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Linux System Admin Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SQL DBA/Oracle DBA

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $64.50/hr

Linux System Admin experience NICE TO HAVE: * Bachelor's Degree or higher in IT related field * Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) * Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE ...

Job#: 3046100 Linux Administrator Location: Chicago, Illinois (Onsite) Salary: 90k - 110k Role ... Respond to system alerts and participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation for production support.

Senior Systems Administrator

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Oakton College is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations and ... Includes Hypervisor (Currently VMWare/Hyper-V), Linux, and Windows. • Installs system software ...

Skills TIBCO EMS 7.x TIBCO Hawk 5.2 TIBCO BW 5.1x TIBCO Business Events 5.x TIBCO Active Spaces 2.2 TIBCO Administrator 5.x Operating System Red Hat Linux 6.x Windows 2008 R2 Enterprise Clustering ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Niles, IL · On-site +1

$86K - $117K/yr

Focus on optimizing system performance, scalability, and security across all platforms. * Manage ... At least 4 years' advanced proficiency with Windows and Linux systems administration * 3+ years of ...

Showing results 21-40

Linux System Admin information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21

$53

$78

How much do linux system admin jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system admin in Chicago, IL is $53.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.36 and $64.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Linux system admin do?

A Linux System Administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems and servers. Their duties include managing user accounts, monitoring system performance, applying security patches, and ensuring system availability and reliability. They also handle tasks such as automating routine processes, performing backups, and responding to technical issues to keep the IT infrastructure running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux system admin, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux System Admin, you need expertise in Linux operating systems, shell scripting, network protocols, and typically a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Ansible, Docker, and monitoring systems, as well as certifications such as RHCSA or CompTIA Linux+, is highly valued. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you proactively resolve issues and collaborate with IT teams. These skills ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of critical IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux system admins when managing large-scale server environments?

Linux System Administrators often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent configuration across numerous servers, managing security updates without causing downtime, and troubleshooting complex network or performance issues. Additionally, they need to automate repetitive tasks using tools like Ansible or Puppet to maintain efficiency. Collaborating with development and security teams is essential to address vulnerabilities and support application deployment, making strong communication skills valuable in this role.

What is the difference between Linux System Admin vs Network Administrator?

AspectLinux System AdminNetwork Administrator
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC, RHCSACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentServers, data centers, cloud platformsNetwork infrastructure, routers, switches
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging Linux servers, scripting, securityConfiguring networks, troubleshooting connectivity
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise networks

While both roles involve technical expertise, Linux System Admins focus on managing Linux servers and related systems, whereas Network Administrators handle network infrastructure and connectivity. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within IT environments.

Infographic showing various Linux System Admin job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,425 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

System Administrator

Central Garden & Pet

Schaumburg, IL • Hybrid

$115K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,990 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

  • 94%

    94% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 42 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

Reporting to the Director, System Operations, the primary focus of this role is the administration of Central’s data protection (backup) platform. This position will also lead administrative support for Linux systems and assist with certificate management and monitoring. 
 
The primary responsibility for this role will be managing the Rubrick data protection (backup) platform to secure enterprise data assets by designing, deployment, and managing automated data protection policies across hybrid environments. This role ensures data resilience, operational compliance, and instant system recovery from system failures or cyber threats.
 
This position will also administer Central’s Red Hat Linux environment by managing server installations, upgrades, backups, and leading platform troubleshooting efforts required to help resolve production issues with Central’s Epicor-Prelude ERP and Sterling EDI platforms. You will partner with business and application teams, who may have limited systems expertise, to understand requirements and translate them into technical deliverables, implementation plans, and operational runbooks. This position will also assist the System Operations team with certificate management and monitoring responsibilities.
 
The candidate must have experience with data protection platforms and server administration across the full lifecycle—from sizing and deployment through ongoing maintenance—along with monitoring/observability skills (alerting strategy, dashboards, and actionable runbooks) to improve availability and reduce mean time to resolution. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure preferred, including operating and troubleshooting Linux workloads in Azure and integrating monitoring, identity, networking, and backup practices across hybrid environments.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Perform planning, installation, and configuration of data protection/Linux systems to meet business requirements.
  • Partner with application administrators and business stakeholders to refine requirements, align on technical approach, and produce clear implementation plans, documentation, and runbooks.
  • Perform data protection/Linux operating system software, hardware, and associated software product installation, configuration and upgrades.
  • Develop, test, and document disaster recovery processes for data protection/Linux server environments.
  • Perform capacity planning and performance tuning for environments.
  • Provide off-hour “on call” support in a dynamic, 24x7 high demand environments.
  • Assist with monitoring/observability for platforms (metrics, logs, alert tuning, dashboards, and on-call readiness
  • Manage certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration monitoring)
  • Manage certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation, and expiration monitoring)
  • Troubleshooting Linux workloads in Azure (compute, networking, identity, and monitoring integrations) and support hybrid connectivity and operational consistency across on-prem and cloud environments
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of hardware and software technology to support the data protection/Linux system environments.
  • Manage and respond to tickets/requests in accordance with SLA/OLA time frames. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
    • BS/BA in computer technology or related field
    • Systems Administrator with 5 to 7 years of experience, recent experience with Rubrick and RHEL 9 preferred.
    • Experience with enterprise backup and recovery products, processes, and methods. Rubrick experience preferred. 
    • Experience building both physical and logical Linux server environments using Red Hat Satellite Server and Ansible
    • Experience with system monitoring/observability tools and practices (metrics, logs, alerting, dashboards, and runbooks); preferred experience with platforms such as Azure Monitor/Log Analytics, Prometheus/Grafana 
    • Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services and administration for Linux workloads (e.g., Azure Virtual Machines, storage, networking, Azure AD/Entra ID concepts, Azure Monitor/Log Analytics); ability to support hybrid operations is a plus. 
    • Demonstrated ability to elicit requirements, challenge assumptions constructively, and communicate complex infrastructure concepts to non-systems audiences (including application administrators) 
    • Effective communication skills for collaboration, documentation, email, and team discussions 
    • Strong business and professional disciplines with the ability to develop new processes and procedures to bring improvement to the workplace.
    • Self-starting, motivated, and a positive attitude
    POSITION INFORMATION  
    • This position pays $115,000-$130,000 per year depending on experience
    BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 
    • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Free Life and Disability Insurance
    • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
    • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Access to thousands of free online courses
    • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
    • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
    • Referral Program with cash bonus
    • Access to on-demand pay
    • Paid parental leave
     
    Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.
     
    We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
    #LI-CM1

    Working at Central Garden & Pet

    Perks for frontline workers

    From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

    • Safety is a top priority!

    • Paid Vacation

    • Paid Holidays

    • Paid Sick Time

    • Paid Breaks

    • Consistent shift and schedule

    • Comprehensive Health Insurance

    • 401k with Company Match

    • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

    • Education Assistance

    • Paid Parental Leave

    About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

    From Central Garden & Pet

    Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

    Company values

    From Central Garden & Pet

    The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

    Diversity and inclusion statement

    From Central Garden & Pet

    Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


    What Central Garden & Pet employees say

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