STEM OPT System Administrator Jobs
System Administrator roles in IT infrastructure, network management, and cloud operations qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning, and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.
Position Summary
The Systems Administrator 2 serves as the backup technical administrator for hardware, operating systems, and network management. This position assists in the planning, installation, configuration, and testing of hardware and software components to ensure the integrity, reliability, and security of data and systems. The Systems Administrator 2 supports mobile device deployment and management, IT inventory management, and hardware distribution, while providing customer service and response to incoming support requests. This position applies professional concepts to systems and problems of moderate scope and manages documentation related to inventory, processes, or policy requirements. The Systems Administrator 2 works closely with the Systems Administration team to keep infrastructure stable and secure.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: September 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
-
Respond and process incoming support ticket requests for service from departments within Facilities Services. In particular, manage user accounts, respond to end-user support tickets, and provide backup support for systems administration. (20%)
-
Order, configure, deploy, and manage end user devices, which may include computer workstations, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Manage and maintain inventory. (20%)
-
Under general supervision, manage centralized computer servers. Assist with monitoring and configuring infrastructure to maintain integrity, security, and stability. Perform regular system maintenance activities. (15%)
-
Under general supervision, implement system enhancements (software and hardware updates) that improve the performance and reliability of supported systems. (10%)
-
Work with system administration and project management teams to support departmental projects. (10%)
-
Assist with management and execution of security controls to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data. Includes firewall management, Windows and Linux server security controls. (10%)
-
Monitor disaster recovery systems, campus backup for unit data, and server OS/images. (5%)
-
Apply professional concepts to create and manage documentation related to procedures and policies. (5%)
-
Maintain skills via independent study, self-paced, and/or group training or other resources as approved. (5%)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Must have basic knowledge of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance.
-
Basic knowledge of the design, development, and application of technology and systems to meet business needs.
-
Must be able to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner, both in writing and verbally.
-
Customer service focus and ability to prioritize and manage multiple, simultaneous tasks.
-
Ability to automate system or application configuration with various configuration management tools, or scripting methods.
-
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Active Directory Services, Microsoft Server OS administration to include Desktop OS integration into Active Directory.
-
Knowledge and experience with virtualized systems.
-
Experience administering complex server infrastructure.
-
Basic knowledge of system security requirements and backup and recovery needs.
-
Requires general knowledge of networking, cabling, and hardware components.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Experience administering firewalls - preferably Palo Alto.
-
Familiarity with network storage systems.
-
Linux Server OS administration experience.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS
-
ITIL Foundations certification (or equivalent) (Preferred)
-
CompTIA A+ Technician (or equivalent) (Preferred)
-
CompTIA Network+ (or equivalent) (Preferred)
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $45.38 - $58.27, Step 1 - Step 6.5.
This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
INTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning, and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.
Position Summary
The Systems Administrator 2 serves as the backup technical administrator for hardware, operating systems, and network management. This position assists in the planning, installation, configuration, and testing of hardware and software components to ensure the integrity, reliability, and security of data and systems. The Systems Administrator 2 supports mobile device deployment and management, IT inventory management, and hardware distribution, while providing customer service and response to incoming support requests. This position applies professional concepts to systems and problems of moderate scope and manages documentation related to inventory, processes, or policy requirements. The Systems Administrator 2 works closely with the Systems Administration team to keep infrastructure stable and secure.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: September 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
-
Respond and process incoming support ticket requests for service from departments within Facilities Services. In particular, manage user accounts, respond to end-user support tickets, and provide backup support for systems administration. (20%)
-
Order, configure, deploy, and manage end user devices, which may include computer workstations, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Manage and maintain inventory. (20%)
-
Under general supervision, manage centralized computer servers. Assist with monitoring and configuring infrastructure to maintain integrity, security, and stability. Perform regular system maintenance activities. (15%)
-
Under general supervision, implement system enhancements (software and hardware updates) that improve the performance and reliability of supported systems. (10%)
-
Work with system administration and project management teams to support departmental projects. (10%)
-
Assist with management and execution of security controls to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data. Includes firewall management, Windows and Linux server security controls. (10%)
-
Monitor disaster recovery systems, campus backup for unit data, and server OS/images. (5%)
-
Apply professional concepts to create and manage documentation related to procedures and policies. (5%)
-
Maintain skills via independent study, self-paced, and/or group training or other resources as approved. (5%)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Must have basic knowledge of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance.
