Unix/ Linux Administrator

Salary: $54.81 - $82.28 Hourly

Location : Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA

Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time

Job Number: 2026-01345

Department: Seattle Information Technology

Opening Date: 10/06/2026

Closing Date: 10/20/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Language Premium: No

Position Description

The City of Seattle is seeing a qualified candidates for the position of Unix/Linux Administrator (IT Professional B) in the of Seattle Information Technology (IT), Security & Infrastructure division.

Department Overview

The City of Seattle is a leading local government in environmental stewardship and social justice. Our dedicated workforce plays a significant role in shaping a future where all who live, work, and play in our city can thrive. Seattle Information Technology (Seattle IT) is a trusted partner dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and responsible technology solutions that help the City provide equitable and effective services to our communities. Our team of more than 600 IT professionals supports a full spectrum of modern enterprise services and offers dynamic career paths with opportunities for growth and development. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the residents we serve. We welcome people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to join our team, because the more diverse we are the stronger and more innovative our work becomes.

Job Responsibilities

The Unix/Linux Administrator works within the Unix, Middleware, & Storage Team, directly supporting ~1000 critical Unix/Linux servers across numerous City of Seattle departments ranging from utilities to public safety and general government. As the entry point for systems technical operations into Seattle IT, the Unix/Linux Administrator drives standards and optimization in the delivery of service, managing all aspects of the operating system and hardware. These aspects include but are not limited to such items as system administration, security administration, health monitoring, network connectivity, and disaster recovery.

• Unix/Linux system administration in an enterprise environment consisting of OEL 8/9, RHEL 8/9, Ubuntu 18/22/24/26, Oracle Solaris 11/LDoms/Zones in a largely virtualized environment.
• Use of IT Automation tools such as Ansible/AAP in managing a medium-size complex IT infrastructure.
• Virtualization of Linux/Unix environments, KVM and SPARC based. Specifically, Oracle OLVM X86 (KVM hypervisor), Oracle Ldoms (SPARC hypervisor) and Oracle Solaris Zones.

• Solaris package, service, boot environment management and patching.
• Support of Linux/Unix systems hosting Oracle DBs RAC/single, Oracle Weblogic, PostgreSQL DBs and more.
• System backup and recovery using applications such as Commvault.
• System monitoring with tools such as SolarWinds.

• Conversant with Oracle Solaris T and X series servers.
• Conversant with implementation of SAN and NAS resources to Linux/Unix systems.

• Typical system administration of common Linux/Unix protocols and tools.

• Shell scripting experience.
• Various volume/file-system management like ZFS, LVM, XFS, and Veritas.
• Familiarity with Docker container management.
• Implementation of Linux/Unix system security benchmarks like CIS.
• Vulnerability remediation, as directed by the City's Information Security group.
• Serve as consulting technical resource, for highly visible projects.
• Providing technical input for the change management process.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call rotation for support and emergency response.

Qualifications

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for the required qualifications.

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

• 6+ years of hands-on experience administering Unix/Linux operating systems.
• 4+ years of experience in systems programming, including automation, scripting, and performance tuning.

General knowledge, skills and experience:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent productivity tools.
• Proficiency with Unix/Linux shell environments, scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python), and standard Unix utilities.
• Solid understanding of enterprise security practices, risk mitigation, and related tools.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to provide 24/7 on-call support and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Ability to pass Seattle Police Department and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check within six months of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a closely related field.

• Linux administration.
• Hypervisor technologies.
• Hardware maintenance.
• Knowledge or experience of disaster recovery processes.
• Database administration/programming a plus.
• Multi languages coding.

• Project management skills.

Additional Information

Salary

The full salary range for this classification is $54.81 - $82.28 per hour. The salary for this individual role will be based on experience, training, and internal equity.

Why work at the City of Seattle?

The City of Seattle recognizes everyone must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our behavior shapes our workplace culture, reflects our personal commitments, and how we fearlessly share our view and encourage others to do the same. We seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide fair and accessible processes and services.

Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: Additionally, we provide free public transportation options.

Telework Expectations

This position offers flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Hybrid telework schedules have a minimum requirement of three days onsite per week, which is subject to change at any time at the mayor's discretion. Individual schedules are based on operational needs and agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

Application Process

• A complete online application updated with accurate, relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary) with all job duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Attach resume.
• Complete supplemental questions.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

Background Check

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Seattle Police Department Background Investigation

This position performs essential functions that require CJIS-authorized access to systems, environments, logs, forensic artifacts, security telemetry, or facilities supporting criminal justice operations. Candidates must pass the Seattle Police Department and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background investigation as a condition of employment, and incumbents must maintain that authorization in accordance with applicable FBI CJIS Security Policy personnel security requirements. Inability to obtain or maintain required CJIS authorization may result in the candidate or employee being unable to perform essential functions of the position. For more information go to

Union

This position is covered by a collective bargaining unit; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77. For information

Accommodations

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

For more information regarding this recruitment or if you require an accommodation, please contact Daniel Magpali at

#LI-FW1

#LI-Hybrid

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

01

Which of the following best describes the number of years of hands on experience administering UNIX/Linux operating systems?

• I don't have any experience
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• 6+ years

02

Which of the following best describes the number of years of experience in systems programming, including automation, scripting, and performance tuning?

• I don't have any experience
• 1-2 years
• 3 years
• 4+ year

03

What is your level of understanding of enterprise security practices, risk mitigation, and related tools?

• Limited/ beginning
• Intermediate
• Advanced

04

Are you willing and able to provide 24/7 on call support and respond to emergencies as needed?

• Yes
• No

05

Which option best matches your education experience in a technology-related field?

• Associates degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• I have degree in a non-technology field
• I have relevant experience in lieu of a degree
• I do not have a degree, nor the relevant experience required

06

To be considered for this position you must attach a resume to your application. Have you attached a resume to your application? NOTE: Even if you have imported your resume directly into the application fields you must still attach it.

• Yes
• No

07

At this time, the City is only able to hire candidates who are eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship or those who qualify for TN visa eligibility. We are unable to support other visa types (e.g., H-1B, F-1, etc.). If selected, would you be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship or through a valid TN visa?

• Yes
• No. Please remove my application from consideration.

Required Question