Sr. Linux System Administrator

As a Sr. Linux System Administrator at PointClickCare, your primary responsibility will be to design, install, and maintain the servers and software essential for our operations. You will monitor production systems, troubleshoot issues, handle alerts, and provide world-class support to customers. Working closely with various departments, you'll also manage application database and file servers, and bring in your technical expertise for the automation and deployment of Linux VMs.

To qualify for the Sr. Linux System Administrator position at PointClickCare, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in Linux server administration. Experience with Ubuntu or Debian-based systems is preferred. Technical skills in networking, BASH, Python, and scripting, as well as knowledge of cloud infrastructure (preferably Azure) and storage administration, are essential. A relevant BS-level degree or equivalent work experience is also required.

At PointClickCare, successful Sr. Linux System Administrators possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. You’ll need solid understanding of networking protocols, experience with configuration, automation, and deployment of Linux environments, and familiarity with tools like Puppet, Nagios, and Splunk. Additional knowledge in Docker, Kubernetes, and HIPAA compliance will enhance your qualifications for this role.

The work environment for a Sr. Linux System Administrator at PointClickCare is dynamic and collaborative. You’ll report to the Director of IT and interact with cross-functional teams including DevOps, Customer Success, InfoSec, and Software Engineering. It’s an exciting space that values innovation and supports professional growth, where every contributor has a chance to make a real impact on healthcare technology.

PointClickCare offers an attractive benefits package for Sr. Linux System Administrators, including a competitive salary range, retirement plan matching, flexible paid time off, wellness programs, and continuous development opportunities from day one. We prioritize a culture of inclusion and provide resources for parental, caregiver, and fertility support, ensuring our employees are well-supported in their personal and professional lives.

To effectively monitor and troubleshoot Linux servers, you'll use various tools and commands such as top, ps, and df to check system performance and resource usage. Familiarizing yourself with logs, such as syslog or application logs, is crucial for identifying issues. Additionally, using monitoring tools like Nagios or Splunk can help you proactively manage server health and performance.

When discussing your experience with cloud-based Linux environments, highlight specific projects you've handled, mentioning platforms like Azure where applicable. Discuss how you've set up, configured, and maintained virtual machines, as well as any tools you’ve used for deployment and automation, such as Docker or Kubernetes.

In Linux administration, it’s common to use BASH scripts for automating tasks. Additionally, knowing Python or Perl can significantly enhance your capability to manage servers effectively. Mention specific tasks you've automated using scripts to demonstrate your proficiency in making processes more efficient.

Ensuring security compliance in Linux systems involves implementing best practices such as regularly updating software, configuring firewalls, and using tools for managing user permissions. Familiarity with HIPAA or HITRUST compliance is beneficial, as it allows you to understand specific frameworks and requirements to keep patient data secure.

When discussing your experience with VMware, share specific scenarios where you've managed virtual machines or implemented VMware products. Highlight your role in server virtualization projects, your understanding of maintaining virtual infrastructure, and how you've used it to optimize resource allocation.

In your response, outline your approach for regular server backups, highlighting specific tools you've used such as rsync or backup applications. Discuss your strategy for maintaining recovery points and conducting recovery drills to ensure that you can efficiently restore services when necessary.

Highlight your interpersonal skills and examples of how you've provided world-class customer support as an administrator. Talk about specific instances where you successfully resolved issues for customers, your method of communication, and how you ensure a positive experience while addressing their needs.

In high-pressure situations, it's essential to remain calm and methodical. Share an example where you encountered a critical issue and how you prioritized tasks, utilized problem-solving skills, and communicated with your team or customers to mitigate the impact and restore service.

Describe your process for creating detailed technical documentation, including how you ensure it is clear and accessible. Mention tools you use and your experience in maintaining up-to-date documentation reflecting system changes or new procedures.

Discuss the evolving landscape of technology as a significant challenge in Linux system administration, particularly around security vulnerabilities and maintaining compliance. Emphasize the need for continuous learning and staying updated with industry best practices to effectively meet these challenges.