What Is a Remote Unix Administrator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

System administrators are responsible for maintaining computer systems to ensure the availability of data and applications. As a remote UNIX administrator, you maintain and monitor a UNIX-based server to guarantee optimum performance, perform upgrades and repair the system, and assist users with issues related to system access. Many administrators work from home and perform their duties via remote access protocols, utilizing skills in hardware and software maintenance, networking, and even information security to provide technical support, vet, install, and maintain software applications, perform routine data backups, and tune one or more servers to improve their performance.

As a remote UNIX Administrator, your responsibilities include both technical tasks and customer service. If you want to become a system administrator, your qualifications must include a deep understanding of the UNIX operating system, knowledge of software installation and maintenance procedures, and experience with user account and security management. You need to have solid analytical and problem-solving skills, and you need to have a positive and helpful attitude. You should also be adept at working with people whose technical skills range from novice to power user. Many system admins have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, and you can also enhance your career opportunities by earning advanced certifications.