Job Posting: System Administrator

Introduction

AS220 is a community of artists based in downtown Providence that provides open forums and opportunities for Rhode Island artists. We provide an alternative to the institutional venues and have gained national attention for our commitment to an "open and unjuried", egalitarian approach to nurturing a creative community.

The activities of AS220 include (but are not limited to) daily events in our performance space, monthly gallery exhibits, a number of annual events and festivals, the Broad Street Studio community learning center, and the on-going operation of several "cottage industries" such as our Darkroom, Print Shop, and Labs. AS220 currently owns and manages two 22,000 sq foot buildings in downtown Providence that house 26 artists and provide individual and collaborative work spaces, galleries, venues, and our bar and restaurant.

In September 2010, AS220 will double it's footprint and bring a third building on line; The Mercantile Block which is located next to the Dreyfus on Washington St. This building will house 22 residential studios, expanded facilities for our labs and print shop, work studios, as well as commercial and not-for-profit tenants.

The AS220 Systems Administrator is responsible for providing computer support for all of AS220's staff and programs, maintaining existing infrastructure and implementing new systems as technology develops. This staff person is also responsible for maintaining all of the fab lab equipment.

Prospective candidates should spend some time on our web site, http://as220.org, before applying. Duties include:

Maintenance of AS220's Basic Physical Devices

• Computer building/repair - Should be able to breakdown / construct a computer from parts, know what parts comprise a computer, know how to diagnose computer hardware failures, repair them, purchase correct parts, etc...

• Network building/repair - Should understand TCP/IP and Ethernet and be able to diagnose problems on the network, build out a network from scratch

• Should be able to construct a wireless network. We use Linksys WRT54GL devices running OpenWRT (Linux) as the backbones for our wireless networks.

• Phone system troubleshooting. Should be able to diagnose phone system issues/outages. AS220 employs TalkSwitch and Asterisk systems.

• We have machines running operating systems: GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows XP. Should be able to install and maintain machines running these operating systems.

Maintenance of AS220's Fab Lab Equipment

AS220's laboratory has the following equipment.

• Epilog Helix Mini 24" x 12" laser cutter

• MDX-20 milling machine

• Roland Camm-1 Vinyl cutter and sign-making equipment

• Computers (Linux and Mac OS X) for fab support

• Computers for programming workshops

• Video projector for instruction

• Prototype PCB fabrication tools (drill press, shear, etc.)

• Small-scale machining tools

• Hand tools

• Electronics assembly and testing tools

Maintenance of AS220 Server

• Capability to generally administer a GNU/Linux machine including patching the operating system for security issues, monitoring file system usage of the various users, create accounts, audit user activity and file system permissions, install software, etc...

• Ability to administer the Apache web server including creating virtual hosts, enabling modules, configuring the software.

• Ability to administer an Internet mail server running Postfix + Mailman + Amavisd + Apamassass + Clamav. Understanding of the core Internet mail protocols such as SMTP, POP, IMAP is expected. A knowledge of spam and the contemporary methods of combatting it. Understanding how mailing list software integrates into mail server infrastructure.

• Databases. We utilize both MySQL and PostgreSQL operating as either backends for hosted websites or as standalone databases for scripting software. Knowledge of SQL is a requirement for being able to maintain any relational database system.

• Backup. Being able to transfer files to / from the server utilizing scp/sftp/rsync and friends, deploy existing scripting solutions or roll solutions specific to the circumstances are critical towards this requirement.

• Logs. Being able to audit the logs and detect/repair problems is a necessary skill.

Programming

• Experience in Python and BASH would be helpful in working with a lot of the software we've developed and deployed.

Web Maintenance

• HTML, CSS and Javascript helpful. The back end of our main site is Movable Type. In addition several third party FOSS solutions are deployed for handling the online shop, website statistics, advertisements, etc... Some custom written Django applications are also utilized.

The Ideal Candidate will:

• Have a BS/BA in Computer Science from a four year university or equivalent experience.

• Have prior experience in System Administration and the specific equipment, software, and programming languages mentioned above.

• Have the people skills necessary to work with staff, solve problems, coach through computer issues, participate in meetings etc.

• Be able to articulate a passionate understanding of the AS220 mission.

Compensation

AS220 has an “equal pay” policy; all full time staff are paid a $33,280 salary per year and receive health benefits. Vacation time is offered, along with opportunities for education, and professional development.

Please send a resume and cover letter to:

AS220
attn: jobs
95 Mathewson St.
Providence, RI 02909
jobs@as220.org

AS220
attn: jobs
95 Mathewson St.
Providence, RI 02909
jobs@as220.org