Job Description

Job Specification
The System Administrator (SA) job requires skills that can be obtained only by professional experience, requiring a work experience of at least 1 year. The role also requires an IT-related degree or the equivalent in training and experience.
Reporting to the System Analyst Manager (SAM), the SA will work along with another System Administrator.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•Set up local Linux servers and clients, and Windows clients.

•Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade Linux applications on local machines, and Windows applications on local machines.

•Ensure that the local network functions smoothly without interruption.

•Perform cyclical backups of the local servers.

•Ensure that the antivirus software on staff machines is up-to-date and clean any viruses that infect staff computers.

•Keep an audit of used software, and ensure that all installed software is licensed.

•Train and support staff to use the Linux and Windows operating system and software.

•Be willing to work overtime, twenty-four hour call as needed.

•Write hardware and software specifications for client and server machines.

•Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade Linux applications on remote machines.

•Secure the network against internal and external unauthorized use.

•Monitor and maintain the network to ensure minimum disruption to the business.

•Provide timely reporting of system performance and service outages, planned or otherwise.

•Maintain various forms of documentation to include: system configurations, account creation procedures, troubleshooting instructions, and system architecture.

•Enforce company IT policy.

•Maintain high availability of the network.

•Support a network of up to 100 users.

•Train SA1s.

•Support TEs with code testing.

Required Technical Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

•Hardware installation and upgrades experience.

•Experience with Linux and Open Source technologies and applications.

•Experience with installing and configuring the Windows operating system and standard Windows applications, such as Office.

•At least one year professional work experience with Linux systems administration.

•Experience in installing and configuring various Linux servers — including mail servers, web servers, firewalls, ftp servers, etc. — within a given deadline with no assistance or supervision.

•Competence in using the command line using one of the Linux shells.

•Experience in managing remote servers.

•Experience in helping technical and non-technical users.

Desired Candidate Profile

Required Personal Skills

•Good verbal and written communication skills in English, with technical and non-technical personnel.

•Ability to work in a team.

•Excellent troubleshooting and problem resolution skills.

•Ability to work unsupervised, on own initiative.

•Very good organizational skills.

Person Specification

Fit with culture/values:
Packt encourages self management and working on own initiative. However as part of this individuals are expected to keep timely, regular and accurate records of their own performance. This will contribute to the bonus scheme. Candidate must therefore have the ability to work without constant direction and to prioritize time and workload.
Candidate must be prepared to work in a growing and changing environment. Many processes and procedures are in the development stage. Candidate must be flexible enough to adapt to this.

Long term commitment:
We need a candidate who is prepared to commit for one year minimum.

Demographic fit:
No important criteria for this post.

Teamwork ability:
A very important aspect of this post is that the candidate will be working in a multi skilled team. In addition, many activities require frequent communication with other teams. Therefore, close co-operation and collaboration is vital at all times. They must therefore be prepared to work closely as part of a team.

Communication Skills:
The candidate must have good written English, with the ability to edit text and communicate confidently with third parties. They must have good verbal skills in order to communicate with their team members and with senior management in the UK.

Training ability:
Absolutely vital. Candidate must demonstrate aptitude for training and enthusiasm and willingness to develop skills.

Flexibility:
The role will involve a high degree of change as the business grows. We expect this candidate to be able to undertake a variety of different activities in the team, and that these activities will change over time. The candidate must feel comfortable with a process of continual change. They must be prepared to take on activities outside their immediate job role, from time to time, as required by the team.

Research skills:
The role will involve a certain amount of research into new areas that we as a business do not have knowledge of. The candidate must be able to demonstrate a degree of higher order thinking skills, the ability to analyze a complex set of data and business areas, and to synthesize information and draw conclusions. They must be able to work on their own initiative and manage their time and project outcomes.

Prior experience
The System Administrator (SA) job requires skills that can be obtained only by professional experience, requiring a work experience of at least 1 year.

Company Profile

Packt is a fast growing international IT book publishing company based in Birmingham, UK and Mumbai, India. We are at the cutting edge of innovation in publishing with a unique strategy of publishing highly focused books on new and ground breaking technologies.

Contact Details