Description
Job Summary:
The Network Administrator is responsible for designing, managing, and maintaining the organization’s wired and wireless network infrastructure to ensure performance, security, and scalability. This role supports the ongoing transition to a cloud-first environment, including integration between on-premises and Entra ID services, while maintaining high availability and compliance with NIST and CJIS standards. The Network Administrator will oversee network performance, implement upgrades, and collaborate closely with the Security Administrator and Systems Administrator to ensure secure, efficient connectivity for all users and systems.
Essential Functions: (Essential functions require presence in the workplace on a regular basis. In order to accomplish this, regular attendance MUST be maintained. This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent. Incumbent is expected to perform other related duties, as assigned.)
Network Design, Implementation & Maintenance
Install, configure, and maintain LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless network infrastructure, including Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitches, and FortiAP wireless access points.
Manage routing, switching, VLANs, and network segmentation across 20+ switches and multiple network segments.
Maintain hybrid connectivity between on-premises Active Directory and Entra ID during transition to cloud-first architecture.
Implement and maintain QoS, load balancing, and traffic shaping to optimize performance.
Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting
Monitor network performance and availability, ensuring optimal uptime for 250+ endpoints and all network services.
Use network diagnostic and analysis tools to proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with firewalls, switches, VPN tunnels, wireless infrastructure, and cloud network connectivity.
Perform periodic failover testing and redundancy validation.
Security & Compliance
Configure and manage firewall rules, VPN access policies, and NAC (Network Access Control) to enforce security requirements.
Collaborate with the Security Administrator on SIEM alerts (Arctic Wolf) and vulnerability findings.
Ensure network design and operations meet NIST and CJIS compliance standards.
Support secure onboarding of new network devices, including IoT and operational technology.
Upgrades & Projects
Plan and implement network upgrades, firmware updates, and configuration changes.
Participate in IT infrastructure projects, including network expansion, datacenter upgrades, and migration to cloud-based services.
Evaluate and recommend emerging networking technologies to improve resilience and scalability.
Documentation & Collaboration
Maintain detailed network diagrams, configuration backups, IP address management records, and change logs.
Collaborate with IT peers to support integrated security, server, and application environments.
Provide Tier 2/3 support for complex connectivity issues escalated from the help desk.
Requirements
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field preferred.
Equivalent work experience and relevant certifications considered.
Experience:
3–5 years of hands-on network administration experience in a multi-site environment.
Proven experience with Fortinet network infrastructure and VPN management.
Strong understanding of LAN/WAN architecture, VLAN configuration, and wireless network optimization.
Experience supporting hybrid or cloud-integrated network environments (Azure/Entra ID preferred).
Preferred Tools & Platforms:
FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, Microsoft Azure Networking, Entra ID, network monitoring tools (e.g., PRTG, SolarWinds, FortiAnalyzer).
Certifications (Preferred, Not Required):
Fortinet NSE certifications, CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or equivalent.
Skills:
Experience and knowledge with working with CrowdStrike Falcon, Arctic Wolf, Azure/Entra ID and Microsoft Defender.
Proficiency in network design, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
Working knowledge of NIST and CJIS compliance for networking.
Scripting/automation experience in PowerShell or Python preferred.
Strong communication, documentation, and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Full-time with occasional evening/weekend work for upgrades or maintenance.
On-call rotation for urgent network incidents.
Physical demands include the ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift/move networking equipment.
