Systems Administrator III

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator III to support and maintain enterprise infrastructure for the university’s academic, research, and business operations. As part of IT Infrastructure Operations, this position works across on-premises and cloud environments, server platforms, virtualization, and directory services to help keep critical systems secure, reliable, and available. The role involves troubleshooting complex issues, implementing infrastructure improvements, supporting upgrades, leading technical projects, and collaborating with IT colleagues and campus partners. It also provides technical guidance and mentorship to other systems administrators.

The position supports enterprise servers, operating systems, virtualization platforms, directory services, and cloud infrastructure. It monitors system performance, availability, and security; manages updates, patches, backups, configurations, integrations, accounts, and access controls; and performs troubleshooting and root-cause analysis. The administrator designs and implements moderately complex infrastructure solutions, plans and deploys upgrades and new technologies, and develops scripts and automation to improve operational efficiency. The role also supports security, disaster recovery, and business continuity, and helps improve infrastructure performance, reliability, procedures, standards, and documentation.

The position is full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, and permanent/probationary. It is exempt under the FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though they may vary based on operational needs. Telecommuting is available up to three days per week after a training period requiring on-site presence. This position is open to SDSU employees only.

The CSU Classification Salary Range is $7,284–$10,611 per month (Step 1–Step 20). Step placement depends on relevant qualifications and professional experience, subject to departmental budget and equity guidelines. The role requires a valid California driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and successful completion of a California Department of Justice background check because the position supports police department servers and accesses sensitive law enforcement systems. The employee is also a mandated reporter under California law and must comply with applicable CSU requirements.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience; additional relevant experience demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for education year for year.
• A minimum of four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise server infrastructure.
• A minimum of four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise directory services.
• A minimum of four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise cloud infrastructure.
• Advanced proficiency in scripting using PowerShell, Bash, or Python, with demonstrated proficiency in at least one required.
• Valid California driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a State of California Department of Justice background check.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; SDSU does not sponsor staff or management positions.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience year for year.
• Certifications in systems administration or architecture from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, the Linux Professional Institute, or a comparable organization; preferred but not required.
• Experience with enterprise server infrastructure and administration, directory services, cloud infrastructure and services, Windows and/or Linux server environments, virtualization technologies, scripting, systems automation, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, backup, disaster recovery, infrastructure security, technical project coordination, and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, and support enterprise servers, operating systems, virtualization platforms, directory services, and cloud infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and security; troubleshoot complex technical issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Manage system updates, patches, backups, and configurations to maintain reliable operations.
• Support system integrations, account management, and access controls.
• Design and implement moderately complex infrastructure solutions across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Plan, test, and deploy system upgrades, enhancements, and new technologies.
• Develop scripts and automation to improve system administration, deployment, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT teams, vendors, and campus stakeholders on infrastructure projects and improvements.
• Implement security measures, monitor system logs, and maintain secure system configurations.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes to protect critical university systems and data.
• Identify opportunities to improve infrastructure performance, reliability, and operational practices.
• Provide lead work direction, technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Systems Administrator II staff.
• Assist with developing and improving systems administration procedures, standards, and documentation.
• Work with technical teams and campus partners to resolve issues and support evolving infrastructure needs.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the University of California.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, and legal and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior