System Administrator

CISA System Administrator

This role responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures).

Personnel performing this role may unofficially or alternatively be called:

  • Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator
  • Security Administrator
  • Server Administrator
  • System Operations Personnel
  • Website Administrator
  • Identity Access Manager
  • UNIX/Windows System administrator
  • Application Security Administrator
  • System Security Administrator

Skill Community: IT
Category: Operate and Maintain
Specialty Area: Systems Administrator
Work Role Code: 451

Core Tasks

  • Conduct functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability. (T0029)
  • Develop and document systems administration standard operating procedures. (T0063)
  • Maintain baseline system security according to organizational policies. (T0136)
  • Manage accounts, network rights, and access to systems and equipment. (T0144)
  • Plan, execute, and verify data redundancy and system recovery procedures. (T0186)
  • Install, update, and troubleshoot systems/servers. (T0418)
  • Comply with organization systems administration standard operating procedures. (T0458)
  • Implement and enforce local network usage policies and procedures. (T0461)
  • Manage system/server resources including performance, capacity, availability, serviceability, and recoverability. (T0498)
  • Monitor and maintain system/server configuration. (T0501)
  • Perform repairs on faulty system/server hardware. (T0515)
  • Troubleshoot hardware/software interface and interoperability problems. (T0531)

Core Competencies

  • Identity Management
  • Information Technology Assessment
  • Operating Systems
  • System Administration
  • Systems Integration

Core Knowledge

  • Knowledge of organizational information technology (IT) user security policies (e.g., account creation, password rules, access control). (K0158)
  • Knowledge of measures or indicators of system performance and availability. (K0053)
  • Knowledge of performance tuning tools and techniques. (K0064)
  • Skill in monitoring and optimizing system/server performance. (S0155)
  • Skill in operating system administration. (e.g., account maintenance, data backups, maintain system performance, install and configure new hardware/software). (S0158)
  • Knowledge of systems administration concepts. (K0088)
  • Knowledge of virtualization technologies and virtual machine development and maintenance. (K0130)
  • Knowledge of system administration, network, and operating system hardening techniques. (K0167)
  • Skill in correcting physical and technical problems that impact system/server performance. (S0144)
  • Skill in recovering failed systems/servers. (e.g., recovery software, failover clusters, replication, etc.). (S0157)
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for integrating system components. (K0346)

How To Apply

Join the Mission! CISA is always searching for diverse, talented, and highly motivated professionals to continue its mission of securing the nation's critical infrastructure. CISA is more than a great place to work; our workforce tackles the risks and threats that matter most to the nation, our families, and communities.

To join this mission, visit USAJOBs and/or the DHS Cybersecurity Service to view job announcements and to access the application. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job announcement, attach relevant documents, and complete all required assessments.

When applying for CISA's cyber positions, please review CISA's cyber roles above and update your resume to align your experience with the listed competencies. Your resume must also show demonstrated cyber/IT related experience in:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving

To receive email notifications when new CISA positions are announced, set up a "saved search" on USAJOBs with keyword "Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency."

Individuals eligible for special hiring authorities may also be considered during CISA's one-stop hiring events or by emailing Veterans@cisa.dhs.gov or Careers@cisa.dhs.gov.