Network Administrator

Network Administrator

The Circuit Executive's Office, located in the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois, provides policy development, administrative, technical, and staff support to the Chief Judge and Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit; the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit; and the district and bankruptcy courts, probation and pretrial offices, and federal defender services within the Seventh Circuit. The Network Administrator works under the direction of the Assistant Circuit Executive for Automation & Technology, and is responsible for the information technology (IT) networks for the Court of Appeals. The incumbent installs network hardware and software, troubleshoots and repairs technical program problems, provides technical IT support and training to staff, and oversees major national systems and those developed or customized for local use. The Network Administrator works with management in the planning, design, maintenance, and support of networks and systems to improve efficiencies.

Duties:

• Manage, configure, and optimize network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless devices.
• Proactively monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and resolve connectivity or performance issues swiftly.
• Implement and maintain robust network security measures while supporting compliance with regulatory and organizational policies.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, processes, and change management activities.
• Deliver timely and effective technical support for all network-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Advise and make strategic recommendations to management regarding network infrastructure, upgrades, and emerging technologies.
• Participate actively in installation, maintenance, and upgrade activities, including after-hours work as required. Install and configure network devices such as printers, routers, and switches.
• Establish and maintain reliable backup and recovery protocols for all network devices and servers.
• Identify, develop, and document requirements for procuring IT equipment and software. Liaise with vendors regarding warranties, repairs, and service contracts.
• Administer and optimize Microsoft Active Directory, including user and group management, permissions, and policy enforcement.
• Lead and collaborate on the design, rigorous testing, and implementation of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems, ensuring uninterrupted operation of court services.
• Deliver expert support and maintenance for all virtualized environments, including after-hours and on-call assistance to guarantee system reliability.
• Provide technical support for equipment and users in satellite offices, including onsite visits as necessary to resolve complex issues efficiently.
• Assist cybersecurity teams in security investigations and incident response, contributing expertise to protect organizational assets.
• Design, develop, and implement automated workflows and solutions using Power Automate, leveraging advanced triggers, actions, expressions, variables, and complex conditions to streamline operations.
• Proactively monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot automated workflows to ensure optimal performance and business continuity.
• Develop, test, and refine AI prompts to maximize system accuracy and output quality.
• Conduct comprehensive testing of AI features, document bugs, and recommend enhancements to improve functionality and user experience.
• Create and maintain thorough documentation of workflows and best practices for effective AI utilization across the organization.
• Facilitate and support the seamless integration of AI tools into court processes, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and compliance requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to organizational success.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have two to four years of specialized experience. Experience in LAN/WAN and Wi-Fi administration, troubleshooting, operation and maintenance of routers, and switches is preferred.

Notice to Applicants:

Application: Consideration will only be given to those individuals who apply through the court's online applicant tracking system and provide a resume and cover. Only those interviewed will be notified of the selection outcome. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without written notice to applicants. Travel expenses for interviews cannot be reimbursed. Please note that this position is not covered by the Fair Chance Act and requires that applicants provide criminal history information prior to receiving any conditional offer of employment. All offers of employment are provisional pending a successful completion of a background investigation and subsequent favorable suitability determination by the Court based on the results of an FBI background investigation. The selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation and every five years thereafter will be subject to a re-investigation. The U.S. Courts require employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available to applicants for review upon request. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed. Pursuant to the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, selection is contingent upon providing proof of being legally eligible to work in and for the United States. Employees are required to use Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit. THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit offers a generous benefits package to full-time, permanent employees, which includes:

• Paid leave time for federal holidays, vacation, sick, and Parental Leave
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Access to an infant and toddler care near the Courthouse.
• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available to full-time employees with qualifying student loans.
• Life insurance
• Thrift Savings Plan with matching funds (401k & Roth 401k style)
• Participation in Federal Employees Retirement System
• Health, dependent care, and parking reimbursement programs
• Public Transit Subsidy Program
• Onsite employee gym
• Employee Assistance Program, which provides free counseling, financial assistance, and basic legal services