IT Manager

Job description

About RBR

At RBR, we’ve been making waves in oceanography since 1973, designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet. Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From Friday lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on taking on complex and exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role

We are looking for an IT Manager to take the helm of our IT function and lead it into the future. This is a player-coach role: You’ll guide our transition from relying on a third-party provider to building a strong, dedicated in-house function. You’ll be hands-on with infrastructure, systems, and user support, while also setting the long-term direction for IT at RBR.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, you’ll balance daily troubleshooting (keeping our sails trimmed and lines untangled) with long-term planning (charting the course for policies, standards, and a growing IT crew). If you thrive in fast currents, juggle multiple lines without dropping them, and love solving problems on the fly, we want you at the helm.

What you’ll do

• ⚙️ Keep the engines running : Maintain servers (Windows, Linux), storage, apps (Jira, Confluence, GSuite), and workstations

• Mind the rigging : Design and maintain networks (VLANs, DHCP, DNS) that stay secure and seaworthy

• Write the ship’s log : Shape IT policies and processes that are simple, scalable, and designed to serve the mission — not the other way around.

• Support the crew : Be the go-to for IT issues across macOS, Windows, and Linux; create guides and training to keep the crew self-sufficient

• Provision supplies : Manage vendors and purchasing so we’re always stocked with the right gear

• Chart the course : Develop a roadmap that balances day-to-day stability with long-term scalability. You’ll start as a one-person crew but lay the keel for a growing IT team

Job requirements

What you bring on board

• 5+ years of IT administration/management experience (degree/diploma in IT or CS a plus)

• Expertise in networking (VLANs, DHCP, DNS, architecture)

• Knowledge of macOS, Linux, and Windows operating systems

• Familiarity with virtualization (Hyper-V, Proxmox, VMware), containers are a bonus

• Troubleshooting instincts : you can fix problems quickly, even in stormy conditions

• ️ Clear communication : able to talk with techies, execs, and everyone in between

• ⚡ Agility under pressure : thrive in fast, interrupt-driven environments without getting swamped

• Collaboration : comfortable sailing solo or working as part of the fleet

• Strategic vision : not just patching leaks, but charting the course for IT growth and modernization

Nice to haves

• Experience managing relational databases

• Bash scripting or automation experience in Linux environments

• Passion for designing, improving, and maintaining IT infrastructure

The RBR mindset

• Passion for environmental impact and climate science

• Thrives in fast-paced , mission-driven environments

• Loves solving unique technical challenges

• Collaborative spirit with interrupt-driven adaptability

• Creative and resourceful approach to problem-solving

• Enjoys unique challenges and innovative solutions

• Embraces new technologies and modern development approaches

Why you'll love working at RBR

• 20 days of vacation, plus a company-wide holiday shutdown and paid sick days

• ⏰ Work from wherever Wednesdays (most roles eligible)

• Benefits from day 1 & RRSP contribution matching

• Bonus program

• Annual fitness reimbursement program

• Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)

• EV reimbursement program + on-site charging stations

• Charitable donation matching

• Monthly Friday lunches (on us)!

• Team events and social activities

• Collaborative, supportive work environment

• Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines

• Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

On-site

• Ottawa , Ontario , Canada

Research & Development

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