Systems Administrator

Classification: Systems Administrator II

Hours: Full-time / 40 hours per week

FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,311 (Step 7) to $7,607 (Step 9) mo. CSU Salary Schedule

Priority Screening Date: May 25, 2026

Recruitment Status: Open Until Filled

ABOUT CSUMB

California State University, Monterey Bay is a mid-sized university in California's Central Coast that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Powered by an inspiring Founding Vision Statement, CSUMB is part of the nation's largest four-year public university system, California State University, which educates nearly 460,000 students every year.

With a vibrant, diverse student body of over 7,000 students, CSU Monterey Bay is both a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our staff and faculty transform students' lives with a focus on student success and engagement through experiential learning, service learning, and a strong emphasis on multicultural and global perspectives. CSUMB's sustainability goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The university's Strategic Plan prioritizes inclusive excellence through recruiting and investing in developing a diverse body of faculty, staff and administrators. Many appreciate living and working close to the shores of beautiful Monterey Bay, with easy access to recreational areas from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Nearby opportunities for collaborative research include working in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Silicon Valley, and with colleagues at local research universities, including UC Santa Cruz and Stanford University.

As one of the 22 campuses in the CSU system, CSUMB offers excellent benefits, including access to below-market-rate rental housing on East Campus, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff. With proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and San Jose, opportunities for faculty, staff and students are as endless as the shores of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

PURPOSE:

Under the general supervision of the Associate Director of Network Services and the daily lead work direction of the Lead Systems Administrator, the Systems Administrator II - Infrastructure & Cloud Operations is responsible for the administration, security, and operational support of CSU Monterey Bay's enterprise server, storage, identity, data center, and hybrid cloud environments. The position ensures the reliability, availability, and protection of critical campus systems and data; supports enterprise productivity and collaboration platforms in a platform-agnostic manner (e.g. Microsoft 365 and/or Google Workspace as directed), and maintains compliance with CSU and campus information security standards and procedures as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. System Administration and Support

• Administers and maintains enterprise server systems across on-premise and cloud environments, primarily supporting Windows-based platforms while providing operational support for Linux and other supported systems, to ensure secure, reliable, and highly available campus IT services.
• Administers and supports enterprise storage and file services across on-premise and cloud-based repositories, including shared storage governance, storage quota administration, access management, lifecycle administration, capacity planning, and performance monitoring (e.g., Windows file services, SharePoint/OneDrive, and/or Google Drive shared drives as applicable). Supports end-user access delivery mechanisms such as drive mapping, Group Policy configuration, and other approved enterprise methods.
• Administers and maintains Active Directory domain services, including domain controllers, organizational units, Group Policy configuration, directory integration, identity object management, and user and group account administration to support secure authentication and access control across enterprise systems.
• Administers and maintains enterprise DNS and DHCP services, performing configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable name resolution and IP address management.
• Administers enterprise virtualization platforms, performing host configuration, virtual machine provisioning, resource allocation, patching, and lifecycle management in alignment with established standards.
• Supports identity security controls, including but not limited to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Single Sign-On (SSO), Conditional Access, role-based access control, privileged account management, and identity and device compliance policy implementation, and serves as a backup to lead staff for Identity and Access Management (IAM) services.
• Supports the administration and secure configuration of enterprise password management solutions, managing vault access, role assignments, and policy settings in alignment with established security standards.
• Implements security controls and performs scheduled patching, configuration management, and system hardening to remediate vulnerabilities in accordance with established maintenance schedules and security standards.

2. Cloud Infrastructure

• Administers enterprise productivity and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365 including Exchange Online and/or Google Workspace), managing messaging, calendaring, collaboration services, shared and individual storage, user accounts, licensing, permissions, archiving, retention, and compliance configurations to ensure secure and reliable service delivery. Provides operational support for coexistence and migration activities aligned with institutional roadmap decisions.
• Participates in enterprise collaboration and identity platform transition activities (e.g. Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 or related hybrid/coexistence scenarios), including planning support, data migration, cutover execution, validation, and stabilization tasks, as assigned and aligned with institutional direction.
• Provides operational support for hybrid and public cloud infrastructure platforms, including virtualization services, performing monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, migration, and optimization activities to maintain system availability and performance.
• Administers and maintains enterprise identity and access management (IAM) services, including Okta and Microsoft Entra ID, performing configuration, federation, and system integration to support enterprise identity authentication, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and application access control across hybrid and cloud environments.
• Serves as secondary administrator for enterprise IAM platforms and assigned cloud-based identity services, performing operational support activities including integration troubleshooting, identity lifecycle management, and routine access and policy administration, while coordinating architectural and strategic direction with the Lead Systems Administrator and Associate Director

