Financial Aid Specialist I

Supports the daily operations of the agency’s network infrastructure. This role focuses on monitoring, maintenance, and Tier 1-2 network troubleshooting. The candidate will work under the guidance of the Senior Network Engineer to ensure network availability and performance.

Position requires on-site support 5 days per week, Monday through Friday.

Salary Range: 90-100k

Pal Alto Experience required for eligibility for this position ***

Salary: 95k

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
• Support and maintain LAN/WAN, network devices, UPS, and environment monitoring system for DC headquarters facility and 52 field offices.
• Install, Configure, and troubleshoot network equipment including Cisco routers, switches, Meraki wireless, and Palo Alto firewall appliances.
• Support Internet connection and Zscaler remote access service for users and LAN-to-LAN IPSec connections to partner networks and dedicated WAN connection, e.g. vendor hosted site and Microsoft ExpressRoute connection.
• Perform daily monitoring of network health using ManageEngine/OpManager/Netflow and Configuration Manager.
• Create and update SOPs and various configuration tracking documents on a regular basis.
• Handle routine network troubleshooting (physical and logical connectivity issues, port configurations, VLAN assignments). Coordinate with local teams and vendors, problem-solve and restore service as needed.
• Monitor Palo Alto firewall logs to identify and report traffic anomalies.
• Troubleshoot WAN/MPLS circuit issues and open tickets with ISPs.

Required Skills

Qualifications:
• Requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field plus 3+ years of relevant work experience in network support. Additional experience can be substituted for a degree.
• Requires the following experience:
• Cisco Routing/Switching: Strong working knowledge of Cisco IOS, StackWise cabling/logic, and EtherChannel troubleshooting.
• Firewalls: Basic understanding of Palo Alto firewalls and the ability to navigate and operate Panorama for monitoring purposes.
• Cloud & VPN: Familiarity with IPSec VPN concepts and connectivity to Microsoft Azure.
• Wireless: Experience operating and troubleshooting Cisco Meraki wireless solutions.
• Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to diagnose Layer 1–7 issues (cabling, IP conflicts, network loop, routing, etc.).
• Must be available for weekend maintenance events and emergency outages.
• Must be engaging and proactive with critical thinking, strong desire to learn, and problem-solving ability, both independently and as part of a team.
• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to present ideas and reports clearly in English, both orally and in writing
• Experience supporting a nationwide mid-sized Federal agency enterprise is a plus.
• CCNA certification is highly desired.
• Must obtain agency suitability clearance prior to start date.

Salary: 90-100k

Required Experience