Linux Systems Administrator

Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative Inc • Missoula, MT

16h

About The Position

This position is responsible for Linux platform governance, design, build, and tier-2/3 support for Linux servers and container platforms supporting business services, including overall accountability for OS patching and maintenance delivered through managed service partners.

Requirements

• Linux systems administration (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu/Rocky), including services, package management, system, storage, permissions, and performance tuning.
• TCP/IP networking fundamentals and troubleshooting (DNS, DHCP, routing, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, load balancing) in ISP/web hosting environments.
• Identity, authentication, and directory services (LDAP, RADIUS) and secure access patterns (SSH, key management, MFA integration where applicable).
• Web and email infrastructure administration (Apache/Nginx, PHP, SMTP/IMAP; e.g., Postfix/Sendmail/Cyrus) including TLS certificates and deliverability basics.
• Automation and configuration management (Puppet and/or Ansible), scripting (Bash/Python), and task scheduling for repeatable operations.
• Monitoring, logging, and observability concepts (metrics, logs, traces), alert tuning, and on-call operational practices.
• Database and data services basics for hosted applications (MySQL administration fundamentals, backups, maintenance, and performance considerations).
• Compute/storage hardware fundamentals (server components, RAID, SAN concepts), plus backup/restore practices and disaster recovery concepts.
• Virtualization and hyperconverged infrastructure administration using Nutanix/AHV, including cluster operations, upgrades, capacity management, and troubleshooting.
• Security hardening and patch management for Linux and containerized workloads (CIS concepts, vulnerability remediation, secrets/certificate management).
• Kubernetes ecosystem tools (e.g., Helm), configuration management, and deployment patterns.
• Source control and release practices (Git workflows) and CI/CD concepts that support container image builds and Kubernetes deployments.
• write original material, edit, proofread and finalize written material.
• gather and report numerical data and produce and interpret statistical reports.
• operate various office equipment such as a computer, copy machine, fax machine and multi-line telephone.
• work independently and as part of a team to solve business and technical problems in varied environments.
• function effectively in a fast-paced high-energy department and successfully balance multiple projects in a collaborative environment.
• independently problem solve with creativity.
• handle multiple priorities, work accurately, work under pressure, and respond quickly to tight deadlines.
• speak effectively to individuals and groups of people.
• train and teach others.
• think analytically and be a problem solver while having a good eye for detail.
• communicate effectively, both in writing and in speaking, with customers, co-workers, and various business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
• work completely and accurately under time constraints and deadlines.
• read, analyze, and interpret reports.
• provide excellent customer service.
• work in a safe and effective manner.
• maintain confidentiality of Cooperative records when required.

Nice To Haves

• familiarity with the telecommunications industry is also desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain shared Linux platform services (DNS, LDAP, RADIUS, web/email infrastructure where centrally hosted) and publish standards, reference configurations, and automation.
• Provide tier-2/3 platform support for incidents where root cause is OS/container platform; partner winuxith app owners for app-layer troubleshooting.
• Own the Linux OS patching and maintenance program by overseeing the managed services partnership (scope, schedules, compliance reporting, and escalation), and ensuring patching aligns to security standards and change management.
• Document server configurations, scripts, and all other relevant information in a repository to share information.
• Implement and support containerization for applications and services, including building and maintaining Docker images, managing image registries, and standardizing container build/release processes.
• Administer and troubleshoot Kubernetes environments (on-prem and/or cloud), including deployments, services, ingress, networking, scaling, upgrades, and cluster reliability/availability.
• Apply container security and operational best practices, including least-privilege configuration, secrets management, vulnerability scanning/patching, logging/monitoring, and incident response for containerized workloads.
• Assist in the design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of hardware infrastructure—including clustered and stand-alone servers and storage solutions (RAID and SAN). Support the administration of virtualization and hyperconverged infrastructure platforms, including monitoring cluster health, assisting with upgrades, capacity planning, and performance troubleshooting.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill job function or as assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical benefits plan
• LTD
• life insurance
• outstanding retirement pension plan plus a 401k plan that includes employer match
• other employer paid benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees