Job Description
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and technically skilled Systems Administrator and IT Support Specialist to join a highly collaborative digital learning and support team based in Oxford. This is a key role responsible for maintaining a robust and secure infrastructure that supports large-scale online course delivery, including the administration of a Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and related systems.
You will lead on the technical administration of Linux-based systems and be the senior technical contact for IT support queries, including tier 3 support for staff and students. In addition to infrastructure responsibilities, you’ll supervise a small IT helpdesk team and play a strategic role in enhancing support operations and researching emerging tools and technologies to drive innovation in online learning delivery.
Some remote working is possible, but regular on-site work in Oxford is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Administration
* Manage and maintain Linux (Debian) servers in a virtualised environment, supporting applications such as Moodle, WordPress, and Puppet
* Oversee the administration of a Moodle VLE including user account management, enrolments, course publishing and archiving
* Monitor performance, ensure system security, perform regular backups, and ensure high availability and disaster recovery readiness
* Collaborate with a Senior Web Developer on software updates, patches, upgrades, and automation of provisioning/configuration using tools such as Puppet
* Maintain documentation of system configurations, processes, and software licensing
* Liaise with a central IT function to ensure cohesive support and integration across infrastructure layers
IT Support
* Provide tier 3 technical support for Moodle and other learning systems to staff, students, and tutors
* Train and mentor junior support staff, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices
* Support an internal assignment-handling system (training provided)
* Manage account access issues, multi-factor authentication, and device support across Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile platforms
* Maintain the IT ticketing system and generate support performance reports
* Deliver desktop support to internal staff (20+ colleagues), and assist in prototyping and integrating new tools and technologies
Additional Duties
* Contribute to departmental budgets, proposals, and tender documentation
* Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-functional initiatives
* Provide occasional evening/weekend support to ensure smooth delivery of time-sensitive online courses
* Offer support to wider IT operations during leave cover or major projects
Essential Criteria
* Proven experience with Linux system installation, administration, and management
* Experience administering web-based services with large user volumes in a service environment
* Strong knowledge of IT security principles and hands-on implementation of best practices
* Tier 3 IT support experience, especially for non-technical end users
* Confident, approachable communicator able to maintain a professional and positive attitude
* Practical experience using Git for code deployment
* Analytical and creative problem-solving capabilities
* Understanding of IP networking fundamentals
* Broad familiarity with multiple OS platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile)
* Proven ability to manage a dynamic workload, prioritising and adapting as needed
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
Desirable Criteria
* Experience managing a Moodle VLE
* Automation and configuration management experience (e.g. Puppet)
* Awareness of GDPR and compliance in a data-sensitive environment
* Previous experience working in higher education or with educational technologies
* Familiarity with virtual infrastructure management (e.g., VMware, Azure)