Senior Network Administrator

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO seeks a Senior Network Administrator to manage, secure, and optimize the enterprise network and PACS-isolated network. This Direct-Hire notice targets candidates with strong networking and security credentials and a track record of implementation.

You will collaborate across teams to deploy Cisco IOS/NXOS updates, implement ISE access control, automate monitoring, and drive a 5-year equipment refresh.

Qualifications

• Current/active Cisco CCNP certification or higher.
• One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level or equivalent.
• Experience with Cisco IOS/NXOS, ISE, and network testing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team to improve security posture of the enterprise network.
• Research, develop, and apply security configurations for network devices.
• Deploy and upgrade Cisco devices; manage 5-year refresh cycle.
• Lead procurement and project management for large infrastructure.

Skills

Cisco networking

Network security

Scripting experience

Vendor coordination

Tools

Cisco IOS

NXOS

Cisco ISE

Fiber testing

Job description

Summary

The IT Security and Networking Division is seeking an experienced Senior Network Administrator to manage, optimize, and secure the NIST enterprise network and Physical Access Control System (PACS) isolated network. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

The IT Security and Networking Division is seeking an experienced Senior Network Administrator to manage, optimize, and secure the NIST enterprise network and Physical Access Control System (PACS) isolated network. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

• Key Duties: Collaborate with team members; analyze, validate, maintain and proposing changes to improve security posture of enterprise environment. Ensuring a stable and secure enterprise network for NIST. Research, develop, modify and apply security configuration settings to secure networks and network devices. Manage and automate networks and network security. Administer, support, perform data analysis and validation, and troubleshooting for enterprise networks and PACS systems. Automating and analyzing data through programming and scripting. Creating and maintaining original scripts, programs and reports for continuous monitoring. Serve as a technical consultant on network systems analysis, integration, implementation, and maintenance. Deploy and upgrade Cisco devices. Procure equipment replacements on 5-year refresh cycle. Support of the NIST Enterprise Network cable plant, switching, routing, wireless, DNS, VoIP, and access control.
• Key Responsibilities: Infrastructure Management: Administer, support, and troubleshoot enterprise networks, voice systems, and communication circuits to ensure continuous uptime and strict security.
• Strategic Planning: Drive IT management practices by developing strategic priorities, including a comprehensive 5-year equipment refreshment plan.
• System Maintenance: Proactively review and deploy critical vendor system and code updates, and oversee comprehensive network and service monitoring.
• Procurement & Project Management: Develop contract requirements for large equipment procurements and infrastructure solutions, acting as the lead project manager for related systems.
• Collaboration & Compliance: Partner with internal and external stakeholders to align system provisioning, policies, and procedures with OISM goals, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Selective Placement Factor: Applicants must possess a current/active IT CISCO CCNP certification or higher. A current/active copy of your certification must be provided in your application package.
• Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the selective placement factor, applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as:
  • Upgrading Cisco IOS and NXOS software versions.
  • Upgrading/Replacing Cisco Hardware Chassis and line cards.
  • Using Cisco IOS and NXOS software commands, including Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing.
  • Interconnecting and testing network devices using fiber optic and copper testing tools.
  • Using Cisco ISE for network access control and micro segmentation.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
• The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration