IT Tech Assoc - Network Eng

Eastern Illinois University; Charleston (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Tuition Waivers

Retirement Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, seeks a Senior Network Engineer to maintain and upgrade the campus network, including Core/Edge routers, switches, and wireless infrastructure. You will ensure reliability for students and staff through proactive monitoring and testing.

The role involves installing hardware/software, managing VPNs, and supporting security strategies with IDS/IPS and packet shaping. Leadership of student workers and collaboration with IT teams are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years (24 months) from IT-related coursework or work experience is required.
• Additional education/training may be required based on position requirements.

Responsibilities

• Designs, operates, supports, and tests Campus LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Monitors and maintains using CiscoWorks, WCS, and network analyzers.
• Installs hardware and software network components for optimal end-user experience.
• Configures and manages security devices (IDS/IPS and Procera packet shapers).
• Trains Help Desk staff and Tier II technicians; supervises student workers.

Skills

IT knowledge

Communication skills

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years IT-related coursework/experience

Tools

CiscoWorks

WCS

Network Observer

Fluke fiber analyzers

Fluke copper analyzers

Job description

Position Summary

Under the administrative oversight of the Senior Network Engineer, incumbent maintains, supports, updates, upgrades, tests, and troubleshoots all layers of the complex physical and logical campus network infrastructure; cable plant, fiber and copper, telecommunications rooms, off campus sites, private departmental networks, T-1 and DSL circuits, UPS, Core and Edge network switches, Core and distribution routers, Wireless Network Connectivity, Wide Area Network connectivity, packet shaping bandwidth management, network monitoring and management systems, Network Security Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Network Security Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Firewalls, and Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the administrative supervision of the Senior Network Engineer, incumbent: designs, operates, support, monitoring, trend analysis, forecasting, and testing of the Campus Local Area Network/Wide Area Network consisting of a full range on network equipment.
• Monitoring and maintenance are performed using data gathered by Ciscoworks, WCS, Network Observer, Fluke fiber and copper network analyzers and other analysis and reporting devices.
• Installs hardware and software network components to provide optimal quality to end-users.
• Provides technical and engineering expertise for all phases of the university's enterprise Wi-Fi 802.11 network lifecycle including architecture, design, placement surveys, feasibility studies, deployment strategies, precise documentation, troubleshooting, and operations management. This includes wireless access points (7oo+), controllers/routers (15), WiSM chassis', 802.lx user authentication, and end user device support.
• Identify and mitigate radio interference to improve user data throughout, configure associated VLANs and edge switches and document access point placement for use on beat maps.
• Develop procedures to ensure minimal network downtime and loss of employee/student productivity.
• Configure monitor, troubleshoot and deploy Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) at each of 133 network closets. These range in size from 750VA to 16KVA. Included are staggered tri-annual battery refreshes, functional load testing, battery discharge, and calibration.
• Prepares documentation and training to support network infrastructure for user support including Help Desk personnel, Instructional Support Specialist and Tier II technicians.
• Configuring and monitoring security and packet shaping devices. This includes but is not limited to Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and Procera packet shaper. This function is provided in support of the Information Security Group as it relates to security issues such as attempted hacks, system break-ins, virus propagation and infected systems. It includes turning security systems to reduce false positives and to increase accuracy and providing notifications to departmental and campus constituents as to attempts against systems they are responsible for.
• Contributes to the success of EIU by performing other duties and assisting with projects, as assigned.
• Supervision and training of student workers.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
  • College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
    • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
    • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
    • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
    • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
  • Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the systems and operations used within the areas and departments of responsibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to oversee and coordinate activities of user groups.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other colleagues, supervisors, administrative staff, and other IT users.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with all staff levels.

Work Hours

The core work hours of this position are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Current starting salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000

Application Deadline

October 5, 2026

In accordance with Eastern Illinois University policy (IGP #14.1), EIU is generally unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B, OPT, or other) for this Civil Service position.

Benefits Overview

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php

The University and Community

Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois- ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.

Important Information for Applicants

Eastern Illinois University is an Affidative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or [e-mail] for assistance.

Eastern Illinois University is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institutionbythe Illinois Board of Higher Education.

EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race,color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal andstate statutes is strictly prohibited.