Network Administrator (Senior Systems Administrator #1356)

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education is seeking a Senior Network Administrator to oversee and manage IT networking projects. The role includes configuration, security enforcement, and guidance to project teams.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field, advanced knowledge of network administration, and strong communication skills. The position entails responsibilities that may include after-hours work, making flexibility essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Advanced level experience in network design and management.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage networking processes, firewalls, and maintain security protocols.
• Implement network equipment configurations and maintain connectivity.
• Research and recommend new technologies to enhance performance.

Skills

Advanced network architecture administration

CCNA certification

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science

High school diploma with 8 years of IT experience

Tools

Cisco switches

VLANs management

Active Directory

vSphere

Job description

Network Administrator (Senior Systems Administrator #1356)

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).