System Administrator

System Administrators plan, develop, install, troubleshoot, maintain and support operating systems and associated server hardware, software and databases ensuring optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance.

Key duties and responsibilities

The OA-MCD System Administrator will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the configuration and sustainment of Linux based ICT infrastructure (physical and cloud managed), including servers and/or network devices

• Use automation tools such as Puppet, Ansible and others to prepare and replicate system builds

• Configure and sustain core services for systems including monitoring, syslog or authentication

• Maintain reliability of ICT infrastructure – this includes configuration automation, upgrading and patching, monitoring, along with utilising version control systems.

• Communicate with diverse stakeholder groups in technical and business process terms. 

• Maintain technical documentation in accordance with industry standards

Technical skills

Apache NIFI Atlassian software (Jira, Confluence etc)

About the organisation

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a statutory agency in the Defence portfolio that defends Australia against global threats and advances our national interests through the provision of foreign signals intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations as directed by the Australian Government.

Essential criteria

1.System Software Administration (SYSP 3) Monitors operational systems for resource usage and failure rates, to inform and facilitate system software tuning. Applies system software settings to optimise performance, enabling maximum throughput and efficient resource utilisation. Installs and tests new versions of system software. Assists in creating software implementation procedures, including fallback contingency plans.

2.Application Support (ASUP 3) Follows agreed procedures to identify and resolve issues with applications. Uses application management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed applications maintenance tasks.

3.System Integration and Build (SINT 2) Produces builds from system components using appropriate build automation tools and processes. Conducts tests as defined in an integration test specification and records the details of any failures. Analyses and reports on integration test activities and results. Identifies and reports issues and risks.

4.Infrastructure Operations (ITOP 2) Executes operational procedures, runs automation scripts and performs routine maintenance, installation and monitoring of infrastructure components. Adjusts automation tasks as instructed to meet operational standards. Reports on infrastructure performance and security events, addressing issues directly when possible or escalating them to others for resolution.

Required criteria

1.Experience developing scripts or small programs, in software languages such as Python or Bash, to automate business processes and integrate existing security tool and appliances

2.Proven ability to work as a member of an integrated team and support productive working relationships by working cohesively and flexibly with customers as well as the broader project team.

3.Demonstrate administrative skills, including time management and oral and written communication skills; and demonstrated ability to effectively prioritise and allocate tasks.

The role is Canberra based. WFH cannot be accommodated.