Linux Server admin (experienced) GIG

Overview
A US-based technology services company is seeking an experienced Linux/DevOps professional to serve as a live technical advisor during the deployment of a pre-written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The SOP is already complete and contains ready-to-use, copy-paste code blocks. Your job is to remote in, watch the operator's screen in real time as they execute each step, answer questions as they arise, offer suggestions, and help catch anything that looks off before it becomes a problem.
This is not a hands-on-keyboard role. You are the expert in the room (virtually), guiding and validating the work as it's executed.
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Work Arrangement

• Fully remote – you will join a live screen-share session (e.g., Zoom, Meet, or similar).
• Estimated total time: ~21 to 25 hours, broken into 7-8 scheduled sessions (not one marathon block). Could be faster because you are watching and talking to the user.
• Flexible scheduling – sessions are coordinated in advance around mutual availability.
• 8 3 hours sessions you will be paid $125.00 after 3 sessions then 125.00 after four more sessions. Then after 25 hours you will get paid 9.00 USD per every extra hour.
• 250.00 USD for 25 hours or less
• If it goes longer than 25 hours you will be paid 9.00 USD an hour each extra hour

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What You'll Be Doing

• Watch the operator's screen as they work through the pre-written SOP, executing each copy-paste code block and configuration step.
• Answer technical questions in real time (e.g., "Is this the right flag for pg_dump?" or "Should this UFW rule come before or after that one?" or "This output looks different from what the SOP says—am I okay to continue?").
• Make suggestions where you see a safer, cleaner, or more efficient approach than what's in the SOP.
• Flag errors or unexpected outputs before they get locked in.
• Validate accuracy of commands, configurations, and outputs as each step is executed.
• Help troubleshoot if a code block doesn't behave as the SOP describes.
• Keep the tone collaborative – you're a trusted second set of eyes, not a micromanager.

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Technical Areas Covered in the SOP (Your Expertise Should Span These)
Area What We Need You to Know
Linux Administration Ubuntu Server: users/permissions, systemd services, package management, cron, log analysis (journalctl, /var/log), resource troubleshooting (CPU/RAM/disk)
Docker & Docker Compose Deploy, update, restart, and debug multi-container stacks; read/write compose files; manage volumes and networks
PostgreSQL Routine admin: dumps/restores (pg_dump), user/role management, verifying backup integrity
Reverse Proxy & TLS Caddy or Nginx: virtual hosts, automatic HTTPS / Let's Encrypt renewal, redirect rules
Firewall & Hardening UFW/iptables, SSH key-only authentication, fail2ban, disabling root login, least-privilege user setup
Monitoring & Alerting Uptime Kuma (or Prometheus/Grafana): configuring checks, alert channels, status pages
Backups & Disaster Recovery Scripted backups (bash + cron), off-server copies (rsync/rclone/object storage), and actual restore drills
DNS Management A/CNAME records, TTLs, subdomains, nameserver changes (Cloudflare experience preferred)
Bash Scripting Write and maintain small maintenance/backup scripts; read and modify existing scripts safely
Git Clone, commit, push – all configuration changes tracked in a private repository
Documentation & English Clear written English; every step must be documented. "If it isn't documented, it didn't happen."
Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Experience with self-hosted workflow-automation tools
• Familiarity with transactional email services and deliverability basics
• Familiarity with budget VPS providers (InterServer, Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr)
• Basic understanding of webhook-based application integrations

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What This Role Does NOT Include

• You are not writing or building the SOP – it's already done with copy-paste code blocks. You're advising while it's deployed.
• No independent server access – you observe the operator's session only.

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How to Apply
Please include the following:
1. A 60–90 second voice recording: Introduce yourself, summarize your technical background, and explain which of the listed areas you're strongest in. Speak naturally – no scripts.
2. Proof of hands-on experience: GitHub profile, scripts, homelab write-up, or relevant certifications.
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This is a focused, short-term advisory engagement. The SOP is written. The code blocks are ready. We just need a sharp, patient expert watching over the shoulder to make sure every step lands cleanly. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, apply.
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