Network Administrator

Network Administrator

The Network Administrator shares responsibility for the operation and ongoing modernization of UCR's network infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing wired/wireless networks and the installation, configuration, and lifecycle of network equipment, with an emphasis on version-controlled automation, building toward routine and repeatable changes being executed through Ansible playbooks via GitLab pipelines. The incumbent is expected to grow from executing existing playbooks to authoring and contributing new ones as proficiency develops. The Network Administrator must maintain a high level of network-related expertise and awareness of technologies implemented within the university (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, wireless), while building fluency in the tools that support automated and AI-assisted operations (Ansible, Git-based change workflows, and emerging AIOps tooling for monitoring, diagnosis, and remediation). The incumbent works closely with Network Engineering and other ITS teams to ensure seamless delivery of infrastructure implementations, acts as a line of support for the Network team, and provides timely troubleshooting and diagnosis for incident/problem resolution, increasingly informed by automated telemetry and AI-assisted root cause analysis. This position is classified as on-site and MUST actively participate in an on-call rotation supporting a 24/7 IT operation.

The full salary range for the Network Administrator is $88,301.52 - $162,425.52 annually. However, the pay scale for this position is up to $113,000 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Requirements

Degree - Requirement: Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. - Required

Experience - Requirement: 4 - 7 years of related experience. - Required

License - Requirement: Valid Driver License - Required

Certification - Requirement: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Preferred

Special Condition - Requirement: Must pass a background check. - Required

Must possess or obtain a Valid CA Driver's License in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles in order to drive either University-owned vehicles or personal vehicle to various sites on UCR's general campus as well as off campus sites (e.g. Palm Desert). - Required

Occasional travel for university related business meetings, conferences and/or professional development. - Required

Ability to work periodically outside of Normal Business Hours as assigned. - Required

Must be able to participate as part of the on-call rotation schedule for after hours support. - Required

Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours - Required

Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations. - Required

Demonstrated thorough knowledge of professional communications and network concepts necessary to resolve issues using established parameters, creativity and independent judgment, escalating as necessary.

Thorough understanding of various network hardware platforms, network related protocols and software including understanding of OSI layer 3 protocols at a basic level and layer 2 protocols at a complex level and related technical standards critical to the operation of interconnected networks.

In-depth experience with network diagnostic and performance management tools and software.

Thorough and broad knowledge and experience working with network management systems.

Ability to gather, organize and analyze data in the completion of a variety of functional assignments.

Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.

Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team.

Demonstrated diverse problem-solving skills.

Able to support Network WAN/LAN infrastructure and maintain Enterprise networking services such as (VPN, NAC, routers, switches, wireless infrastructure).

Able to monitor, maintain and upgrade network equipment. Provide Tier 3 network support and troubleshoot with Network Engineering and Operation team with limited supervision.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and foster partnerships with customers, technical teams, and management in an audience-friendly manner.

Demonstrated attention to details, practical problem solving abilities, ability to proactively identify opportunities and quickly implement solutions.

Able to work independently and has the desire to learn and share knowledge with team members.

Strong team player with excellent customer service skills along with a demonstrated commitment to service excellence, quality and client communication. Adhere to our mission of "Enabling Customer Success."

Aware of best practices in Information Technology service delivery such as ITIL.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Linux networking systems, Microsoft Active Directory, Office 365, DNS, WINS, SSL VPN, IPSEC VPN, and standards such as Ethernet, LAN, WAN, VoIP, UDP, TCP/IP, 802.1x

Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions within scope of the position.

Working knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop, network automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible) and Git-based version control workflows, in support of Infrastructure-as-Code practices.

Ability to read, execute, and, with growing proficiency, modify or author automation playbooks and scripts used for network configuration and remediation.