Network Administrator

Network AdministratorAt Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect—one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus.The Network Administrator is responsible for the operational support, maintenance, deployment, and troubleshooting of the College's network infrastructure. Working closely with the Senior Network Engineer, this position serves as the operational arm of the Network Team, ensuring the reliable day-to-day operation of wired and wireless network services across campus. The Network Administrator will support a wide range of operational initiatives including switch deployment and replacement, wireless access point installation and maintenance, network troubleshooting, data closet management, VLAN administration, and ClearPass operations. The successful candidate will be expected to learn and understand the College's network architecture and standards, execute work in accordance with established best practices, and progressively assume greater responsibility and autonomy as their knowledge and experience grow. This role is highly hands-on and requires significant on-campus presence. While project work and documentation are important components of the position, the primary focus is maintaining the operational health, stability, and reliability of the College's network infrastructure.Major Areas of ResponsibilityReview, test, validate, and maintain Network Standard Operating Procedures.Monitor the Network group ticket queue in the ITS ticketing system and perform advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and issue resolution.Install, configure, maintain, and replace Aruba switching and wireless infrastructure.Deploy, onboard, and troubleshoot wireless access points and related infrastructure.Perform switch provisioning, firmware updates, module replacements, and hardware lifecycle activities.Maintain and organize network data closets, including cable management, inventory validation, environmental monitoring, and equipment documentation.Assist with network modernization projects including switch refreshes, wireless upgrades, network segmentation efforts, and infrastructure improvements.Develop and maintain working knowledge of Aruba ClearPass and assist with operational administration, troubleshooting, endpoint onboarding, and authentication-related issues.Utilize network management and monitoring platforms to proactively identify operational issues and improve network reliability.Maintain IP address management records and ensure network documentation remains accurate and current.Interface and interact with managed service providers, vendors, contractors, and other ITS teams to coordinate operational activities and support infrastructure initiatives.Collaborate with Information Security personnel by collecting diagnostic information, reviewing firewall logs, and providing technical details necessary to support security investigations and firewall rule requests.Participate in after-hours maintenance activities and provide best-effort response to critical network outages when required.Occasionally provide on-site network support for home football games and other major campus events.Expectations for Growth:Year 1: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the College's network architecture, standards, and operational practices.Year 1: Demonstrate proficiency in Aruba switching, wireless infrastructure, and network troubleshooting.Year 1: Obtain Aruba certification, CCNA, or equivalent networking certification if not already held.Year 1: Develop operational proficiency with Aruba ClearPass administration and troubleshooting.Year 1: Demonstrate the ability to independently execute routine operational tasks and maintenance activities.Year 2: Achieve Aruba ClearPass certification if not already held.Year 2: Assume ownership of defined operational initiatives and infrastructure improvement projects.Year 2: Demonstrate the ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex networking issues.Year 2: Assist in mentoring junior technical staff and contribute to the ongoing development of network documentation and operational procedures.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience supporting enterprise networking environments.Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise switching and wireless infrastructure.Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 routing, VLAN architecture, DHCP, DNS, wireless networking, and network troubleshooting methodologies.Experience using common network diagnostic tools and utilities including SSH, ping, traceroute, packet captures, and cable certification tools.Experience supporting Aruba, Cisco, or comparable enterprise networking platforms.Ability to interpret network logs, authentication logs, and firewall logs to assist in troubleshooting and operational support activities.Strong commitment to documentation, operational consistency, and adherence to established standards and best practices.Preferred QualificationsAruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA), Aruba Certified Switching Professional (ACSP), Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA), or comparable Aruba certifications.Aruba ClearPass experience and certifications.Cisco CCNA or higher-level networking certifications.Experience supporting network access control platforms and authentication technologies.Experience in higher education or similarly complex enterprise environments.Core CompetenciesStrong commitment to teamworkDependable and ReliableService OrientedExcellent Written & Verbal CommunicationProficient Problem SolvingStrong Technical Troubleshooting SkillsUnderstanding risks and using best practices to mitigate and minimize riskStrong Documentation and Organizational SkillsFlexibilityStrong Interpersonal SkillsEagerness to learn and advance technical knowledgeUnderstands, values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.Salary Range: The salary range for the Network Engineer role $80,000-$87,000 commensurate with education and experience.Weekly Hours: 40Annual Work Schedule: 12 monthApplication Instructions: An updated resume and cover letter are required as a part of your internal application. In your cover letter, please reflect on how your professional and personal values align with the Mission of the College of the Holy Cross to form individuals of integrity and purpose who are committed to the flourishing of all.Additional Information To review our generous benefits options, please review our detailed information here or check out our Benefits at a Glance.The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at View email address on click.appcast.io, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity in the workplace.