IT Network Administrator

Network Administrator

Under the direction of the Director of Information Technology, the Network Administrator is responsible for the overall analysis, design, administration, and operational integrity of the City of Whitehall's enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, firewalls, VPN connectivity, mobile public safety fleet communications, and dedicated emergency networks. This role exercises independent judgment in engineering network architecture, enforcing security policies in collaboration with the IT Network Security Administrator, and coordinating DNS, DHCP, Active Directory topology, and server connectivity with the Systems Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1 - Analyze municipal connectivity requirements and design, configure, and optimize switches, routers, VLAN topologies, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Access Control Lists (ACLs), and Quality of Service (QoS) parameters. Design and manage inter-site routing and facility connectivity to maximize uptime and resiliency for city operations. Maintain current, detailed network architecture diagrams and system documentation.

2 - Oversee the administration, patching, and lifecycle management of network hardware and software. Plan, schedule, and execute regular firmware updates, security patches, software upgrades, and vulnerability remediations on network appliances in coordination with the IT Network Security Administrator. Manage maintenance windows during off-peak hours to minimize service interruptions to 24/7 Police and Fire operations.

3 - Design, deploy, and administer enterprise Wi-Fi controllers and access points (APs) across all municipal facilities. Manage SSIDs, enterprise authentication protocols (e.g., 802.1X/RADIUS), tune radio frequencies (RF), and continuously evaluate wireless performance and capacity.

4 - Configure, manage, and maintain in-vehicle cellular routers across Police and Fire vehicle fleets. Oversee cellular WAN connections (e.g., FirstNet, Verizon Frontline), dual-SIM failover, mobile VPN tunnels, and integrated vehicle GPS/AVL telemetry to ensure continuous connectivity for Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), and body/dash camera systems.

5 - Implement firewall objects and rule policies, configure site-to-site and remote-access VPNs, and enforce network segmentation standard operating procedures defined by security policies. Evaluate network security risks, follow strict change-management protocols, and implement necessary protections.

6 - Utilize advanced network monitoring tools to track network health, latency, jitter, cellular data usage, and bandwidth utilization across local, cellular, and CJIS/911 circuits. Analyze performance metrics to proactively identify bottlenecks, design resiliency upgrades, and build business cases for necessary network capital improvements

7 - Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex network-related tickets escalated from IT support personnel. Troubleshoot and resolve advanced hardware, software, in-vehicle router issues, and public safety network line drops. Promptly inform the Security Administrator of suspicious events or anomalies.

8 - Plan and coordinate low-voltage copper cabling, fiber optic runs, and patch panel infrastructure. Perform physical racking, stacking, cabling, and labeling of network equipment within server rooms and wiring closets according to city standards.

9 - Evaluate third-party vendor solutions, build business cases for new network systems, and manage state, telecommunication, and cellular carrier service contracts. Architect, document, test, and implement network disaster recovery and contingency plans.

10 - Maintain accurate, current inventories of network hardware, serial numbers, optics, cellular SIM cards, mobile routers, dedicated LEADS/911 router gear, and licensing resources.

11 - Ensure end-users and IT systems comply with established municipal IT policies. Perform other related duties as assigned under the direction of the Director of Information Technology.

* Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Professional experience may be substituted for formal education on a year-for-year basis.

Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in enterprise network administration, systems analysis, and hands-on Layer 2/3 routing/switching, firewalls, and Wi-Fi management

Strong communication and documentation skills. Must be able to plan and develop proposals, policies, and procedures

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: CCNA or Network+ and Security+ certification preferred

Ability to maintain workstation hardware and software, including diagnosing and resolving problems

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and courteously under stressful situations with organizations/agencies and other staff members

Ability to maintain confidential information

Must be capable of functioning with minimal direction and perform work in a timely, organized, and professional manner.

Ability to work weekends and nights as needed.

Knowledge of major networking equipment includes switches, routers, wireless access points and fiber optics.

Practical oral and written communication skills, particularly in explaining technical concepts to non-technical staff.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and over the phone.

Ability to have and maintain a valid driver's license