Network Technician

christensenfarms; Sleepy Eye (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off bank

Employee assistance program

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Christensen Farms is seeking a Network Technician to install, troubleshoot, and maintain LAN/WAN connections across the Midwest. You will travel to field sites to set up new connections and keep systems secure while upholding biosecurity standards.

The ideal candidate has an Associate’s degree in IT or networking and 2+ years’ experience, with hands-on TCP/IP, Cisco Meraki, and on-site maintenance skills. We offer a hybrid work environment and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in IT/Networking or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in a technical support or networking role.
• Strong knowledge of LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, and network hardware configuration.
• Experience with Cisco Meraki equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain LAN/WAN connections across remote sites.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues and optimize performance.
• Install alarm lines, VOIP/POTS, and other communication systems.
• Work with vendors to procure equipment and coordinate installations.
• Provide on-site guidance and training to colleagues.
• Maintain security and adherence to biosecurity standards.

Skills

LAN/WAN technologies

TCP/IP protocols

Network troubleshooting

On-site maintenance

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Associate's degree in Information Technology/Networking

Tools

Cisco Meraki

Job description

Christensen Farms is one of the largest, family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, our 50 year old company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and South Dakota. Christensen Farms owns three feed mills, manages 140,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow-finish sites. Our organization employs nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships. We are an industry leader with a proven commitment to ethical practices, food safety, and nutrition. Join our team!

Position Overview:

The Network Technician will support and maintain reliable connectivity across our operations throughout the Midwest. In this role, you will be responsible for installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining LAN and WAN technologies, ensuring that network systems remain secure, consistent, and optimized across multiple remote sites. The Network Technician will travel to field locations to set up new connections, implement alarm and communication systems, and maintain critical network infrastructure while adhering to strict biosecurity standards.

What You Will Do:

• Install, configure, and maintain standardized network connections, cabling, wireless access points, and security devices across geographically distributed remote sites.
• Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues, network bottlenecks, and system failures to maintain long-term performance and reliability.
• Install and maintain alarm lines, phone systems (VOIP and POTS), and other communication infrastructure.
• Evaluate and improve network performance through regular maintenance, upgrades, and testing.
• Perform hardware repairs, including network and peripheral equipment, to ensure continuous uptime.
• Work directly with vendors to procure equipment, coordinate installations, and ensure service quality.
• Provide technical guidance and on-site training to colleagues as needed, supporting network-related processes and troubleshooting.

What You Offer Us:

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Networking, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience working in a technical support or networking role.
• Strong understanding of LAN/WAN technologies, TCP/IP protocols, and network hardware configuration.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting connectivity issues and performing on-site system maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Working knowledge of Cisco or Meraki networking equipment and related technologies.
• Commitment to safety, biosecurity, and maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

What We Offer You:

• Take advantage of hands-on leadership opportunities, ongoing training, and clear career advancement paths within a collaborative team environment that values hard work, accountability, and personal growth across all levels of the organization.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a flexible spending account (FSA), life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid time off bank, an employee assistance program (EAP), and more.
• Be an active part of an organization that gives back to the community in many ways – including feed programs that support local farms, food shelf programs, food support for veterans, agriculture education and promotion, FFA/4H support, charitable contributions, etc.
• A company that has a passionate purpose for food safety, animal welfare, and for living its core values every day – respect, integrity, excellence, adaptability, and innovation.
• A culture that fosters employee growth, hybrid work options, promotion from within, and a highly team-oriented workplace environment.
• The targeted base pay range for this role is $52,000 to $70,000with this range reflecting differences in candidate knowledge, skills, and experience.

Reports To:

Sr. Technology Services Manager

Christensen Farms promotes a culture of inclusion and strives to attract a diverse set of candidates for each of our open positions. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and proud to offer employment and growth opportunities to all candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.