System Administrator

Classification: ANU Officer 5/6 (Information Technology)
Salary Package: $89,760 – $105,459 per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full time, Continuing
Location: Acton, Canberra (hybrid work arrangements available)

In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80 

Position overview 

At the Australian National University (ANU), we’re transforming the digital experience for our students, researchers, and staff through the delivery of our Digital Plan — a 10-year roadmap for world-class technology capability.

We’re seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to play a key role in the uplift and continual improvement of Linux-based digital services and enterprise platforms across the University. This is a senior technical position focused on delivering secure, reliable, and modern systems through strong engineering practices, automation, and collaboration within a matrix delivery model.

You’ll operate as a trusted senior practitioner within cross-functional squads, providing deep technical expertise and influencing outcomes across platforms, services, and teams.

About the Role

In this role, you will contribute to the design, operation, and ongoing improvement of the University’s Linux, application and associated Windows environments, with Linux platforms forming the primary focus of the role.

Working under the direction of a Systems Lead, you’ll apply your Linux systems administration expertise to support, upgrade, secure and maintain enterprise platforms while helping shape modern, automation-driven ways of working. You’ll collaborate closely with developers, infrastructure specialists, and business stakeholders to deliver stable, secure, and scalable digital services that support teaching, learning, research, and operations.

This role is ideal for a senior technologist who enjoys solving complex problems, improving systems at scale, and influencing outcomes through expertise rather than formal authority.

Key Focus Areas

• Provide senior technical expertise in the support, upgrade, security hardening and lifecycle management of enterprise Linux platforms and services, with support for associated Windows and application platforms as required.
• Design, configure, and support systems in hybrid on-premises and cloud environments in line with ISM and PSPF requirements.
• Champion an automation-first approach for Linux platforms through scripting, Ansible or equivalent configuration management, Infrastructure-as-Code, and CI/CD practices.
• Troubleshoot complex incidents, identify root causes, and implement preventative improvements.
• Collaborate across squads, streams, and platforms to evaluate and implement fit-for-purpose technical solutions.
• Produce high-quality system documentation and technical specifications.
• Contribute to a culture of service improvement, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

About You

You’re a highly capable senior systems professional who brings:

• Extensive hands-on experience administering, securing and improving enterprise Linux environments in a complex setting, preferably including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu or equivalent distributions.
• Demonstrated experience with Linux system lifecycle management, including operating system deployment, patching, package management, system services, storage, networking, access controls and troubleshooting.
• Strong technical capability across automation, scripting, and modern DevOps practices.
• A solid understanding of networking, security principles, and enterprise platform operations.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues end-to-end.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset with a strong focus on service quality, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with Linux automation and configuration management using Ansible, Bash, Python or equivalent tooling

Experience in higher education, research, or large enterprise environments will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Why ANU?

• Lead talented people shaping the University’s digital foundations.
• Work within a supportive, innovative culture that values collaboration and growth.
• Access flexible working arrangements and a beautiful campus environment.
• Benefit from 17% superannuation, generous leave, and career development opportunities.

For further information, contact Jeffrey Bird, System Lead – Systems Administration Chapter (jeffrey.bird@anu.edu.au).

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on indigenous.employment@anu.edu.au   
 

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion 

Application information 

In order to apply for this role please make sure that you upload the following documents: 

• A statement addressing the selection criteria. 
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes the names and contact details of at least three referees (preferably including a current or previous supervisor). If your CV does not include referees you can complete these online when prompted in the application form. 
• Other documents, if required. 

Applications which do not address the selection criteria may not be considered for the position.

Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.