Linux Administrator Job Description

What is the job description of a Linux Administrator? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Linux Administrator? What does a Linux Administrator do?

Job description of a Linux Administrator

Linux administrators are back-end IT specialists who install, configure, and maintain Linux operating systems in a variety of organizations. This role involves server-side operations and troubleshooting tasks that support business-critical and development activities.

Linux administrators also configure user access and monitor system stability and security through deployment and everyday use.

This Linux Administrator job description example includes the list of most important Linux Administrator duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Linux Administrator profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Linux Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Linux Administrator job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Proactively maintain and develop all Linux infrastructure technology to maintain a 24x7x365 uptime service
  • Engineering of systems administration-related solutions for various project and operational needs
  • Maintain best practices on managing systems and services across all environments
  • Fault finding, analysis and of logging information for reporting of performance exceptions
  • Proactively monitoring system performance and capacity planning
  • Manage, coordinate, and implement software upgrades, patches, hot fixes on servers, workstations, and network hardware
  • Create and modify scripts or applications to perform tasks
  • Provide input on ways to improve the stability, security, efficiency, and scalability of the environment
  • Collaborate with other teams and team members to develop automation strategies and deployment processes

Linux Administrator Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Linux Administrator job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Previous working experience as a Linux Administrator for (x) year(s)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or similar relevant degree 
  • IN depth knowledge of Linux: RedHat, CentOS, Debian, etc.
  • Hands on experience with MySQL and/or MariaDB
  • Familiarity with VMWare and SAN management and concepts
  • Expert in Shell, Perl, and/or Python scripting
  • Solid knowledge of protocols such as DNS, HTTP, LDAP, SMTP and SNMP
  • Additional Linux certifications (RHCT, RHCE and LPIC) will be considered an advantage
  • Strong problem solving and communication skills

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Linux Administrator starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Linux Administrator job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Linux Administrator may also reference it in preparation for the interview.