IT Specialist (SysAdmin/Network) (IS-2210-11/12/13)

Application Deadline: 22 March 2025

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Reporting To: IT Specialist (APPSW)

Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: February 24, 2025
CLOSING DATE: March 22, 2025
SERIES/GRADE: IS-2210-11/12/13*
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: High Energy Astrophysics
LOCATION:  Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
*This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential up to grade 13.  Selection for this position to be made at the grade 11 level.  Candidates may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level, up to grade 13, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and qualifications of the employee. 
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support.  Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants. 

SUMMARY
The position serves as Information Technology (IT) Specialist (Systems Administration/Network Services) in the Chandra Operations Control Center (OCC) of the High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.  

The employee will take a lead role in performing all aspects of computer network management on a network of Windows and Linux workstations and servers and serves as a resource of expertise for other staff.  The employee is responsible for network maintenance and security, user accounts and services (such as on-line user documentation and user training), and utilities, scripts and system procedures.

MAJOR DUTIES

1.    Upgrade, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux servers running apache, tomcat, svn and related packages, as well as custom software applications. 2.    Upgrade, maintain, and troubleshoot VMware / vSAN environment. 3.    Monitor and troubleshoot network elements to ensure that problems are discovered and resolved in a timely manner. 4.    Design, recommend, and implement system and network security improvements.