**Description**

AURA and the National Solar Observatory (NSO) is hiring for a temporary to permanent Systems Administrator I. This is a temporary role with an opportunity to convert to an ongoing opportunity after a probationary period. This role will be part of the NSO IT team supporting the National Solar Observatorys (NSO) server infrastructure and staff computer systems. This position's primary responsibilities include management and support of the information technology infrastructure and user endpoints within the NSOs headquarters in Boulder, CO including server operating systems, desktop support, system hardware, virtual machine environment, troubleshooting computer system issues and diagnosing system performance. This position will also serve as the first point of contact for NSO staff seeking technical assistance and resolve technical problems with their client endpoint systems including MacOS, Linux and Windows. The Systems Administrator I will operate and maintain computer systems that support one or more of the following applications: Microsoft Office, scientific research, instrument engineering, project data storage and distribution, management and administrative functions, and electronic communication and document generation.

**Essential Functions:**

Install, configure, and support end-user operating systems: Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, and RHEL derivatives

Install, configure, and support a range of end-user applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Acrobat, email clients, IDL, MATLAB, and Solidworks ePDM

Provide timely and effective responses to end-user support requests

Collaborate with NSO staff to address computer system support needs and develop effective solutions

Develop and maintain end-user documentation and standard operating procedures

Install, configure, and support server operating systems: Windows Server and Linux

Assist in the administration of IT infrastructure, encompassing Windows Active Directory, DNS, web applications, storage systems, virtual machines (KVM and VMware), and backups

Aid in the installation and upkeep of physical infrastructure for NSO IT and NISP, including tasks such as racking and cabling

Performs both preventative (patching, updates) and emergency systems maintenance (eg. failed desktop/server)

Assists/trains staff using applications and computer systems

All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer. For detailed information on proper custodial care of government property, refer to the AURA Employee Handbook at http://hr.aura-astronomy.org/?q=handbook

**Other Functions:**

Other duties as assigned

**Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:**

One or more years with hands-on experience in: Multiple OS platforms with strong emphasis on Linux (CentOS, Red Hat, Ubuntu), Mac OS X, and Windows systems

One or more years with demonstrated knowledge of hardware and software troubleshooting abilities

Experience with and understanding of hardware RAID

Strong analytical ability with skills in problem avoidance and diagnosis

Utilize excellent customer service skills and exceed customers expectations

Disciplined approach to work activities, ability to define and implement procedures

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Ability to function in a distributed and dynamic work environment, work independently and remotely

Attention to details and commitment to achieving high quality results

Basic level knowledge of data communications networking, both wired and wireless

Commitment to stay abreast of current-market hardware and software products used in Information Technology

**Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:**

Bachelors (4-year) degree, preferred with a technical major, such as engineering or computer science, or a 2-year associate degree in computer information technology with 1-2 years of progressive hands-on experience.

Experience with telecommunications and videoconferencing systems

Experience with web servers and sites

Familiarity with astronomy, physics applications/computing

Experience with OS-level scripting environment, such as Bourne shell

Experience with working in a research environment that relies extensively on Open Source solutions

Participate in hardware cost projections and writing purchase requests

Maintains a can-do attitude, is a self-starter, proactive, strategic thinker, team player, quality focused, and pays attention to detail

**Physical Demands:**

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

**Salary Range:** $68,000-$83,500. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

**About AURA:**

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation (https://www.nsf.gov/) and NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) . AURAs role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity (https://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity/) throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities. The National Solar Observatory (NSO) is one of the observatories under the AURA umbrella.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by March 15, 2024 **.**

Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname.

Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org .

Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation (https://www.nsf.gov/) and NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) . AURAs role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity (https://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity/) throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

**As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.**

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)