Required server expert for my website

I need an experienced Linux specialist to bring a brand-new production server online and keep it rock-solid over time. The box is still vanilla, so you’ll start from first boot, handle full system configuration, lock it down, and put a sensible maintenance routine in place.

Scope of work
• Initial setup and configuration: partitioning, users, SSH, locale, time sync, and any performance tunables a modern distro requires.
• Security and firewall hardening: best-practice SSH settings, fail2ban, iptables/ufw rules, and routine log-audit automation.
• Ongoing maintenance plan: scripted update workflow, package patching, monitoring hooks, and a brief hand-off document so every change is reproducible.

I’m working exclusively with a Linux server environment; no Windows or mixed-cloud stack is involved. Please factor that into your tooling—Ansible, Bash, or other automation you prefer is fine as long as the result is documented and reproducible.

Deliverables are considered complete when:
1. The server boots cleanly, passes an external vulnerability scan, and all firewall rules function as intended.
2. A concise README details every step you performed and includes commands or playbooks for future updates.
3. I can run a single command (or playbook) to apply routine security patches without service interruption.

If this fits your wheelhouse, tell me how soon you can start and which distribution you’re most comfortable hardening.

Detailed dcument will be share on chat