Systems Administrator III

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

4d • $7,284 - $10,611 • Hybrid

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator III to support and maintain enterprise infrastructure serving the university’s academic, research, and business operations. As part of IT Infrastructure Operations, the role works across on-premises and cloud environments, server platforms, virtualization, and directory services to help ensure critical systems are secure, reliable, and available.

The position troubleshoots complex technical issues, implements infrastructure improvements, supports system upgrades, and leads technical projects. It also involves collaborating with IT colleagues and campus partners and providing technical guidance and mentorship to Systems Administrator II staff. The role is full-time, permanent/probationary, benefits eligible, and exempt from overtime compensation. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with possible variation for operational needs. Telecommuting is permitted up to three days per week after a training period requiring on-site presence.

The minimum education and experience qualification is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may substitute for education year for year, and an advanced related degree may substitute for experience year for year. A California driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, is required. The position also requires successful completion of a California Department of Justice background check because it supports police department servers and accesses sensitive law enforcement systems.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience; additional relevant experience may substitute for required education year for year, and an advanced related degree may substitute for required experience year for year.
• At least four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise server infrastructure.
• At least four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise directory services.
• At least four years of relevant experience supporting enterprise cloud infrastructure.
• Advanced scripting proficiency in PowerShell, Bash, or Python, with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of these languages.
• 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.
• Must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• One or more systems administration or architecture certifications from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, the Linux Professional Institute, or a comparable organization; certifications are preferred but not required.
• Experience with enterprise server infrastructure and administration, directory services, cloud infrastructure and services, Windows and/or Linux server environments, virtualization, 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 issues and conduct 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 for 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 UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal plans, 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