Network Administrator (Senior Systems Administrator #1356)

Illinois State Board of Education; Illinois; On-site; USD 68,590 - 102,885; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to lead network operations and support IT infrastructure across the agency.

The role covers security, DNS/DHCP, switches, SSL certificates, and virtualization, with CCNA focus. Strong communication and teamwork are essential to coordinate projects and mentor staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT/CS with 2+ years IT experience or coursework in last 5 years, or similar combos.
• Active CCNA certification is required; multiple pathways accepted depending on education level.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to document processes clearly.
• Ability to manage complex network architectures, VLANs, security controls and wireless networks.

Responsibilities

• Directs Agency networking processes; maintains firewalls and IPS; monitors for incidents.
• Configures core/edge switches; maintains DNS and DHCP server connectivity.
• Acts as secure FTP administrator and SME for network config, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Maintains and secures Agency web servers; tracks security certificates.
• Develops project plans and timelines; provides guidance and training to team.
• Researches new technologies and recommends cost‑effective improvements.
• Devises remediation for identified risks and coordinates with IT management.
• Deploys virtual servers/appliances; manages domain controllers, DNS, and DHCP.

Skills

Advanced network administration

Cisco switches

VLANs and firewall management

Documentation

Communication

Self-reliance

Teamwork

Problem solving

Research technologies

Policy & procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in any field + 3 years IT experience or coursework in last 5 years

Associate's degree + 4 years IT experience or coursework in last 7 years

High school diploma + 8 years IT experience or coursework in last 10 years

Tools

Cisco OS CLI

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

vSphere/NSX

Job description

Network Administrator (Senior Systems Administrator #1356)

Location: Springfield

Union: Exempt

Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $68,590.05 - $85,737.56

Full Salary Range: $68,590.05 - $102,885.07

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reporting to the department Supervisor, performs the role of Network Administrator and provides the day‑to‑day management of ISBE Information Technology and Infrastructure networking projects. This position also incorporates portions of infrastructure operations into the role. This position may require limited travel and afterhours work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs the Agency's networking processes, maintains Agency firewalls configuration and rules, and maintains the Agency's IPS to detect and prevent malicious attacks on ISBE's network.
• Configures and implements core and edge switches and maintains DNS and DHCP server connectivity.
• Serves as the secure FTP administrator.
• Performs the role of network administrator and subject matter expert in the areas of configuration, installation, maintenance, patch management, and upgrade of network equipment.
• Tracks and maintains Agency security authority certificates on all public facing web servers.
• Maintains and secures ISBE's wireless network infrastructure.
• Develops and implements sound business solutions that meet its objectives, increase efficiencies, conserve resources, and result in Agency cost savings for IT support and maintenance.
• Creates and maintains current project schedules and timelines using a project tracking system to ensure milestones are met.
• Hosts appropriate meetings.
• Provides guidance, direction, and training to project team members.
• Maintains strong communications with IT management and end users.
• Researches, develops, tests and implements new technologies and recommends software, hardware, equipment and best practices/approaches/methodologies that enhance its performance capabilities.
• Identifies areas of potential risk and recommends remediation.
• Works with TAT/VDI administrator to assist in port location and switch configuration changes on all new VDI thin client deployments.
• Provides reports and metrics as needed to support operational requirements and growth planning.
• Deploy new virtual servers/appliances, including domain controllers, DNS, and DHCP servers.
• Maintains web servers and web farm environment, creation and maintain network load balancer rules.
• Responsible for tracking, requesting, and replacing SSL certificates.
• Prepares cost analysis and justification documentation in support of proposals submitted to IT for approval.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science plus two years of IT experience or coursework in the last five years, or, a Bachelor's degree in any field plus three years of IT experience or coursework in the last five years, or, an Associate's degree in any field plus four years of IT experience or coursework in the last seven years, or, a high school diploma and eight years of experience in the last ten years, 4 years experience within the last seven years with an active CCNA. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Experience at an advanced level that demonstrates increasing responsibility in: 1) administrating network architecture, including the design, delivery, protection, and management of Cisco switches; 2) managing VLANs, port rules, firewall implementations and best practices, intrusion protection system setup and maintenance; 3) diagnosing and resolving hardware, software, operating systems, and network component problems, including the diagnosis/isolation/resolution of trouble issues attributable to each; and 4) the planning, design, testing, installation, and/or connection of network equipment including wireless networking, fiber channel switching and traditional copper based switches.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and thorough methods, process, and procedure documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated self‑reliance and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and to prioritize multiple assignments while completing both short‑term and long‑term assignments.
• Ability to think logically to interpret problems and present results with clarity and precision.
• Ability to research technologies and evaluate software/hardware/system alternatives and present logical, cost‑effective justifications.
• Ability to translate complex, technical information into common terms.
• Ability to effectively blend technical expertise with project coordination and administration.
• Ability to establish and consistently apply policies and procedures compliant with IT security measures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cisco OS command line.
• Experience with active directory, DNS, DHCP.
• Experience with vSphere (virtual networks, distributed switches, NSX).