Network Administrator

Position Description

Network Administrators are primarily responsible for installation, configuration and maintenance of wide and local area networks and associated support mechanisms (including support systems administration). Network Administrators are also called upon to assist member sites with troubleshooting, operation and maintenance of their networks in a consulting role. Network administrators are the primary staff involved in the provisioning of new or upgraded network connectivity, and the second tier for general network and systems problem resolution. Network Administrators are expected to be capable of resolving provisioning and maintenance related issues in both the WAN and LAN environments and supporting systems. The organization’s small staff requires that all employees be self- starters and can work on several different problems and/or projects at one time. 

On the job, Network Administrators perform the following primary job duties:

Essential Functions

• WAN/LAN device configuration, installation and maintenance. 

• WAN/LAN troubleshooting, repair and restoration of service.

• Network Support system configuration, maintenance, and deployment

• Task prioritization and timely resolution to network related problems 

• Adheres to the KanREN Vision, Mission, and Values at all times 

• Participation in the after-hours emergency response team

• Willingness to work occasional extra or odd hours as projects and/or events dictate 

• Occasional travel – sometimes overnight

• Technical writing, documentation, and delivery of technical seminars 

• Able to lift 50lbs

• Other duties as assigned

Key Technologies or Abilities

• Understanding of standard WAN/LAN architectures including IP transport, MetroEthernet and basic routing technologies (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP) 

• Proficiency with systems-based network support services (DNS, RADIUS, DHCP, etc.)

• Proficiency with Enterprise network technologies (WLAN, Ethernet switching, etc.)

• Proficiency with Network Security devices and protocols (Firewalls, Web Filtering, etc.) 

• Proficiency using network monitoring, measurement and management tools

• Proficiency with common Operating Systems (OS): Windows, Apple, Linux

• Familiarity with the proper maintenance and handling of fiber optic infrastructure

• Familiarity with physical cabling standards and best practices (ANSI/TIA-568, ANSI/BICSI-002)

• Familiarity with common network device configuration methods (CLI, GUI, ZTP, etc.)

• Familiarity with advanced networking protocols (Multicast, MPLS, IPv6, etc.) 

• Familiarity in using AI tools (LLMs, Network Agents) 

• Ability to work individually and with a team Ability to follow exacting instructions accurately

• Ability to learn from experience and engage in self-disciplined professional development

• Superior customer service skills in a customer-centric environment

Requirements

This is a hybrid position. The candidate must be available for scheduled weekly on-site shifts at the KanREN NOC in Lawrence, KS. The candidate may work some shifts at any remote location within reasonable travel distance to the NOC. The candidate must be available for member and staff engagement during normal, weekday business hours (M-F, 07:00 to 19:00 CT). Scheduled participation in a 24x7 on-call rotation is expected. Occasional work outside of business hours for maintenance, repair and installation is expected. Occasional local travel for maintenance, repair and installation is expected.

Two year degree, preferably in a technical or scientific field or equivalent experience in networking and/or engineering, including operation of networking equipment (routers, switches, etc.), network software (monitoring, provisioning, etc.), and/or network support systems (DNS, DHCP, LDAP, etc.) 

Must be detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality. The Network Administrator must be a motivated, life-long learner committed to keeping up to date with emerging technology, have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.

This position requires the applicant be eligible to work in the United States of America.