Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux

 

Lab LIS and Informatics

Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux works in a complex, multi-platform environment across the province as a senior technical professional that utilizes a broad-based understanding of Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems, application relationships, and advanced technical knowledge and aptitude to carry out in-depth systems analysis. The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux functions as a key member of the Provincial Digital Health Information Systems (PDHIS) /Laboratory Information Solutions (LIS) team and ensures that the provincial Unit/Linux server infrastructure is maintained at optimum levels to enable the operation of a wide-range of applications. The role assists in developing the technical architecture, standards, and planning for new and emerging technologies that support the clinical and corporate activities of the varied organizations. Technical aspects of the work include assisting in designing, implementing and managing the provincial server infrastructure, maintaining the efficient and ongoing operation of hardware and software including troubleshooting and resolving highly complex technical problems related to the design, installation and operation of this infrastructure that requires demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge of relevant hardware and software.

The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux provides technical support and advisory services to internal and external customers, and maintains the performance targets of the server subsystems through regular monitoring and tuning activities, provides KPI metrics and reporting to customers as required, participates in the scheduled on-call rotation and after-hours support. The Senior Systems Specialist, Unix/Linux actively participates in the recruitment and selection of staff and instructs and demonstrates to PDHIS staff.

What you’ll do 

• Coordinates complex initiatives and projects that have a significant impact on customers across the province by reviewing work requests and analyzing requirements and feasibility; identifying conflicting requirements and completing an impact analysis; estimating tasks and timelines, determining resourcing and required Bill of Materials (BOM); and calculating cost estimates and making recommendations. Leads the technology architecture and detailed design activities, and develops complete technical solutions and the corresponding support mechanisms.
• Uses advanced technical knowledge and aptitude by methods such as carrying out in-depth systems analysis related to the overall design, installation and operation of provincial server infrastructure including all core infrastructure equipment/applications/functions such as Unix/Linux virtualization, clustering, containerization, cloud, vulnerability management. Ensures errors/deficiencies are corrected, providing an advanced level of troubleshooting across complex infrastructure, equipment, and applications, and proposing hardware and/or software modifications or upgrades to enhance the environments. Provides technical/system guidance, advice, consultation, and KPI metrics and reporting.
• Provides technical troubleshooting and support for all Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems, including legacy versions, by performing tasks such as standardized builds, scheduled changes, tuning and maintenance, analyzing and diagnosing problems and formulating solutions. Identifies unresolved issues and escalates to the Manager, following established problem, incident, request and change management processes. Implements solutions that promote the integration of technologies based on industry standards, and are compatible with PHSA’s network environment and standards.
• Performs a variety of duties related to Unix/Linux Security Vulnerability management. Perform tasks such as managing and configuring security scan, assessing Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures (CVE), performing security hardening with Center for Internet Security (CIS) standard and applying software updates, includes operating system patches, fixes and drivers. Creates and maintains inventory and compliance reports from systems utilizing various reporting platforms, such as SSRS and PowerBI.
• Performs a variety of duties related to Unix/Linux Server Operating Systems including managing Red Hat Satellite, Network Installation Manager (NIM), Oracle Ops Centre, External Domain Name Service (DNS) and other open source tools, such as Docker, Nagios, Puppet, Ansible, Portainer, Xymon, Webmin, Gitlab, etc.
• Functions as a technology focal and provides up-to-date knowledge of infrastructure equipment/applications/functions and advising on industry best practices and technical trends, guidance, mentoring and coaching of staff, project contractors and vendors. Maintains systems oversight, troubleshooting and resolving immediate problems and monitoring key systems indicators; monitoring completed work to ensure conformance with established standards; and referring unresolved operational and project issues to the manager.
• Develops and updates processes, policies, KPI metrics, reporting, and all other documentation required to achieve operational excellence by methods such as establishing standards and procedures for use by PDHIS and customers. Writes comprehensive system and operating documentation, prepares complex technical/system documents for review and approval, develops maintenance procedures, and transfers knowledge of the solution to others.
• Collaborates with, and represents PDHIS to, customers and others by developing and maintaining relationships with customers and other stakeholders, attending meetings to provide input into the operational and project requirements of the area; meeting internally with senior staff to determine priorities and needs; assisting customers in identifying technical/system deficiencies; and providing user training as required.
• Liaises with vendors by researching and evaluating new Unix/Linux technologies in order to provide recommendations, assists the manager and/or team lead in working with vendors to ensure service levels meet standards, and communicating with vendor or third party services personnel to identify, isolate and resolve problems. Contributes to development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) documentation to be sent to vendors, the review of vendor RFP responses, and evaluates for proactive implementation and maintenance.
• Assists with recruitment and training of staff by providing feedback on technical qualifications of candidates to manager, assisting in testing candidates, participating on interview panels in conjunction with the manager, rating candidates’ answers in conjunction with the manager, performs gap analysis to determine related training requirements, and providing instruction and demonstration to PDHIS staff.
• Works with various PDHIS, FHA IM, and customer team members to ensure integrated solutions and represents PDHIS in various initiatives across the organizations as a Unix/Linux erver Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you bring 

 

Qualifications 

• Graduation from a recognized degree or diploma program in Computer Science, four (4) years' recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.  
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Lab LIS and Informatics contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system. 

Core Competencies 

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety. 
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.). 

Skills & Knowledge 

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to write programs in a variety of programming languages.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.  
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach. 

What we bring 

 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.  

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees. 
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles. 
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources. 
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement. 
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position). 
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.  

 

Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Wage: $50.48/hour 
Location: 1885 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y5
Closing Date: Applicants accepted until position is filled 
Hours of Work: 0900-1700 Monday-Friday
Requisition #: 186316E

 

What we do  

 

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.  

 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services 

 

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code. 

  

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca. 

  

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents  including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study. 

 

ATTN: PHSA Employees: 

 

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at internaljobs.phsa.ca 

 

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of July 16, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting. 

 

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.