Hadoop Cluster Administrator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of big data, the role of the Hadoop Cluster Administrator has become increasingly crucial.

As data continues to multiply, the need for skilled professionals who can organize, manage, and secure our data infrastructure grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Hadoop Cluster Administrator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of data management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Hadoop Cluster Administrator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Hadoop Cluster Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining Hadoop clusters and the ecosystem.

They ensure efficient and consistent data storage and processing.

Their role is critical in big data operations and involves a variety of tasks, including:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining enterprise Hadoop environments
• Managing and reviewing Hadoop log files
• Implementing security measures and safeguarding data integrity within the Hadoop ecosystem
• Performance tuning of Hadoop clusters and Hadoop MapReduce routines
• Monitoring Hadoop cluster connectivity and security
• Developing and implementing best practices for Hadoop cluster backup and disaster recovery
• Collaborating with data architects, modelers, and IT team members on project goals
• Managing and coordinating software platform and application upgrades
• Providing technical support and training to end-users
• Keeping up to date with advancements and best practices in Hadoop administration

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified Hadoop Cluster Administrator to maintain and manage our large-scale Hadoop clusters.

This role requires a deep understanding of Hadoop architecture, principles, and tools for effective data management.

The Hadoop Cluster Administrator will take responsibility for the installation, configuration, tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting of our Hadoop ecosystem.

In addition, you should have a strong ability to ensure data integrity, availability, and security across our clusters.

 

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support Hadoop clusters and its ecosystems, including HDFS, MapReduce, YARN, Hive, and HBase.
• Implement and manage Hadoop’s security features, including Kerberos and Ranger.
• Monitor Hadoop cluster connectivity and performance.
• Plan and execute major platform software and operating system upgrades and maintenance.
• Develop best practices and architectural standards for Hadoop.
• Ensure high availability and data recovery measures are in place.
• Perform troubleshooting and diagnose Hadoop-related issues.
• Work with data delivery teams to set up new Hadoop users and manage backup and recovery tasks.
• Maintain updated knowledge of the Hadoop ecosystem and related technologies.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Hadoop Administrator, managing Hadoop clusters.
• Proficiency in Hadoop cluster setup, performance tuning and monitoring tools.
• Understanding of Hadoop’s core concepts and layers including HDFS, MapReduce, and YARN.
• Strong knowledge of Unix/Linux systems.
• Experience with Hadoop ecosystem tools, such as Hive, Pig, HBase, and Flume.
• Good understanding of network configuration, devices, protocols, speeds and optimization.
• Experience with cloud environments such as AWS, GCP or Azure is a plus.
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hadoop Cluster Administrator
• Work Environment: This role is typically based in an office, with the possibility of remote work. It may require occasional travel.
• Reporting Structure: You will be reporting directly to the IT Manager or the Data Operations Manager.
• Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $165,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hadoop Cluster Administrator Do?

Hadoop Cluster Administrators work primarily in the field of big data, managing the distribution and storage of large datasets across clusters of computers.

These administrators are crucial for organizations dealing with complex and voluminous data.

They are responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining Hadoop clusters, which are a collection of computers, also known as nodes, that are networked together to perform high-performance operations.

Hadoop Cluster Administrators plan and deploy Hadoop clusters, and they also maintain the health of the cluster by tracking its usage and ensuring it is performing optimally.

They also handle data backup and recovery tasks, troubleshoot application errors and ensure that all the applications have sufficient resources to run efficiently.

In addition to this, they are responsible for adding and removing nodes in a Hadoop cluster, configuring name-node high availability, and keeping a track of jobs running on the cluster.

Moreover, a Hadoop Cluster Administrator has a key role in managing security for the cluster, which includes setting up user permissions and access controls.

They typically work with software engineers, data scientists, system administrators, and other IT staff to ensure that the data is accessible, secure, and properly distributed across the Hadoop cluster.

Therefore, a Hadoop Cluster Administrator plays a critical role in managing and maintaining the infrastructure that allows for efficient and effective data analysis.

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Hadoop Cluster Administrator must possess a range of technical skills, industry knowledge and interpersonal abilities, such as:

• Strong expertise in Hadoop cluster connectivity and security, configuring, managing, and deploying Hadoop clusters.
• Deep understanding of the Hadoop ecosystem and associated tools, such as Hive, Pig, and HBase.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, debug and propose viable solutions for various operational issues in the Hadoop infrastructure.
• Good at troubleshooting and performance tuning of Hadoop clusters, using tools like Ganglia, Nagios, or Cloudera Manager.
• Strong knowledge of Linux as Hadoop systems are typically deployed on Linux-based servers.
• Experience in working with big data storage, ETL techniques and big data analytics.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Shell or Python.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with data scientists, data analysts and other stakeholders to ensure the optimal operation of the cluster.
• Exceptional communication skills to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical team members.

