Job ID

74739

Job Title

Systems Administrator

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)

Open Date

03/25/2026

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

04/04/2026

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

FHS Health Evidence and Impact

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$30.84 - $47.65 (hourly)

Job Code

TJD191

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Education Level

Bachelor's degree Computer Science, or a related field.

Career Level

Requires 4 years of relevant experience

JD Number

JD1668

Anticipated Start Date

As soon as possible

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Unit/Project Description

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), located within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact in the Faculty of Health Sciences, is currently welcoming applications for an experienced Ubuntu Linux System Administrator specializing in Security, Data Protection & Backup/Restore. The CLSA is a large, national, long-term study that will follow approximately 50,000 men and women who are between the ages of 45 and 85 when recruited, for at least 20 years. The CLSA collects information on the changing biological, medical, psychological, social, lifestyle and economic aspects of people’s lives. These factors will be studied to understand how, individually and in combination, they have an impact in both maintaining health and in the development of disease and disability as people age.

As an experienced Ubuntu Linux System Administrator specializing in system security, data protection, and backup/restore strategies, you will be responsible for managing and securing Ubuntu-based infrastructure while ensuring data integrity and high system availability. In this role, you will develop and maintain robust security controls, implement reliable backup and recovery processes, and support the overall stability and resilience of critical Linux environments. This position is ideal for a proactive, detail‑oriented professional with a strong focus on secure, scalable, and resilient system operations.

Job Summary

Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of information technology infrastructure for local and partner sites. Manage networks and servers, configure, test, implement, maintain and repair all supported network, server, email, and microcomputer products for a department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain information technology infrastructure for local and partner sites.
• Develop and modify interfaces for existing applications and systems while maintaining the integrity of data and processes.
• Analyze technical issues and diagnose and resolve the problem.
• Test technologies to assess functions and deficiencies.
• Use existing software and modify software as required to conduct system performance analyses.
• Facilitate meetings with customers to interpret, assess, and evaluate customer business requirements in order to establish project scope and design criteria for the modification and revision of existing systems.
• Ensure the detailed client specifications for all system components are valid and meet a defined set of requirements.
• Ensure client satisfaction of delivered product through follow-up and post-implementation production support. Install, service, and manage core servers on a variety of platforms.
• Configure, deploy, diagnose, and service network and server equipment.
• Configure, deploy, and manage security appliances including, but not limited to, firewall and spam filters required to protect the network.
• Configure, deploy, and manage email and file sharing services and ensure that services are available at all times. Document network, firewall, and server configurations.
• Create and manage active directory domains.
• Supports budget planning.
• Exercise appropriate controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Coordinate the installation, testing, and linking of networks, servers, and workstations.
• Maintain and schedule licensing and system upgrades.
• Maintain and manage critical secured data and system backups.
• Provide technical advice and recommendations regarding the purchase of hardware, software, and computer peripherals.
• Provide estimates of time and resources required to complete projects.
• Exchange technical information with colleagues and vendors.
• Liaise with software and hardware vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Monitor temperature, humidity and airflow of environmentally controlled server rooms and respond to changes that occur.
• Communicate technical computer information in non-technical language.
• Gather and compile information from event and security logs to locate connectivity problems.
• Use a variety of tools including hand tools, power tools, and a soldering iron to assemble and repair computer equipment.
• Lift and move heavy or awkward objects such as computer equipment and peripherals.
• Work in awkward or constrained physical positions or spaces while repairing and installing equipment.
• Remain current with frequent changes related to new technology, applications, and network equipment.

Supervision

• Provide orientation and show procedures to others.
• Ensures adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff (less than 12 months) and volunteers for events and activities (may includes staffing for short-term needs).
• Provides functional guidance to others on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or a related field.
• Requires 4 years of relevant experience, including one year of supervisory experience.

Assets:

• Experience with zero‑trust security models and modern endpoint hardening.
• Experience with encrypted storage, secure key management, and compliance audits.

Additional Information:

• 4+ years of hands-on experience as a Linux System Administrator (Ubuntu focus preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Linux security principles, network security concepts, and patch management.
• Proficiency with shell scripting and automation tools.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, DNS, VPNs, and load balancing.
• Ability to manage, maintain, and optimize Ubuntu Linux servers across development, testing, and production environments.
• Ability to perform system monitoring, patching, tuning, and troubleshooting to ensure high availability and performance.
• Ability to implement, manage, and enforce Linux security best practices, including system hardening.
• Experience configuring and monitoring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection tools.
• Experience conducting regular vulnerability assessments and coordinating remediation activities.
• Experience managing user access control and privilege management.
• Ability to ensure adherence to security standards and compliance frameworks.
• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery strategies for Linux systems.
• Experience configuring and monitoring backup tools and developing disaster recovery plans.
• Ability to develop and maintain documentation for backup/restore processes and disaster recovery procedures.
• Ability to ensure compliance with data retention policies and legal or regulatory requirements.
• Experience with virtualized infrastructure.
• Excellent documentation skills and strong attention to detail.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

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McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

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Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the following to communicate accomdation needs:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

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