Please note that we've extended the application deadline to Monday, October 14, 2013.

The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded GNU/Linux systems administrator who enjoys 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, authored the GPL, and launched the free software movement. The position includes frequent contact with many of the core developers of various GNU software packages, and currently reports to the CTO.

Together, the senior systems administrators have a great deal of influence over technology decisions within the FSF.

Because the FSF works globally, multilingual candidates will have an advantage. English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin, and Malagasy, are represented among current FSF staff.

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

The FSF is a mature but growing organization that provides great potential for advancement; existing staff get the first chance at 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

Learn about and work with cutting-edge free technologies like Coreboot

Blog publicly about the technologies and techniques used at the FSF

Programming is occasionally required, such as:

Fix bugs and submit patches upstream for the software used at the FSF

Design and write new software when existing software doesn't fit the bill

Improve and maintain existing custom software

Useful specific experience includes:

5 years experience as a GNU/Linux (or other Unix-like) 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

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.

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: Bazaar, Git, Subversion, CVS

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.

It is a union position. The salary is fixed at $60,819.20 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. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 10am EDT, Monday, October 14th, 2013.

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 CTO.

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.