-
Basic knowledge of the design, development, and application of technology and systems to meet business needs.
-
Must be able to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner, both in writing and verbally.
-
Customer service focus and ability to prioritize and manage multiple, simultaneous tasks.
-
Ability to automate system or application configuration with various configuration management tools, or scripting methods.
-
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Active Directory Services, Microsoft Server OS administration to include Desktop OS integration into Active Directory.
-
Knowledge and experience with virtualized systems.
-
Experience administering complex server infrastructure.
-
Basic knowledge of system security requirements and backup and recovery needs.
-
Requires general knowledge of networking, cabling, and hardware components.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Experience administering firewalls - preferably Palo Alto.
-
Familiarity with network storage systems.
-
Linux Server OS administration experience.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS
-
ITIL Foundations certification (or equivalent) (Preferred)
-
CompTIA A+ Technician (or equivalent) (Preferred)
-
CompTIA Network+ (or equivalent) (Preferred)
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $45.38 - $58.27, Step 1 - Step 6.5.
This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
See all 65+ STEM OPT System Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT System Administrator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a System Administrator
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Computer science, information systems, and network administration CIP codes all qualify, but some IT management degrees don't. Confirm with your DSO before targeting STEM OPT roles.
Cross-reference O*NET to document job duties
System Administrator roles span network administration, server management, and cloud infrastructure. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your specific job title to document how your STEM degree connects to each listed task on your I-983 training plan.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
An employer who isn't enrolled in E-Verify can't legally hire you on STEM OPT, even if they want to. Use Migrate Mate to search System Administrator openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers so you aren't wasting applications on ineligible companies.
Target mid-size managed service providers
Managed service providers and IT consulting firms hire System Administrators year-round and typically run leaner HR processes than enterprise companies. Many are already E-Verify enrolled because they hold federal or state contracts, which cuts onboarding friction for STEM OPT candidates.
Submit your I-983 before your OPT end date
Your employer and DSO must sign the I-983 training plan before USCIS can approve your STEM OPT extension. Build in at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires so your DSO has time to update SEVIS and file your I-765 without a gap in work authorization.
Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship timelines at offer
STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, but cap-gap only applies if your employer files an H-1B visa petition before April 1 of your final OPT year. Clarify the company's H-1B filing history and timeline during offer negotiation, not after you've accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a System Administrator?
Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Degrees in computer science, information technology, information systems, and network engineering typically qualify. Degrees in general business or liberal arts IT programs may not. Your DSO can confirm your CIP code and whether your specific degree program is STEM-designated before you apply for the extension.
What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT authorization?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign Form I-983, the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. The I-983 outlines your learning objectives, how the System Administrator role relates to your STEM degree, and how your employer will evaluate your progress. The employer must report any material changes to your training plan to your DSO within five business days.
How do I find System Administrator jobs where the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify?
Not every employer advertises E-Verify enrollment in job postings. Migrate Mate filters System Administrator openings by employers who meet STEM OPT requirements, including E-Verify participation, so you can focus your search on companies that can actually hire you. You can also ask employers directly during the screening call before investing time in interviews.
What happens to my work authorization if my STEM OPT extension is still pending when my initial OPT expires?
If you file your STEM OPT extension application before your initial OPT EAD expires, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization by up to 180 days while the application is pending. This cap-gap provision only applies if your application is timely filed and complete. Work with your DSO to submit the I-765 at least 90 days before your OPT end date to avoid gaps.
Can I switch System Administrator jobs while on STEM OPT?
You can change employers during your STEM OPT extension, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign a new or amended I-983 training plan. You must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days. Any period of unemployment longer than 90 days cumulative during your STEM OPT extension can jeopardize your status, so limit gaps between roles.