Systems Administrator

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Finance and Operations Information Technology Department provides innovative, and responsive technology services to the University's business units in support of the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. The department strives to provide technology to improve business processes and communication, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

Hybrid: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Systems Administrator provides proactive technical application support for the division of Finance & Operations (F&O). As a member of the Finance and Operations IT ( FOIT) technical support team, this position delivers frontline support for Microsoft Active Directory, network-based applications, and services. Responsibilities include resolving hardware and software issues, configuring security settings, storage management, conducting in-depth troubleshooting, and providing Level 2 support to customers and technicians. The Systems Administrator contributes to the technical architecture of enterprise systems for FOIT and other business units. This position regularly collaborates with internal and external customers, technicians, vendors, central campus ITS, and other university schools and business units.

Technical and customer support:
Provide customer support, consulting services, and participate in vendor engagements while ensuring proper documentation in FOIT systems. Identify and resolve technical issues with clear communication. Maintain proficiency across technical environments to deliver high-level support. Monitor system performance, conduct health checks, and address potential issues proactively. Evaluate customer needs and processes with organizational goals in mind.

Systems & Infrastructure Administration:
Manage and support Windows Active Directory, including user and group management, permissions, and security policies. Install and configure server software, troubleshoot network infrastructure, and optimize system performance. Develop automation scripts (e.g., PowerShell) to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks. Assist with software and hardware upgrades, patch management, and vulnerability management. Collaborate with administrators and staff to improve processes and recommend technical solutions based on user feedback.

Database administration:
Monitor database performance, manage storage capacity, and implement partitioning strategies for large datasets. Troubleshoot issues, collaborate with other system administrators to minimize downtime, and ensure business continuity. Install, configure, and upgrade database software, applying security patches and updates. Manage backups and execute disaster recovery processes. Maintain up-to-date documentation of systems, configurations, and processes.

Project Management:
Collaborate with IT teams and departments to address technical challenges and deliver solutions. Support project planning, timeline development, and progress tracking. Lead medium to large-scale projects, working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure tasks are completed on time, within scope, and according to specifications.

Security:
Maintain software security knowledge for enterprise-level applications and implement necessary security measures. Collaborate with the UNC Security office to define and apply firewall rules and groups according to best practices. Ensure configurations are consistent with quality standards, addressing performance issues as needed. Implement secure authentication methods and role-based access control ( RBAC) for proper user permissions. Monitor security measures to ensure compliance with best practices and organizational standards using frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 and SP 800-171. Maintain physical and virtual F&O servers at the latest revision and patch level.

Master's and 1-2 years' experience; or Bachelor's and 2-4 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Technical and Customer Support:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Familiarity with IT service management tools such as Atlassian Suite and TeamDynamix.

Systems & Infrastructure Admin:
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft desktop and server operating systems in medium-to-large-scale operational environments, and scripting languages such as PowerShell or JavaScript.

Working knowledge of DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewall regulations, Group Policy deployment and management. Proficiency in Microsoft SCCM, including update services and application/package deployment. Basic to working knowledge of web applications and technologies.

Experience with virtualization platforms including usage of products for deploying and managing virtual environments.

Ability to perform installation, configuration, and maintenance of systems software (including operating systems and other system level/middleware components) and application software as directed.

Database administration:
Knowledge of and experience with SQL queries and processes, ensuring data privacy and security. Working knowledge of SQL Server database table structures (e.g., normalization, keys, relationships) and functions/stored procedures.

Ability to manage database performance, security, and backup/recovery as needed.

Working knowledge of relational databases such as MS SQL and Oracle, with experience in monitoring system performance, optimization, and security.

Project management:
A solid understanding of project management fundamentals and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Kanban, Scrum, Waterfall) will be essential to ensure successful execution of projects and collaboration across teams.

Ability to review and analyze user requests, resolving both routine and non-routine issues. Ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical customers.

Demonstrated experience working with internal and external customers and vendors as a lead on medium to large-scale projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time, within scope, and according to specifications.

Security:
Demonstrated experience with security for enterprise level applications. Demonstrated experience maintaining physical and virtual servers at the latest feasible revision and patch level.

Knowledge of secure authentication methods (e.g., OAuth, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)) and how to implement role-based access control ( RBAC) to ensure that users have the correct permissions to access resources.

Ability to implement and monitor security measures across systems, ensuring compliance with best practices and organizational standards using security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and SP 800-171.

Demonstrated experience in large-scale application implementations, management, and support in a multi-organization environment.

Experience with additional database systems (e.g., Hadoop, Spark), programming languages (e.g., C#, Python), and operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian).

Entry-level to progressive experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Relevant IT certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Cloud Practitioner).

Experience with IT service management ( ITSM) frameworks (e.g., ITIL)

Ability to frequently travel to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and the Town of Chapel Hill, including frequent pedestrian travel and/or transport of equipment which requires a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, manipulating hand tools such as screw drivers, power drills and cutting equipment, and performing tasks on ladders or enclosed spaces, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Maintenance of equipment requires strong motor skills and physical mobility.

Ability to adhere to safety requirements by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. Ability to recognize colors and shapes.

Ability to perform work duties within various service call locations including but not limited to construction or renovation zones, hospital premises, chemical and radiation storage facilities, warehouse storage zones, and high-traffic parking areas. Ability to support emergency situations and provide support after-hours and weekends. Occasional outdoor work or travel in adverse weather conditions may be necessary due to the location and criticality of certain equipment.

Demonstrated ability to identify and avoid hazards that may lead to injury, whether physical, electrical, chemical, biological, or otherwise.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.