Information Technology Spec 3 - Network Administrator

State of Minnesota; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Pension plan

Job summary

Minnesota State in South Central College seeks an Information Technology Spec 3 - Network Administrator to design, install, and maintain the college's network infrastructure while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. The role focuses on reliable data sharing, secure connectivity, and governance aligned with NIST 800-171.

The incumbent serves as a technical lead for network security, operates SIEM tools, and collaborates with SCC IT staff to uphold standards and secure operations during

Qualifications

• Three years IT work experience with progressive experience in Microsoft Networks, Network Hardware and VoIP configurations.
• Experience with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network equipment including NAT, VLAN, VPN, VoIP, and data encryption.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, standards, and best practices; able to analyze and resolve complex network issues.
• Understanding of WAN Routing and Firewall best practices.
• Experience writing documentation including system design and configuration documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and repair with minimal downtime.

Responsibilities

• Configure and maintain network equipment to provide secure and reliable services.
• Test and implement new network services for IP-based protocols.
• Establish and maintain a baseline of network performance and monitor security.
• Coordinate network security policies with SCC IT staff.
• Maintain documentation for network designs, configurations, and procedures.

Skills

Microsoft Networks

Network Hardware

VoIP configurations

NIST 800-171 compliance

Documentation writing

Education

Two-year college degree in Network Administration

Tools

Aruba network equipment

SIEM tools (MS Defender/Defender for Identity, Splunk)

VPN

Job description

Information Technology Spec 3 - Network Administrator

Working Title: Information Technology Spec 3 - Network Administrator
Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 3
Agency: Minnesota State

• Job ID: 96977
• Location : Mankato
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 09/15/2026
• Closing Date : 10/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : MN St Colleges & Universities / S Central TC-Mankato-MAPE
• Appointment Type : Unlimited, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $33.96 - $55.83 / hourly; $70,908 - $116,573 / annually
• Job Class Option : Network
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

POSITION PURPOSE

To provide reliable, secure, productive and convenient networked data sharing, printing, and communication services to faculty, staff, administrators and students of South Central College through the design, installation and maintenance of the college’s network systems software and hardware. The position serves as a primary technical lead for network security and compliance, including implementation and operational support of security controls aligned with NIST 800-171, Minnesota State system security policies, and applicable legal and regulatory standards. The incumbent also assesses, maintains, and periodically upgrades cybersecurity controls and network infrastructure to ensure secure, compliant, and resilient operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

• Configure and maintain network equipment to provide secure and reliable network services.
  • Install and maintain firewalls, routers, switches, virtual private network equipment, VoIP phone systems and other network equipment following state of Minnesota, Minnesota State and standard industry guidelines and practices.
  • Evaluate and implement network security configurations that support compliance with NIST 800-171, Minnesota State security requirements, and industry best practices.
  • Design and configure network equipment to provide quality of service for video and voice over IP applications and services.
  • Test, evaluate and implement new network services to support a wide variety of IP-based network protocols and services.
  • Provide procedures that support staff or users should use to prevent or correct network problems and security related issues.
• Provide comprehensive planning and implementation of college‑wide network services that will provide reliable and secure data transport services.
  • Analyze college operations, policies and procedures associated with network and data security.
  • Identify and maintain services needed to support college operations and changes to comply with data and network security policies and procedures.
  • Research and recommend appropriate development platforms and network applications.
  • Identify and maintain the equipment and applications needed to provide proper network services within the parameters and outlines of state of Minnesota, Minnesota State and college policies and procedures.
  • Develop and direct overall network architecture.
  • Conduct design reviews and risk assessments to ensure proposed solutions meet security, compliance, and operational requirements.
  • Align network architecture with evolving cybersecurity standards and NIST control families.

Overall responsibility for monitoring college‑wide network security and performance.

• Establish and maintain a baseline of network performance for college wide network services. Monitor network security through SIEM tools such as MDE, MDI, and Splunk to identify and resolve network security issues.
• Monitor network performance and adjust network design and equipment configurations to improve data flow performance and/or security.
• Monitor usage to ensure that any user or group isn’t utilizing network resources in a manner that adversely affects other network users of otherwise violates federal, state, Minnesota State, and SCC acceptable use policies / laws.
• Coordinate network application security policies with SCC IT staff.
• Report all security violations to supervisor and appropriate Minnesota State and State of MN agencies.
• Keep current with Minnesota State and NIST 800-171 security standards and procedures.
• Establish and maintain documentation necessary to allow the maintenance and restoration of all network services in the network administrator’s absence.
  • Equipment specifications and configurations
  • Software license and registration information
  • College‑wide network designs, including diagrams, as appropriate
  • Resource locations and installation procedures, referencing technical or user documentation, as appropriate
  • Any customizations and configuration details
  • System‑level passwords or other security information needed to access all network equipment
  • Manufacturer warranty and support contact information.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of thedepartment and maintain the reputation of theorganization as a viable business partner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three years IT work experience with progressive experience in Microsoft Networks, Network Hardware and VoIP configurations.

Experience with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network equipment including an understanding of data networks including the use of network address translation (NAT), virtual local area network (VLAN), virtual private network (VPN), wireless network management (VoIP) Voice/Video over IP and data encryption.

Strong understanding of network security principles, standards, and best practices, with proven ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex network performance and connectivity issues.

Working knowledge of WAN Routing and Firewall best practices and procedures.

Understanding of NIST IT security controls as it relates to network security issues and practices.

Experience writing documentation including establishing and maintaining system design and configuration documentation along with being able to present information and ideas to group(s) of people.

Ability to look at a problem, identify the issue, and repair with minimal downtime, either independently or leading a team.

Preferred Qualifications

Two-year college degree with major course work in Network Administration.

Possession of industry certifications relating to job description.

One year or more of IT experience in higher education – preferably in the Minnesota State system.

Experience with Aruba network equipment

Proficiency with SIEM tools such as Microsoft Defender Endpoint and/or Microsoft Defender for Identity and/or Splunk

About Minnesota State

South Central College is a comprehensive community and technical college that is part of the Minnesota State system, with campuses in Faribault and North Mankato. To learn more about South Central College visit: www.southcentral.edu

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.