Linux Systems Administrator

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

We are seeking a skilled System Administrator to join our IT team at our Head Office in Wallingford. This office-based role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic technical environment, providing effective solutions to escalated technical issues and delivering high-level expertise across Linux-hosted services.

You will be responsible for administering and supporting existing Linux solutions across multi-site environments, ensuring smooth operation of services hosted on-premise and within AWS and Azure public cloud environments. Acting as an escalation point for frontline support, you will collaborate with internal teams, third-party suppliers, and external contractors to maintain and enhance our IT infrastructure.

You will assist with patching cycles, day-to-day technical operations, and monitoring activities such as backup checks, while also supporting deployed DevOps services both on-premise and within public cloud environments.

The role involves responding to IT support requests via ServiceDesk, phone, or in-person to ensure timely and effective resolution, as well as participating in projects that implement new or replacement Linux-based solutions. Additionally, you will produce and collate reports for management, maintain accurate documentation, and provide occasional out-of-hours support for critical operations, including patching cycles.

You will have a bachelor’s degree in technology or computer science, relevant IT certifications, or equivalent demonstrable experience gained over several years. You bring strong technical expertise in administering and managing Linux High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters, alongside significant experience with cloud service architectures such as AWS and Azure, SaaS solutions, and virtualisation technologies like Hyper-V and Proxmox.

Your background includes performance analysis, compiling and debugging on Linux systems, and implementing automation tools such as Ansible or SaltStack. You are also familiar with Microsoft-based applications and Office 365, desktop and server hardware deployment, networking (TCP/IP, switches, routers, wireless), and security technologies including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.

Experience using IT ServiceDesk workflows, scripting and coding languages (including awareness of AI applications), and applying ITIL principles is essential, as is the ability to create clear technical documentation, configuration guides, and runbooks. Personally, you are enthusiastic about technology, a fast learner, and proactive in finding solutions. You demonstrate excellent communication skills, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and maintain a calm, professional approach under pressure while delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.

We value diverse perspectives and welcome candidates who bring curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

This role needs to be within a good commutable distance to our offices in Wallingford, Oxfordshire as it is office based at our Wallingford office. We support flexible working arrangements to help you balance professional and personal commitments.

Further information

• Salary: from £40,000 - £45,000 plus benefits, depending on experience
• Download a full job description and person specification.
• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
• The closing date is Friday 27^th February 2026

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing careers@hrwallingford.com

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

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HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.