3. Backup, Recovery, and Systems Monitoring

• Administers and maintains enterprise backup, recovery, and disaster recovery systems for on-premise and hybrid environments. Monitors backup job success and participates in scheduled restore validation activities to ensure data integrity and continuity of operations in alignment with institutional requirements.
• Monitors infrastructure, authentication, and security-related events, as well as system capacity and lifecycle status, using enterprise monitoring tools; triages and escalates incidents within defined response expectations while supporting proactive issue prevention and operational continuity.
• Develops and maintains technical documentation, runbooks, procedures, and automation solutions to support routine system administration and ensure efficient, standardized, and compliant operations. Updates documentation as part of change implementation to maintain accuracy and operational consistency

4. Customer Service Functions:

• Provides customer service and operational support by communicating with campus stakeholders and coordinating resolution of infrastructure and Network Operations Center-related issues.
• Collaborates with technical staff, application owners, and vendors to plan and execute enterprise application and infrastructure upgrades, data migrations, validation, stabilization, and issue resolution activities.
• Resolves service requests in a timely manner, communicates status updates clearly, and develops documentation and knowledge resources to support the IT Help Desk and campus community.
• Collaborates with campus and CSU IT teams across multiple technology domains, providing operational and security-focused input to support implementation and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with established standards.
• Administers digital certificate lifecycle management, including TLS/SSL certificate issuance, renewal, deployment, and monitoring to ensure secure communications across enterprise systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, infrastructure, scripting languages, virtualization, cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of systems analysis, systems-level programming, and applications programming techniques and procedures.
• Ability to configure systems, manage data, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and system issues in a distributed, networked environment.
• Strong analytical skills to diagnose problems, evaluate system performance, and design, develop, and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments and projects with competing deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to gather requirements, document processes, and clearly present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to build and maintain effective working relationships with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to lead or coordinate the work of others on projects or assignments.
• Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive data and information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, scripting languages, virtualization technologies and cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and technologies.
• Working knowledge of troubleshooting hardware and software issues and providing technical support.
• Working knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple time sensitive assignments and smaller projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present technical information to technically diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate, monitor, and resolve systems issues and design, develop, and implement systems solutions.
• Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies and programs.
• Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.

Experience and Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS:

Experience supporting enterprise Windows environments, identity and access management, and virtual infrastructure. Applies authentication, authorization, role-based access, and backup/recovery practices to ensure secure, reliable operations.

Knowledge of server and OS administration, system security and access controls, directory services (on-prem and cloud), networking, virtualization, storage, collaboration platforms (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace), monitoring, logging, and automation.

Supports datacenter and hybrid environments, including virtualization, storage, patching, vulnerability management, and cloud platforms. Uses scripting and automation to improve efficiency and consistency.

Troubleshoots system issues, implements maintenance fixes, supports disaster recovery, and upholds data security standards. Analyzes complex problems and delivers timely solutions.

Communicates clearly with technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborates across teams and partners effectively. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in alignment with CSU standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with enterprise datacenter and hybrid environments (Windows/Linux servers, Nutanix AHV and/or VMware, storage, backup, disaster recovery)
• Active Directory administration (domain controllers, OUs, Group Policy, DNS, identity management, monitoring)
• Microsoft 365 (Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) and/or Google Workspace administration
• Identity platforms (Microsoft Entra ID, Okta): SSO, MFA, Conditional Access, integrations
• Platform migrations or coexistence (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Okta, Entra ID)
• PowerShell or other automation scripting
• Monitoring/logging tools (e.g., Azure Monitor, Log Analytics)
• Cross-team collaboration on upgrades, migrations, and system improvements
• Commitment to CSUMB's mission, values, and inclusive, student-centered environment

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & POSITION DESIGNATIONS:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
• The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order EO 1095, EO 1096, and EO 1097 as a condition of employment.
• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• This position has been designated as a sensitive position with: access to and responsibility for detailed personally identifiable Level 1 confidential information about students, faculty, staff or alumni that is protected, personal or sensitive as defined in the CSU Information Security Data Classification Standards. responsibility or access/possession of building master or sub-master keys for building access
• Must possess and maintain a valid license to drive in the State of California, pass the Defensive Training Class, and be insurable under the University's liability coverage.
• May require occasional evenings and/or weekend work.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with some safety/health hazard potential. Work may involve risk of being exposed to electrical shock. Office environment with standard equipment and tasks. This position also requires sitting, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, walking, talking and using manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and ability to lift 20-30 lbs. Required to travel between campus offices and, possibly, off-campus.

BENEFITS/PERKS:

CSUMB offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, dental and vision plans; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. For more information, visit the Employee Benefits Summary. The University Corporation at Monterey Bay also provides access to affordable housing near main campus. The allocation of housing is subject to several factors, including availability, eligibility criteria, and specific program guidelines. For more information, visit: https://csumb.edu/corporation/employee-housing

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To receive full consideration, applicants must complete and submit the required online application by the priority screening date listed on the Careers at CSUMB website. Applications received after this date may be reviewed at the University's discretion. All submitted materials become the property of CSUMB and will not be returned.

CSUMB is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Human Resources at (831) 582-3389 or emailing humanresources@csumb.edu.