Systems Administrator: Linux

Post Number 5201 Faculty/Department University of the Western Cape -> ICS Department -> IT Operations & Services Type of Position Permanent - Full Time Length of Contract Period Location Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 31/7/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

UWC’s Information and Communication Services (ICS) Department seeks to appoint a Systems Administrator: Linux to support and maintain the University’s enterprise Linux infrastructure within the Data Centre environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, security and optimisation of Linux-based systems supporting institutional applications, research workloads, web services and infrastructure platforms. The role requires strong technical expertise in Linux operating systems, open-source platforms, enterprise virtualisation environments and infrastructure automation.

The Systems Administrator: Linux will work closely with the Data Centre Infrastructure and Operations team, Network Engineering team, Cybersecurity team, Application Support teams, Library Systems team and Learning Management Systems team to ensure the stability, security and high availability of the institutional infrastructure environment.

The key role and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Install, configure and maintain Linux operating systems within a production environment

• Support Linux-based infrastructure services including web services, databases and authentication systems

• Manage Linux systems deployed on enterprise virtualisation platforms

• Perform system patching, upgrades and lifecycle management

• Monitor system performance, availability and security

• Implement system automation, scripting and configuration management

• Maintain technical documentation and system configurations

• Support backup, disaster recovery and business continuity initiatives Minimum Requirements

• A NQF Level 7 qualification (or higher) in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field with at least three (3) years’ experience in Linux systems administration in a production or data centre environment, together with relevant industry recognised professional certification.

or

• A National Senior Certificate together with at least five (5) years’ demonstrated experience in Linux systems administration within a production or data centre environment, supported by relevant industry recognised professional certification.

Relevant certifications may include

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC)
• CompTIA Linux+

Competencies Required:

• Demonstrated experience with Linux virtualisation platforms (such as KVM, VMware or similar), infrastructure automation tools (such as Ansible, Puppet or Chef) and enterprise Linux security practices.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex Linux system issues in a production environment.
• Ability to manage and prioritise Linux infrastructure projects and tasks, working effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions to improve system performance, availability and security.
• Ability to adapt to evolving IT infrastructure environments, growing organisational needs and changing user demands.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation using Bash, Python or similar languages to support system administration tasks.
• Experience with system monitoring and alerting tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus or equivalent platforms.
• Knowledge of backup solutions, disaster recovery procedures and business continuity practices.
• Understanding of Linux security hardening, patch management and vulnerability remediation practices.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git for managing configuration files and automation scripts. In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: [email protected]. DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.