Senior Systems Administrator

• Computer Systems Officer Level 5
• Temporary Full-Time up to August 2027
• Parramatta

About us

The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) is one of the largest police forces in the western world, with more than 20,000 employees, including more than 4,000 administrative employees who support the sworn officers that provide a range of law and order services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the socially, geographically and culturally diverse community of NSW.

About the role

We have an opportunity for a Senior Systems Administrator (OpenShift/Kubernetes SME) to be part of our IPS-Hosting Platform, Technology and Communication Services Command team. The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for the planning, designing, supporting and maintaining the organisation's ICT systems, and to ensure secure access and availability in accordance with the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Configuration and Management: Managing openshift resources (pods, services, deployments, namespaces), RHEL VMs(jumpbox, dhcp server and so on) ensuring efficient resource utilization and adherence to organizational standards
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Proactively identifying and resolving performance issues, system errors, and other operational challenges within the openshift and RHEL VMs environments.
• Automation: Developing scripts and tools to streamline deployment, configuration, and maintenance tasks, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.
• Collaboration: Working closely with development, operations, and other teams to define requirements and implement changes within the kubernetes or openshift infrastructure
• Security: Ensuring compliance with security policies and role base access control within the openshift environment, protecting sensitive data and systems.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Extensive kubernetes or openshift Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience managing kubernetes or openshift in production environments, including a deep understanding of kubernetes or openshift architecture, internals, and operational patterns.
• Containerization: Strong knowledge of containerization technologies like Dockerd, podman preferred.
• Container registry: Quay, container signing.
• Monitoring and Observability: Experience with monitoring and observability tools like Prometheus, Grafana, solarwinds, alertmanager.
• Networking: Understanding of services, routes, SSL certificates, firewalls, ingress controller and network policies within a kubernetes or openshift context.
• Storage cluster expertise: Ceph, portworx, Openshift Data foundation.
• Scripting and Automation: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python, Bash for automating tasks and managing infrastructure.
• Linux Proficiency: Strong background in Linux administration and scripting (Bash/Shell, Python).
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot complex issues within a kubernetes or openshift environment and find effectivesolutions.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Desirable skills and Certs:

• BGP Pool with Metallb.
• Openshift advanced cluster Security.
• Linux Systems Admin Certification, Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration (preferred but not essential).

View the relevant role description for more information on this role (e.g. essential requirements, key accountabilities, key challenges and capabilities required for the role)

What we can offer you

At NSWPF our people have access to a range of benefits that help balance life at work and at home. Some of the benefits available when you join the NSWPF include:
- competitive salary;
- flexible work options;
- opportunity to purchase leave;
- annual leave loading;
- corporate wellbeing programs including seminars and the Fitness Passport;
- free annual influenza vaccination;
- salary packaging options via superannuation contributions or a novated vehicle lease;
- convenient location for public transport and to shops etc; and
- in-house gym facilities.

How to Apply

Applications can only be submitted electronically via the I Work for NSW website.

To be considered for this role, attach a cover letter (2 pages maximum) and an up-to-date resume that clearly details your skills & experience as relevant to this role.

Please do not attach copies of qualifications, certificates or documentation (other than what has been requested) - you can bring these if called for interview.

Please address each of the following Target Questions (500 words per question) in the text boxes provided in the online application or attach as a separate document.

Target Question 1:

Give an example of a time where some of pods were in Terminating state for longer than expected. Describe in your own words in detail steps you took to troubleshoot it and what was the outcome. 

Please do not use any AI or Google to answer this question

Target Question 2:

You have been tasked to upgrade kebernetes or openshift cluster from version A to B. Please provide a real example of what you did to achieve this and include any tools used and the outcome. 

Please do not use any AI or Google to answer this question.

Your application must stand on its own merits, and the completeness and relevance of your application will determine if you proceed through to the selection process.

If you require any further information about this opportunity, please contact the hiring manager Anna Bonanno via

To be eligible to apply for this role, you must meet one of the following statuses:

• an Australian Citizen;
• a permanent resident of Australia; or
• a New Zealand citizen.

Prior to commencement, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a rigorous National Police (criminal history) Check and obtain and maintain a Security Clearance as determined by the NSW Police Force.

Our commitment to Diversity:

The NSW Police Force is a proud employer of a diverse range of people. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees. Differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and people of all ages.

If you identify as a person with disability and require further information on the role or you require specific arrangements to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the HR Diversity Team by email at PCC-

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application, please contact the NSWPF Aboriginal Employment & Engagement team at PCC-

This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.

For more information on applying for roles with the NSW Police Force click here

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.