Systems Administrator/Computing Services Specialist II

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The Systems Administrator / Computer Services Specialist II organizationally reports to the South Dakota IT Group Manager and works closely with the Fermilab South Dakota Services Division (SDSD), the LBNF/DUNE Project, and technical staff supporting operations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). Under limited direction, this position is responsible for supporting the deployment, operation, and maintenance of computing, networking, and systems infrastructure required to support the DUNE experiment and Fermilab operations at SURF.

This position is based in Lead, South Dakota. Relocation assistance is available.

What your day-to-day as a Systems Administrator / Computer Services Specialist II at Fermilab will look like:

• Support the planning, deployment, operation, and maintenance of the DUNE computing and networking infrastructure at SURF
• Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 IT support for desktops, laptops, printers, audiovisual equipment, and other computing devices
• Work with local technical experts to determine best installation locations for network cabling (fiber and copper) in underground shafts, caverns, network rooms, and surface facilities
• Recommend, deploy, and support system upgrades and improvements to existing infrastructure
• Deploy new computing and networking infrastructure systems and evaluate performance and security of existing systems
• Analyze anticipated changes in network and computing capacity requirements and assist in planning future infrastructure needs
• Develop procedures and provide technical guidance for new assignments and system changes
• Communicate and coordinate activities with IT operations personnel and cross-functional technical teams
• Travel between multiple site locations to perform assigned duties, including underground work environments
• Work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively with a wide range of project stakeholders
• Abide by, and be responsible for, performing all duties in accordance with Fermilab, SURF, and Department of Energy (DOE) safety, security, and operational requirements
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work in underground environments, including tunnels and shafts, with limited natural light
• Ability to wear and operate required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, high-demand environment

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in IT environments
• Experience working with networking equipment and a strong understanding of IP networking
• Experience installing and supporting network cabling (fiber and copper)
• Experience installing, supporting, and troubleshooting desktop operating systems
• Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for small- to medium-scale technical projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to support effective interaction with technical staff, project teams, and stakeholders
• Experience with Cisco NX-OS and Nexus platforms (preferred)
• Cisco technical certifications (desirable)
• Experience with scripting languages (desirable)

Work Arrangement:

Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from the Lead, South Dakota project location. Work will include both office and industrial environments, including underground facilities at SURF.

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.