Network Administrator - IT Services - Irving Independent School District

JOB TITLE: Network Administrator WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Networking & Cybersecurity PAY GRADE: IT -5 (230 Days)

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services DATE REVISED: 09/09/2024

A Letter of Assurance will be issued for this position.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Design, develop, implement, manage, maintain, and monitor all district local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN) to provide trouble-free use by all users of the network. Ensure that all network hardware, software, telecommunications, and related equipment provide the most efficient network processes and satisfaction of users through proper installation, testing, and daily maintenance. Provide leadership to network technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

• High School diploma or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Associate’s degree or higher with major coursework in computer science, management information systems, telecommunications, cyber security, or network administration preferred.
• A minimum of one current certification in network services is strongly recommended (i.e., CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE) at time of hire is preferred, or willingness to complete a second current certification within two years of employment.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Proficiency and experience with TCP/IP networking, architecture, and core technologies, such as BGP, OSPF, DNS, HTTP, etc.
• Experience in electronics, telecommunications, and local (including both “wired” and “wireless” architectures) and wide area networks.
• Knowledge of network facilities and data processing techniques, OSI reference model.,
• Significant hands-on troubleshooting abilities with Network products (i.e, Cisco), security software, performance monitoring, capacity management, and network management tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and people skills.
• Knowledge of Firewalls (Cisco and Palo Alto) and VPN.
• Strong analytical approach to problem solving and ability to troubleshoot complex issues quickly, while successfully managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and people skills.

Minimum Experience:

• 7 or more years’ experience in network related activities.
• 3-5 years of experience working in a K-12 school environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Architect and Manage (i.e., design, develop, implement, manage, maintain, and monitor) all district networks. This includes designing the wired and wireless local area networks as well as the district’s wide area networks. This also includes the ability to take network related concepts from ideas to implementations.
2. Manage (i.e., Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain) the ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure including but not limited to routers and switches (i.e., Cisco). Drive the design and implementation of new network deployments.
3. Manage (i.e., Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain) all Wide Area Network (WAN) related equipment (i.e., firewall security, internet web filter, Intrusion Prevention System, Core switch, external DNS).
4. Manage(i.e., Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain) the district’s 802.11x wireless network infrastructure including wireless access points and Wireless LAN (WLAN) Controllers (i.e., Cisco).
5. Manage the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network security appliances (i.e., Cisco ISE), Palo Alto Firewall or equivalent, including but not limited to VPN services and VPN client installation.
6. Manage (i.e., install, configure, and use) the district’s network management software (i.e. Cisco Prime Infrastructure, SolarWinds Orion, Aruba AirWave, and packet capture software). This includes using these applications to monitor and maintain network performance. This also includes evaluating network management systems and making purchasing recommendations.
7. Manage (i.e, Install and configure)commercially developed network software, hardware, and operating systems. Evaluate network hardware / software and make purchasing recommendations.
8. Maintain expertise with current networking equipment to successfully perform the duties of this position. Stay current with emerging and next-generation network technologies to ensure that the district’s technology solutions are “future proof” and do not become obsolete.
9. Provide technical supervision of all network technicians and assist all other technical staff in resolving network related issues that are beyond their level of expertise.
10. Provide leadership and training to the networking team in leading-edge networking technologies such as s Domain Name Server (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and web content filtering applications.
11. Manage all network planning, design, upgrade, and detailed documentation activities.
12. Collaborate with other departments to ensure successful project implementation.
13. Communicate with supervisor on a regular basis.
14. Manage customer problems and requests to ensure that they are resolved in a timely fashion. This includes using the appropriate work order system to assign and track work orders.
15. Provide positive, high-quality, and consistent customer service for all users.
16. Provide on-call services onweekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
17. Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
18. Manage Contractors (i.e. Cabling and Equipment) to ensure that contracted work is completed in accordance with applicable standards and in a timely fashion.
19. Evaluate and select test equipment that is required to effectively, and efficiently test network cabling and equipment.
20. Master the use of remote access technologies to recognize, analyze, and resolve demanding network problems. Must use self-initiative to identify, prioritize, and resolve problems.
21. Perform all traffic routing activities required to maintain effective and efficient services across the district’s wide area network.
22. Create and manage all documentation regarding the District’s Network Design and Equipment Inventory.
23. Test, troubleshoot, and configure end-user devices and printers that are connected to the district’s mainframe administrative computer systems.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITIES:

Although supervisory responsibilities remain with the Director II of Technology Services, the Network Administrator must serve as team leader of the network technicians and work collaboratively to resolve network problems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environnemental Factors : Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety: Perform all duties in a safe and responsible manner. Observe all safety precautions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety.