Systems Administrator III

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator III to support and maintain the enterprise infrastructure that powers the university's academic, research, and business operations. As part of SDSU's IT Infrastructure Operations team, you'll work with on-premises and cloud environments, server platforms, virtualization, and directory services to help ensure critical systems remain secure, reliable, and available.

In this role, you'll troubleshoot complex technical issues, implement infrastructure improvements, support system upgrades, and lead technical projects. You'll also collaborate with IT colleagues and campus partners while providing technical guidance and mentorship to other systems administrators.

Key Responsibilities:

Enterprise Systems Administration

• Install, configure, maintain, and support enterprise servers, operating systems, virtualization platforms, directory services, and cloud infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and security; troubleshoot complex technical issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Manage system updates, patches, backups, and configurations to maintain reliable operations.
• Support system integrations, account management, and access controls.

Infrastructure Projects & Automation

• Design and implement moderately complex infrastructure solutions across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Plan, test, and deploy system upgrades, enhancements, and new technologies.
• Develop scripts and automation to improve system administration, deployment, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT teams, vendors, and campus stakeholders on infrastructure projects and improvements.

Security, Reliability & Disaster Recovery

• Implement security measures, monitor system logs, and maintain secure system configurations.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes to protect critical university systems and data.
• Identify opportunities to improve infrastructure performance, reliability, and operational practices.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide lead work direction, technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Systems Administrator II staff.
• Assist with developing and improving systems administration procedures, standards, and documentation.
• Work with technical teams and campus partners to resolve issues and support evolving infrastructure needs.

What We're Looking For:

We're looking for an experienced systems professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues, improving technology services, and collaborating with other IT professionals.

Experience in the following areas is especially valuable:

• Enterprise server infrastructure and administration
• Enterprise directory services
• Cloud infrastructure and services
• Windows and/or Linux server environments
• Virtualization technologies
• PowerShell, Bash, or Python scripting
• Systems automation, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring
• Backup, disaster recovery, and infrastructure security
• Technical project coordination and mentoring

Certifications from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, Linux Professional Institute, or similar organizations are preferred but not required.

Why Join Us?

• Support essential university systems – Help maintain the enterprise infrastructure behind SDSU's teaching, research, and daily operations.
• Work across a variety of technologies – Gain experience with cloud and on-premises infrastructure, virtualization, directory services, and enterprise applications.
• Contribute to infrastructure improvements – Participate in system upgrades, automation, and projects that strengthen reliability and performance.
• Share your technical expertise – Collaborate with IT professionals and provide guidance and mentorship to fellow systems administrators.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

IT Infrastructure Operations (ITIO) designs, implements, operates, and maintains enterprise systems infrastructure supporting the university’s academic, research, and business operations. This critical infrastructure includes data center and cloud environments, directory services, server platforms, virtualization, backup, and disaster recovery.

For more information regarding the IT Infrastructure Operations department, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience supporting enterprise server infrastructure.
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience supporting enterprise directory services.
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience supporting enterprise cloud infrastructure.
• Advanced proficiency in scripting using PowerShell, Bash, or Python. Demonstrated proficiency in at least one of these scripting languages is required.
• One or more certifications in systems administration or architecture from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, the Linux Professional Institute, or a comparable organization. Certifications are preferred but not required.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• This position requires successful completion of a State of California Department of Justice background check due to responsibilities supporting police department servers and accessing sensitive law enforcement systems.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $7,284-$10,611 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

This position is open to SDSU employees only. Apply by November 5, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.