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Hadoop Cluster Administrators may have 1 to 2 years of experience working with big data technologies, often gained through a relevant internship or part-time role.

Such roles could include Data Analyst, Big Data Developer, or Database Administrator.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have in-depth knowledge of Hadoop concepts and principles.

They are usually familiar with Hadoop ecosystem components such as HBase, Hive, and Pig, and have hands-on experience in troubleshooting and debugging Hadoop jobs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive experience with Linux, as Hadoop runs on it, and are proficient in scripting languages like Python or Bash.

They may also have experience in cloud environments like AWS or Azure.

Furthermore, Hadoop Administrators with over 5 years of experience may have been responsible for managing large scale Hadoop clusters and ensuring their availability, performance, and security.

They may have leadership experience and could be ready for a managerial position overseeing a team of administrators or developers.

Certain roles might require specific certifications such as Cloudera Certified Hadoop Administrator or Hortonworks Certified Administrator to validate the skills and knowledge of the Hadoop platform.

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Education and Training Requirements

A Hadoop Cluster Administrator generally has a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field.

They need to have a good understanding of the Hadoop Ecosystem, and familiarity with Hadoop tools and technologies such as HDFS, YARN, MapReduce, Hive, Pig, HBase, Spark, and Kafka.

Advanced level roles may require a master’s degree in a specific IT discipline or a related field.

Some Hadoop Cluster Administrators may also possess a certification from recognized bodies such as Cloudera, Hortonworks or Apache.

Experience with Linux operating system and its command line interface, network and server administration, database management, and programming languages like Java, Python or Scala is generally preferred.

Ongoing learning is crucial in this role, as the Hadoop Ecosystem is continually evolving.

Therefore, Hadoop Cluster Administrators are often expected to keep their skills up-to-date and learn new tools and technologies as they emerge.

Certain employers may also require a minimum number of years of experience working with Big Data and Hadoop clusters.

This experience can often be gained through internships, entry-level positions, or even through hands-on projects during academic studies.

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Salary Expectations

A Hadoop Cluster Administrator can expect to earn an average salary of $124,406 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s years of experience, professional certifications, the size of the company, and the cost of living in the job’s location.

 

Hadoop Cluster Administrator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hadoop Cluster Administrator need?

A Hadoop Cluster Administrator should have strong knowledge of Hadoop ecosystem components like HDFS, MapReduce, HBase, Hive, Yarn, and others.

They should also have proficiency in Linux as Hadoop runs on Linux.

Other important skills include SQL and database management, networking, understanding of coding languages like Java, Python, or Scala, and knowledge of cloud platforms.

 

Do Hadoop Cluster Administrators need a degree?

While there isn’t a specific degree requirement for Hadoop Cluster Administrators, most professionals in this field have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.

In addition to this, having a certification in Hadoop administration can significantly enhance job prospects.

 

What should you look for in a Hadoop Cluster Administrator resume?

A Hadoop Cluster Administrator resume should highlight the candidate’s experience with Hadoop components, Linux system administration, cloud platforms, and database management.

It should also mention their proficiency in programming languages like Java, Python, or Scala.

Certifications in Hadoop Administration and any experience in handling large data clusters will be a significant plus.

 

What qualities make a good Hadoop Cluster Administrator?

A good Hadoop Cluster Administrator should be detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.

They should be able to work independently and in a team, and have excellent communication skills to explain technical details to non-technical team members.

They should be comfortable with continuously updating their skills and knowledge as Hadoop technology evolves rapidly.

 

Is it difficult to hire Hadoop Cluster Administrators?

Yes, finding experienced Hadoop Cluster Administrators can be challenging.

This is a highly specialized role requiring a mix of skills in Linux, networking, database management, and understanding of the Hadoop ecosystem.

The field is also rapidly evolving, which means the candidate should be open to continual learning.

Offering competitive salaries and a supportive learning environment can help attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the ins and outs of what it really means to be a Hadoop Cluster Administrator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing clusters.

It’s about shaping the data-centric future, one cluster at a time.

With our ready-to-use Hadoop Cluster Administrator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the leap.

But why halt at that?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every cluster managed is a part of the bigger data-driven picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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