Senior Linux & VMware System Administrator presso American Mathematical Society

POSITION:  Senior Linux & VMware System Administrator

LOCATION:  Providence, Rhode Island

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs.  The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC.

WHY WORK AT THE AMS

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

• Excellent work-life balance with potential for hybrid work
• Generous benefit offerings including:
  1. 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan 
  2. 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  3. Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share 
  4. Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off
• Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and a welcoming environment

SUMMARY:

The Senior Linux & VMware System Administrator is responsible for ensuring the stability, performance, and resilience of AMS Linux servers (mainly Ubuntu) and VMware environments at the primary site and its remote locations. The role manages planning, deploying, troubleshooting, and optimizing Linux infrastructure and virtualization platforms to meet business application requirements. While the focus is on Linux and VMware, familiarity with Windows systems is a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage deployment, administration, troubleshooting, and optimization of Linux servers (primarily Ubuntu).
• Take ownership of VMware vSphere/vCenter environments, including installation, upgrades, patching, monitoring, backup, and recovery.
• Perform routine operating system and application maintenance to maintain secure, reliable server and virtualization environments.
• Monitor and analyze performance/trends for storage, server capacity, and resource allocation, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Develop, execute, and document procedures for business continuity and disaster recovery related to Linux and VMware systems, including backups.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or virtualization issues; replace or coordinate replacement of components as needed.
• Plan and execute on new system hardware/software implementations for Linux and VMware environments and maintain technical documentation.
• Consult with users, management, and vendors regarding system requirements and technology solutions.
• Research new Linux, virtualization, and storage products, making recommendations to management.
• Participate in managing relationships with relevant technology vendors.
• Manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and proactively.
• Respond to user and team requests using help desk system.
• Other related duties as assigned.

TRAVEL: 4%-5%

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• This position primarily supports staff in Providence, Pawtucket, and Washington D.C., with occasional support for Ann Arbor employees. Positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and clear communication are key.
• Works with outside vendors for solutions and service delivery as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, plus at least ten years of relevant experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge of Linux (Ubuntu preferred) system administration, storage provisioning, backup and recovery.
• Expert working knowledge of VMware (vSphere, vCenter) multicluster management and administration.
• Deep experience with virtualization, provisioning, patch management, and disaster recovery.
• Scripting skills (PowerShell, Python, Bash, etc.) for automation and reporting.
• Knowledge of SSH, Samba, MySQL, Apache, Tomcat server administration.
• Familiarity with Windows server environments is a plus.
• Project management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong customer service orientation.
• Conscientious resource management and judgment.

ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES: The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position:

• Understands organization mission, structure, and culture.
• Responds positively to changes; demonstrates flexibility.
• Respects all people and fosters mutual respect.
• Maintains professional composure; works effectively in varied settings.
• Communicates effectively for presentation, writing, listening, and negotiating; builds cooperative relationships.
• Discreet with confidential information.
• Accepts accountability and is receptive to feedback.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties require prolonged standing/sitting, some physical labor (cabling, equipment install), and lifting up to twenty (20lbs).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise.
• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The American Mathematical Society is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The AMS supports equality of opportunity and treatment for all individuals, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious belief, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability status, economic background, veteran, or immigration status, or any other social or physical component of their identity.

Other duties disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. It is not intended as an employment