Listening to music and attending live concerts
Cole Leavitt
Linux Systems Administrator
Tucson,Arizona
Summary
Skilled Linux Systems Administrator with 5+ years of experience in server administration, automation, and optimization. Proven track record of designing, developing and maintaining complex software systems and managing server infrastructures across various Linux distributions. Adept at implementing high-availability solutions, migrating on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, and conducting vulnerability assessments to strengthen security posture.
Experienced in Ansible automation, configuration management with Puppet and Chef, virtualization with VMware and KVM, and containerization using Docker and Kubernetes. Proficient in networking protocols, monitoring tools like Nagios and ELK stack, and utilizing security tools such as Nmap and Metasploit for penetration testing.
Passionate about educating and mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Taught advanced Linux administration and cybersecurity concepts to improve student grades. Deployed interactive Capture the Flag events on AWS to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Detail-oriented troubleshooter with excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively across IT teams. Flexible and results-driven, thriving in fast-paced environments to deliver high-quality solutions under tight deadlines.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
22
22
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Freelance Linux Systems Administrator
Self Employed
01.2018 - Current
- Provide Linux server administration, automation, and optimization services to various clients
- Implement and manage high-availability solutions using HAProxy, Keepalived, and Pacemaker
- Develop Ansible playbooks for efficient server provisioning and configuration management
- Migrate on-premises infrastructure to AWS and Azure, optimizing cost and performance
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security risks
- Identified and resolved network congestion issues and bottlenecks.
- Ensured optimal server uptime, monitoring system health and performing routine maintenance.
Teachers Assistant - Cybersecurity and Artifical Intelligence (AI)
Pima Joint Technical Education District
8 2021 - 5 2023
- Maintained and configured a server rack with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, enabling students to safely perform penetration tests in an isolated environment
- Taught 15 students advanced Linux administration and cybersecurity concepts, resulting in an average grade improvement of 15%
- Assisted in deploying interactive CTF events using AWS infrastructure, strengthening students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Networking/Cyber Defense
05.2001 - 05.2023
- 4.0 GPA
- Ranked in Top 1 % of class
- Completed AP course in Cyber Security
- Professional Development: Pima JTED Dual Enrollment configuring infrastructure and helping resolve issues
Skills
Accomplishments
- Bitcoin 2022: Exodus Writing Contest Winner (5000 Contestants)
- Tanque Verde High School: Honorable Student Recongition for Protection of Technology
Interests
Cooking and experimenting with new cuisines
Timeline
Freelance Linux Systems Administrator - Self Employed
01.2018 - Current
Pima Community College - Associate of Applied Science, Networking/Cyber Defense
05.2001 - 05.2023
Teachers Assistant - Cybersecurity and Artifical Intelligence (AI) - Pima Joint Technical Education District
8 2021 - 5 2023
Projects
Tux - Discord Bot for All Things Linux Community, Developed features for moderation, support, utility, and fun commands using Python and discord.py library, PostgreSQL, AWS EC2, Docker, Jenkins Vulnerability Assessment: Tanque Verde Unified School District, Summary: Identify vulnerabilities, attempt to exploit and gain access within scope (Small School District). Reported findings and remediation strategies to mitigate any discovered vulnerabilities., OSINT, nmap, wfuzz, dirb, gobuster, hydra, john, hashcat, metasploit, msfvenom, autorecon, burpsuite, bloodhound, dnsrecon
Hobbies
- Avid music lover, frequently listening to a wide range of genres including rock, metal, and international artists like Bad Wolves, Linkin Park, From Ashes to New, Three Days Grace, and Daughtry. Enjoy attending live concerts for the immersive audio experience and cultural exposure.
- Passionate home cook who loves experimenting with diverse cuisines and flavors from around the world. Find joy and relaxation in preparing meals from scratch, drawing culinary inspiration from travels and music. Always eager to attempt new recipes and expand my repertoire of international dishes.
- Dedicated to expanding cultural horizons through exploring global music scenes, especially Spanish and Russian influences. Believe that diverse artistic exposure fuels personal and professional creativity. Continually curating eclectic playlists for both personal enjoyment and sharing with others.
Projects
Tux - Discord Bot for All Things Linux Community, Developed features for moderation, support, utility, and fun commands using Python and discord.py library, PostgreSQL, AWS EC2, Docker, Jenkins Vulnerability Assessment: Tanque Verde Unified School District, Summary: Identify vulnerabilities, attempt to exploit and gain access within scope (Small School District). Reported findings and remediation strategies to mitigate any discovered vulnerabilities., OSINT, nmap, wfuzz, dirb, gobuster, hydra, john, hashcat, metasploit, msfvenom, autorecon, burpsuite, bloodhound, dnsrecon
Hobbies
- Avid music lover, frequently listening to a wide range of genres including rock, metal, and international artists like Bad Wolves, Linkin Park, From Ashes to New, Three Days Grace, and Daughtry. Enjoy attending live concerts for the immersive audio experience and cultural exposure.
- Passionate home cook who loves experimenting with diverse cuisines and flavors from around the world. Find joy and relaxation in preparing meals from scratch, drawing culinary inspiration from travels and music. Always eager to attempt new recipes and expand my repertoire of international dishes.
- Dedicated to expanding cultural horizons through exploring global music scenes, especially Spanish and Russian influences. Believe that diverse artistic exposure fuels personal and professional creativity. Continually curating eclectic playlists for both personal enjoyment and sharing with others.