JOB SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux works in a complex, multi-platform environment across the province as a senior technical professional that utilizes a broad-based understanding of Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems, application relationships, and advanced technical knowledge and aptitude to carry out in-depth systems analysis. The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux functions as a key member of the Provincial Digital Health Information Systems (PDHIS) /Laboratory Information Solutions (LIS) team and ensures that the provincial Unit/Linux server infrastructure is maintained at optimum levels to enable the operation of a wide-range of applications. The role assists in developing the technical architecture, standards, and planning for new and emerging technologies that support the clinical and corporate activities of the varied organizations. Technical aspects of the work include assisting in designing, implementing and managing the provincial server infrastructure, maintaining the efficient and ongoing operation of hardware and software including troubleshooting and resolving highly complex technical problems related to the design, installation and operation of this infrastructure that requires demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge of relevant hardware and software.
The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux provides technical support and advisory services to internal and external customers, and maintains the performance targets of the server subsystems through regular monitoring and tuning activities, provides KPI metrics and reporting to customers as required, participates in the scheduled on-call rotation and after-hours support. The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux actively participates in the recruitment and selection of staff and instructs and demonstrates to PDHIS staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience
Graduation from a recognized degree or diploma program in Computer Science, four (4) years’ recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to write programs in a variety of programming languages.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

1. Coordinates complex initiatives and projects that have a significant impact on customers across the province by reviewing work requests and analyzing requirements and feasibility; identifying conflicting requirements and completing an impact analysis; estimating tasks and timelines, determining resourcing and required Bill of Materials (BOM); and calculating cost estimates and making recommendations. Leads the technology architecture and detailed design activities, and develops complete technical solutions and the corresponding support mechanisms.
2. Uses advanced technical knowledge and aptitude by methods such as carrying out in-depth systems analysis related to the overall design, installation and operation of provincial server infrastructure including all core infrastructure equipment/applications/functions such as Unix/Linux virtualization, clustering, containerization, cloud, vulnerability management. Ensures errors/deficiencies are corrected, providing an advanced level of troubleshooting across complex infrastructure, equipment, and applications, and proposing hardware and/or software modifications or upgrades to enhance the environments. Provides technical/system guidance, advice, consultation, and KPI metrics and reporting.
3. Provides technical troubleshooting and support for all Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems, including legacy versions, by performing tasks such as standardized builds, scheduled changes, tuning and maintenance, analyzing and diagnosing problems and formulating solutions. Identifies unresolved issues and escalates to the Manager, following established problem, incident, request and change management processes. Implements solutions that promote the integration of technologies based on industry standards, and are compatible with PHSA’s network environment and standards.
4. Performs a variety of duties related to Unix/Linux Security Vulnerability management. Perform tasks such as managing and configuring security scan, assessing Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures (CVE), performing security hardening with Center for Internet Security (CIS) standard and applying software updates, includes operating system patches, fixes and drivers. Creates and maintains inventory and compliance reports from systems utilizing various reporting platforms, such as SSRS and PowerBI.
5. Performs a variety of duties related to Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems including managing Red Hat Satellite, Network Installation Manager (NIM), Oracle Ops Centre, External Domain Name Service (DNS) and other open source tools, such as Docker, Nagios, Puppet, Ansible, Portainer, Xymon, Webmin, Gitlab, etc.
6. Functions as a technology focal and provides up-to-date knowledge of infrastructure equipment/applications/functions and advising on industry best practices and technical trends, guidance, mentoring and coaching of staff, project contractors and vendors. Maintains systems oversight, troubleshooting and resolving immediate problems and monitoring key systems indicators; monitoring completed work to ensure conformance with established standards; and referring unresolved operational and project issues to the manager.
7. Develops and updates processes, policies, KPI metrics, reporting, and all other documentation required to achieve operational excellence by methods such as establishing standards and procedures for use by PDHIS and customers. Writes comprehensive system and operating documentation, prepares complex technical/system documents for review and approval, develops maintenance procedures, and transfers knowledge of the solution to others.
8. Collaborates with, and represents PDHIS to, customers and others by developing and maintaining relationships with customers and other stakeholders, attending meetings to provide input into the operational and project requirements of the area; meeting internally with senior staff to determine priorities and needs; assisting customers in identifying technical/system deficiencies; and providing user training as required.
9. Liaises with vendors by researching and evaluating new Unix/Linux technologies in order to provide recommendations, assists the manager and/or team lead in working with vendors to ensure service levels meet standards, and communicating with vendor or third party services personnel to identify, isolate and resolve problems. Contributes to development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) documentation to be sent to vendors, the review of vendor RFP responses, and evaluates for proactive implementation and maintenance.
10. Assists with recruitment and training of staff by providing feedback on technical qualifications of candidates to manager, assisting in testing candidates, participating on interview panels in conjunction with the manager, rating candidates’ answers in conjunction with the manager, performs gap analysis to determine related training requirements, and providing instruction and demonstration to PDHIS staff.
11. Works with various PDHIS, FHA IM, and customer team members to ensure integrated solutions and represents PDHIS in various initiatives across the organizations as a Unix/Linux erver Subject Matter Expert (SME).
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.