IT Network Administrator

West Virginia Northern Community College; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Northern Community College is seeking an IT Network Administrator to maintain the college’s network infrastructure, ensure security, and provide reliable computing environments. You will manage networking devices, user access, and security controls while collaborating with the Director of IT to support campus operations.

The role requires strong networking knowledge, cybersecurity mindset, and the ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, CS, cybersecurity or related field or combination with significant experience
• 3 years of progressively responsible experience with networking fundamentals and configuring network devices
• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and relevant vendor certifications preferred
• Ability to manage network security practices and monitor system health

Responsibilities

• Maintain network infrastructure with high uptime and secure access control
• Collaborate with IT Director and IT Committee to support operations
• Monitor security incidents, perform audits and vulnerability assessments
• Document network architecture and manage user accounts and permissions
• Liaise with ISP for bandwidth and service continuity

Skills

Networking

Cybersecurity

Communication

Network monitoring

Vendor liaison

Education

Bachelor's or Associate in IT/CS/Cybersecurity

Tools

CompTIA Network+

Extreme Network Equipment

Job description

The IT Network Administrator maintains the College’s network infrastructure and ensures a secure, reliable computing environment through daily management of networking systems, user access, and security controls. The role collaborates closely with the Director of IT to support operational needs, uphold strong cybersecurity practices, and deliver excellent customer service across the institution. As stated in the description, the position “maintains the infrastructure required to allow the College to meet all of its computing needs” and ensures that “all user access / permissions will be in the purview with the intent of maintaining a secure environment.” In addition to these responsibilities, the administrator oversees firewall configuration and monitoring as part of maintaining a robust security posture and protecting the College’s network from emerging threats.

The position primarily handles maintenance of networking devices and management of backend processes that keep the network environment secure.

The position will have the full support of the Director of IT who can provide general guidance and collaboration. The IT Committee (if the College deems necessary) will serve as an advisory unit.

Distinguishing Characteristics

IT Network Administrator will be:

• Knowledgeable of current trends in fields of networking and up to date on current threats, specifically but not limited to Comp Tia Network + Certification, Extreme Network Equipment,etc)
• Effective communicator with the ability to convey complex topics to all levels of the organization
• Discipline to monitor the health of the network on a regular basis
• Decisive with priorities and focused on results
• Responsive to College personnel needs

Essential Functions

The Network Administrator has responsibilities in both network and security areas:

% TIME

Network Management (Daily)

• Maintain network structure that promotes security and reliability with uptime of 99.99%.This is inclusive of WIFI, VPN, LAN, WAN, WLAN, etc.
• Collaborate with other IT personnel to maintain smooth operation.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software and network issues using diagnostic tools analyzing network traffic.
• Apply firmware updates and update hardware when appropriate
• Document network architecture to facilitate understanding and allow others to manage in the absence of the Network Administrator.
• Manager user accounts, permissions and passwords to ensure proper access control and compliance.
• Serve as secondary liaison to ISP to maintain sufficient bandwidth to support College activity
• Add/remove/modify user accounts, permissions and passwords

50%

Network Management (Quarterly)

• Serve as secondary liaison to ISP to maintain sufficient bandwidth to support College activity
• Update network documentation
• Review user accounts, permissions and passwords to ensure proper access control and compliance.
• Network inventory review
• Software inventory review

10%

Security Management (Daily)

• Monitor for security incidents and respond appropriately
• Assist in identifying security risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, including conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessment.
• Conduct end-user training
• Conduct software security permission audits

25%

Security Management (Quarterly)

• Conduct regular?security?audits?and?vulnerability?assessments
• Conduct end-user training
• Conduct software security permission audits

10%

Security Management (Annually)

• Assist in arranging and conducting penetration / vulnerability testing specific aimed at satisfying audit & regulatory requirements.

5%

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on the IT Committee (given the College deems an IT Committee as part of the committee structure)
• Attend annual graduation with responsibilities of ensuring technical needs are met
• Travel periodically to all campuses checking that all standards are met
• Performs other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all policies and standards.

Education

Education Level:

Bachelor’s degree Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber security or related field X OR

Associates’ degree Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber security or related field X AND

Certifications Extensive certification of networking and cybersecurity (Applies to Assoc. Degree Only) X

A combination of education and significant experience may be considered for this position. Certifications are in addition to associate degree to be equivalent to Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience

3 years Progressively responsible experience with the implementation and maintenance of networking fundamentals and configuration of network devices -OR- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above. X

1 year A leadership role as a decision maker and authority over an active network X

Management Experience

1 year Managing projects; proven skills in multiple projects management and successful history of planning, implementing and maintaining IT Networks systems. X

Licenses and Certifications

Comp TIA Networking + Within 6 Months X

Extreme (Network) Certifications X

Skills and Abilities

Oversight/Supervision of those providing these services: AssessmentData Management, SQL, Banner, Microsoft Office, Windows, OASIS, VOIP, Door Locks/I.D. Badges. Demonstrable competence in executive leadership with significant business and leadership acumen.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate information security and risk-related concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences at various hierarchical levels, ranging from senior executives to technical specialists.

Strategic leader and builder of both vision and bridges, and able to energize the appropriate teams in the organization.

Up-to-date knowledge of methodologies and trends in both higher education and IT.

Poise and ability to act calmly and competently in high-pressure, high-stress situations.

Must be a critical thinker, with strong problem-solving skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as: Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Payment Card Industry/Data Security Standard (PCI).

Excellent analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines, as well as the ability to work well in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.

Project management skills: scheduling and resource management.

A master of influencing entities and decisions in situations where no formal reporting structures exist, but achieving the desirable outcome is vital.

Excellent stakeholder management skills.

Collaboration/Service

• Internal X External X Exchange of routine, factual information and/or answering routine questions.
• Internal X External X Exchange detailed information or resolve varied problems.
• Internal X External X Access to and/or works with sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Internal X External X Identify needs/concerns of others, determine potential solutions, resolve or redirect appropriately.
• Internal X External X Persuade, gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas or collaborate on significant projects.
• Internal X External X Resolve conflict, negotiate or collaborate on major projects.
• Internal X External X Handle sensitive issues and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.
• Internal X External X Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts to enhance workflow and work quality.

Decision Impact

Decisions have major implications on the strategy, operational and business decisions that affect the department. Problems are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation. Problems are solved using knowledge and skills, and general precedents and practices.

Work Evaluation

Works is accomplished with limited direction. Determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is evaluated upon completion to ensure objectives have been met.