Network Administrator

IT Empowerment Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

IT Empowerment Consulting in Gauteng seeks a senior Network Administrator to manage enterprise LAN/WAN, VPNs, and security policies. You will configure VLANs, routing, and Cisco devices while ensuring high availability and robust incident response.

The role emphasizes monitoring, documentation, and collaboration with vendors to maintain performance and uptime in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum (Relevant Degree / Diploma in IT, Networking, or Engineering).
• CCNA certification preferred; CCNP Enterprise advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network availability, performance, and capacity.
• Configure VLANs, trunking, and IP addressing schemes.
• Manage routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP).
• Provide 1st and 2nd line network support and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Log, track, and resolve incidents within SLA.
• Apply firmware updates and security patches.

Skills

TCP/IP

Subnetting

DNS

DHCP

VLANs

Routing (OSPF/EIGRP)

Cisco IOS

Firewall rules

VPN

Wireshark

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Relevant Degree / Diploma in IT

Tools

SolarWinds

PRTG

CheckMK

Wireshark

Cisco IOS

Cisco Catalyst switching

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Network Operations

• Monitor network availability, performance, and capacity
• Perform routine maintenance, upgrades, and patching
• Configure and manage Cisco routers and switches
• Maintain LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, and VPN connectivity

Configuration & Administration

• Configure VLANs, trunking, and IP addressing schemes
• Manage routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP – basic to intermediate level)
• Administer DHCP, DNS, and IP management
• Maintain configuration backups and version control

User & Service Support

• Provide 1st and 2nd line network support
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues (LAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, internet and VoIP)
• Support service desk in resolving network-related incidents
• Assist in onboarding of new systems and users

Incident & Problem Management

• Log, track, and resolve incidents within SLA
• Perform root cause analysis for recurring issues
• Escalate complex issues to Network Engineers or vendors
• Participate in major incident resolution processes

Security Administration

• Apply firmware updates and security patches
• Configure basic firewall rules (Cisco ASA / FortiGate)
• Monitor network for anomalies and vulnerabilities
• Support compliance with IT security policies and standards

Monitoring & Reporting

• Use monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, CheckMK)
• Generate network performance and availability reports
• Proactively identify and resolve performance degradation

Documentation

• Maintain network diagrams and topology documentation
• Update configuration records and asset registers
• Develop and maintain SOPs and operational procedures

Skills & Competencies

Core Networking Skills

• TCP/IP, subnetting, DNS, DHCP
• VLANs, STP, trunking
• Routing fundamentals (OSPF, EIGRP)

Cisco Technologies

• Cisco IOS configuration and troubleshooting
• Cisco Catalyst switching (Layer 2 / Layer 3)
• Basic Cisco router configuration
• Exposure to Cisco wireless solutions (WLC – advantageous)

Network Security

• Basic firewall configuration (ACLs, NAT)
• VPN technologies (site-to-site, remote access)
• Understanding of network segmentation and access control

Connectivity & WAN

• MPLS, broadband, DIA circuits
• VPN connectivity and failover mechanisms
• Basic QoS concepts

Monitoring & Tools

• Network monitoring platforms (SolarWinds, PRTG, CheckMK)
• Log analysis and troubleshooting tools
• Packet capture basics (Wireshark – advantageous)

Soft Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Good communication and user support skills
• Ability to work under pressure in incident situations

Qualifications

• Minimum (Relevant Degree / Diploma in IT, Networking, or Engineering)

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Advanced / Advantageous

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise)

Experience

• C2 Level (Senior Network Administrator)
• 5–8 years’ experience in enterprise environments

Proven ability to

• Manage network infrastructure independently
• Troubleshoot complex issues across LAN/WAN
• Support high-availability environments

Experience with

• MPLS and multi-site connectivity
• Firewall and WAN failover configurations
• Supporting DR/BCP environments

Strong vendor engagement (ISPs, Cisco partners