Update: The deadline for this position has been extended

The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded GNU/Linux systems administrator who thrives on constant broad-based learning and problem-solving. (S)he will be familiar with the free software community and how it works, and will be more interested in making a substantial contribution to software freedom and having employment consistent with ethical ideals than obtaining the highest salary.

This is an opportunity to work for the organization that started the GNU Project, launched the free software movement, and safeguards the GNU General Public License. The position includes frequent contact and collaboration with many of the core GNU developers, and currently reports to the executive director.

Together, the senior systems administrators have a great deal of influence over technology decisions within the FSF, and do crucial work empowering thousands of others to develop free software.

With our small staff of twelve, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work environment.

The FSF is a mature and growing organization that provides great potential for advancement; existing staff are prioritized for any new job openings.

Example systems administration tasks include:

• Be a lead voice in the Foundation's software system decision-making
• Install and maintain fully free GNU/Linux systems on servers, desktops, laptops, and embedded devices
• Support GNU developers and FSF staff in their use of FSF-owned systems
• Monitor and improve system security and network infrastructure
• Spec and purchase new equipment
• Coordinate work of volunteer systems administrators
• Share in the on-call rotation to deal with core system emergencies
• Learn about and work with cutting-edge free technologies like Coreboot
• Blog publicly about the technologies and techniques used at the FSF; inform FSF policy positions in technical areas

Programming is occasionally required, such as:

• Fix bugs and submit patches upstream for the software used at the FSF
• Design, write, and release new software when existing software doesn't fit the bill
• Improve and maintain existing custom software

Useful specific experience includes:

• 4+ years experience as a GNU/Linux systems administrator
• 3+ years experience with at least two programming languages
• 2+ years experience with an apt-based GNU/Linux distribution
• 1+ years experience with SQL (preferably PostgreSQL or MySQL)
• Undergraduate college degree, or in lieu of degree, substantially more experience than that listed above
• A portfolio of contributions to free software projects or their development infrastructure

Expected technical skills are:

• Expert knowledge of systems administration for GNU/Linux with apt-based distributions
• In-depth understanding of key network protocols such as TCP/IP, BGP, DNS, SMTP, HTTP, FTP, NFS, DHCP, etc.
• In-depth understanding of key system components such as virtualization, automated systems management, software RAID, MTAs, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of Drupal and Nginx.
• Familiarity with at least two of Perl, PHP, Python or Ruby. High proficiency (expert preferred) in at least one of these languages
• Thorough knowledge of network and system security, especially as related to the kernel Linux and common Internet services
• Knowledge of network routing and related services in GNU/Linux, such as iptables and stateful firewalls.
• Ability to design SQL databases
• Ability to spec, purchase, assemble, and debug components for custom-build server systems

We will prefer candidates with additional skills, such as:

• In-depth knowledge of CiviCRM, Xen, Puppet, Exim, Spamassassin, Mailman, Quagga, Apache, RT, Coreboot, Squid, Zope, Plone, Semantic Mediawiki, CAS, Django, SQL Ledger
• Knowledge of version control systems: Git, Subversion, CVS, RCS
• Soldering, making your own Ethernet cable, extremely high Nethack scores

We also require:

• A willingness to learn and understand how political and philosophical positions of an organization impact computing requirements
• An ability to work as part of a team and to handle and coordinate contributions from a volunteer core
• Being open-minded and tolerant of others

Benefits and salary

The job must be worked on-site at FSF's downtown Boston offices, because it involves caring for equipment that is physically located there.

It is a union position. The salary is fixed at $61,651 and is non-negotiable. Other benefits include:

• reimbursement for some relocation expenses,
• full family health coverage through Blue Cross/Blue Shield's HMO Blue program,
• subsidized dental plan,
• four weeks of paid vacation annually,
• seventeen paid holidays annually,
• public transit commuting cost reimbursement,
• 403(b) program through TIAA-CREF,
• yearly cost-of-living pay increases, and
• potential for an annual performance bonus.

Application instructions

The position is available immediately, and we will be accepting applications until it is filled.

Applications must be submitted via email to hiring@fsf.org. The email must contain the subject line, "Senior Systems Administrator." A complete application should include:

• cover letter,
• resume,
• contact information for three references, and
• links to any published free software work.

All materials must be in a free format (such as plain text, PDF, or OpenDocument, and not Microsoft Word). Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will be overlooked. No phone calls, please.

An on-site interview will be required with the executive director and the technology team.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting a diverse workplace, and do not discriminate based on gender, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.