DevOps System Administrator

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) was founded in 2026 by joining the School of Information and Library Science (1931) and the School of Data Science and Society (2022). SDIS brings together longstanding excellence in information and library science with leadership in data science, including computational and statistical methods, and societal applications.

Home to a top ranked library and information science program, SDIS is recognized for strong teaching, research and service and is the home to the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) and the Center for Information, Technology and Public Life (CITAP). The School teaches and trains undergraduate and graduate students in data science, health informatics, information science and library science, as well as offers certificates for adult learners.

SDIS conducts research and scholarship across the data and information life cycle, with an emphasis on human-centric, ethical and applied approaches. Committed to data, information and AI literacy for all Tar Heels, SDIS faculty are tackling our communities’ most pressing needs and our world’s most intractable challenges.

Position Summary

The DevOps Systems Administrator is a key member of the School of Data and Information Sciences (SDIS) Information Technology Services (ITS) team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Information Technology, with a dotted-line relationship with the Director of IT Support for support-related matters, this position is responsible for leading, designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining SDIS’s server and cloud infrastructure.

Serving as the lead systems administrator for SDIS, the role supports teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations through the management of Linux and Windows servers, cloud platforms, enterprise applications, automation tools, and core IT infrastructure. The position leverages automation, scripting, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices to improve operational efficiency, reliability, scalability, and security.

The DevOps Systems Administrator also plays a leading role in cybersecurity, vulnerability management, system monitoring, disaster recovery, and infrastructure automation while providing Tier 2 and Tier 3 support for complex systems and infrastructure issues. The position collaborates with faculty, staff, researchers, and Central Campus ITS to develop and support technology solutions that advance the School’s mission.

The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in systems administration, cloud technologies, automation, scripting, IT security, and infrastructure best practices. This role requires the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, provide excellent customer service, and participate in an on-call rotation supporting critical SDIS infrastructure services. Additionally, the DevOps Systems Administrator will act as a backup for the Systems Administrator.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelors and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Practical hands-on experience and knowledge with:

• Experience with Linux/Windows administration, automation, scripting, and cloud infrastructure.

• Experience with IT security best practices.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

It is highly encouraged to apply if you meet some, but not all preferred qualifications. A high value is placed on employees willing to learn and grow.

• Experience administering and supporting Linux and Windows server environments.

• Experience with automation, scripting, configuration management, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Puppet, Ansible, or similar technologies.

• Experience with virtualization, containerization, and cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, AWS, or Google Cloud, docker, Kubernetes etc.

• Knowledge of systems infrastructure, networking, server hardware, operating systems, patch management, monitoring, backup, disaster recovery, and vulnerability management.

• Experience with databases, APIs, and cloud-based services, including SaaS and PaaS solutions.

• Experience implementing security best practices and conducting infrastructure audits.

• Experience with project management, technical documentation, and end-user training.

• Experience supporting technology services in a higher education, research, or academic environment is a plus.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to carry, lift or move equipment up to 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch and climb ladders.

• Must be able to communicate effectively online and in-person.

• Must be able to properly document work (writing skills).

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.