Network Specialist

Sylvania; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania in Kentucky is seeking a Network Administrator to design, implement, and maintain district-wide LAN/WAN infrastructure and server environments. You will ensure high availability, security, and performance across virtualization platforms and service provider circuits.

The role demands advanced firewall, VPN, routing, switching expertise, and the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical staff while delivering proactive support and documentation to school staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced experience with enterprise firewalls, VPNs, routing and switching, network segmentation, and Zero Trust concepts.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, HA, and dynamic routing protocols.
• Experience supporting highly available production environments and using network monitoring/troubleshooting tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain district-wide LAN and WAN infrastructure, servers, and service provider circuits.
• Administer enterprise routing, switching, and wireless platforms.
• Configure Layer 2/3 networking, VLANs, routing protocols, redundancy, QoS.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot the VoIP phone system.
• Execute backup/recovery procedures to support business continuity and data protection.
• Manage virtual server infrastructure for high availability, security, and performance.
• Implement firewalls, IDS, security protocols; conduct risk assessments and audits.
• Review firewall rule changes per change management standards.
• Optimize remote access services for security, performance, reliability, user experience.
• Provide remote/on-site support for hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
• Assist with technical advice, staff training, and work requests.
• Maintain detailed network configuration and cabling records for troubleshooting/compliance.
• Stay current with emerging network technologies and security threats.
• Communicate with school personnel and community members to support educational goals.

Skills

Network engineering

TCP/IP

DNS

DHCP

VLANs

Zero Trust

Firewalls

VPN technologies

Routing & Switching

Network monitoring

Technical documentation

Analytical skills

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Firewalls

VPN technologies

VoIP system

Network monitoring tools

Job description

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Advanced experience with enterprise firewalls, VPN technologies, routing and switching, network segmentation, and Zero Trust concepts. Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, high availability, and dynamic routing protocols. Experience supporting highly available production environments and using network monitoring and troubleshooting tools. Excellent analytical, communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Network Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Design, implement, and maintain district-wide LAN and WAN infrastructure, server environments, and service provider circuits.
• Administer enterprise routing, switching, and wireless platforms.
• Configure and support Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking services, including VLANs, routing protocols, redundancy, and QoS.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot the VoIP phone system.
• Execute, monitor, and validate backup and recovery procedures to support business continuity, disaster recovery, and the protection of educational systems and data.
• Manage, configure, and maintain virtual server infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance of resources running on virtualization platforms.

Network Security & Administration

• Implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security protocols; conduct audits and risk assessments; and apply updates to protect against cyber threats
• Review and implement firewall rule changes in accordance with change management standards.
• Optimize remote access services for security, performance, reliability, and user experience.

Technical Support & Customer Service

• Assist staff and clients, diagnose network problems, and provide remote or on‑site support for hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
• Provide technical advice and consultative assistance to school staff.
• Assist with work requests.

Technology Planning, Procurement & Implementation

• Maintain detailed records of network configurations, cabling layouts, repairs, and operational procedures to support future troubleshooting and compliance.

Professional Knowledge & Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging network technologies and security threats to maintain optimal network performance and protect organizational data.

Communication, Collaboration & Professionalism

• Support district educational goals and communicate effectively with school personnel and community members.
• Capable of explaining technical concepts to non‑technical staff and providing training when necessary.
• Collaborate with colleagues to provide excellent support.

Safety, Compliance & Operational Responsibilities

• Following district policies, technology procedures, safety requirements, equipment‑handling practices, and applicable laws/regulations.
• Assist with audits and risk assessment

Reliability, Attendance & Job Performance

• Regular and punctual attendance, dependable completion of assigned responsibilities, responsiveness to technology needs, ability to prioritize work, and availability to address critical network/system issues as required.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• The role requires attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving technology needs in an educational context.
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as required to install, inspect, maintain, and repair technology equipment.
• Use ladders or approved equipment and work in areas such as network closets and other confined equipment spaces as necessary.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, and position equipment weighing up to 60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform work involving computers, cabling, servers, network equipment, and related technology hardware.
• Work in environments that may occasionally be noisy, crowded, dusty, or have limited workspace.
• Maintain sufficient mobility and manual dexterity to install, connect, troubleshoot, and service technology equipment.