentOS 7 and XRDP. It will validate the professional's skills to manage Linux processes, software, storage, and services. The certification will enhance their knowledge to create and manage the virtual machines and local groups.
Salary
As per Ziprecruiter, the Linux System Administrator earns about $100,425 per year in the United States. The yearly wages of the professionals are as high as $158,500 and as low as $43,000, the majority of Linux System Administrator salaries currently range between $81,500 (25th percentile) to $120,000 (75th percentile). The national average wage according to Glassdoor for this position is $78,322 per year. The Indeed salary estimate states that the Linux System Administrator salary ranges from approximately $66,003 per year for Administrator to $91,157 per year for Unix Administrator.
Job Outlook
The job prospects for Linux System Administrator are favorable. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is expected to be a growth of 6 percent from 2016 to 2026. Candidates who have a firm hold on cloud computing and other latest technologies have bright chances. The professionals can also look out for freelance work on portals such as FieldEngieer.com. These portal offer excellent opportunities and salary.
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