Network Administrator ($82,693.18+)

Talbot County Public Schools; Easton (MD); On-site; USD 82,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Talbot County Public Schools seeks a Network Administrator to design, build, and maintain networks across 8 sites with a focus on high-density WiFi, zero-trust security, and micro-segmentation. The role includes routing, firewall configuration, and edge/building-level controls to meet cybersecurity standards.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of networking experience (1–2 years WiFi design/admin), certifications such as Net+/CCNA/JNCIA, and relevant degrees or training.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in computer tech, information systems or related field.
• One or more industry certifications (Net+, CCNA and/or JNCIA or equivalent).
• WiFi certification preferred (ECSE-D, CWNA).
• Experience in a school district or related environment preferred.
• 3-5 years networking experience, 1-2 years WiFi design/admin.

Responsibilities

• Create, validate, and maintain high-density WiFi designs for district sites.
• Perform routing, firewall, and switching network design and capacity planning.
• Research network products, services, protocols, and standards for procurement and development.
• Provide second-level technical support to IT staff and users on network operations.
• Analyze issues for root causes and implement fixes for config or hardware.
• Install, configure, and maintain switches, firewalls, and WiFi APs.
• Communicate clearly, work off-hours as needed, and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

WiFi design

Routing

Firewall configuration

Zero trust

Network design

Edge switching

Python

Ansible

Infrastructure-as-Code

Multi-site deployment

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in computer tech / information systems

Tools

Cisco switches

Juniper Mist

Ruckus WiFi

SonicWall firewall

Palo Alto firewall

Fortinet firewall

ECSE-D/CWNA wifi certs

Job description

Network Administrator ($82,693.18+)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Title: Network Administrator

Reports to: Supervisor of Information Technology

Under the direction of the Supervisor of Information Technology, the Talbot County Public Schools Network Administrator will maintain, build, and design all networks for each of the district’s 8 sites. This includes high density WiFi designs, switching configurations and both edge and building based firewall configurations. The design is built around zero trust, segmentation and micro segmentation principles to meet mandated Cybersecurity compliance (NIST-CSF, CIS, etc.).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create, validate, and maintain WiFi designs based on user needs and with predictive analysis tools for high density K-12 network sites.
• Perform Routing, Firewall, and Switching network design and capacity planning.
• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards in support of network procurement and development efforts.
• Provide second level technical support to IT staff and users concerning network system operations.
• Analyze issues for root causes, provide relevant fixes of software configuration or hardware repairs.
• Install, configure, and maintain network switches, firewalls, and WiFi access points.
• High-level problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work off-hours as needed/required.
• Maintain confidentiality with discretion of sensitive information.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Interact positively, flexibly and patiently while having to multi-task with co-workers, supervisors, community members and vendors to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

Requirements:

Education:

• Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree in computer technical, information systems or related field OR equivalent certifications/training experience will be considered.

Certifications:

• One or more industry certifications (Net+, CCNA and/or JNCIA or equivalent).
• WiFi certification preferred (ECSE-D, CWNA, etc.).

Experience:

• Experience working in a school district or school environment, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of networking experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of WiFi design and administration experience.
• Understanding of secure network design, zero trust, and micro segmentation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent knowledge of information infrastructure and process needs and requirements.
• HPe Juniper Mist or Cisco WiFi and switching.
• Ruckus WiFi and ICX or Cisco switching.
• SonicWall, Palo Alto, Cisco and/or Fortinet firewalls.
• Python, Ansible, or Infrastructure-as-Code experience, preferred.
• Multi-site network deployment and operational support.
• Packet capture and analysis.

Terms of Employment: 12 month position. Administrative Support Staff Position.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Position Type: Full-Time