Network Administrator
Department: Information Technology
FLSA Status: Exempt
Annual Salary: $62,244.19
Position Overview:
This position answers directly to the Senior Network Engineer. The Network Administrator is responsible for supporting and maintaining the City's technology infrastructure, including the wired and wireless networks that serve all municipal departments. This position ensures reliable connectivity, optimal network performance, and secure operations that enable the delivery of critical public services. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly detail-oriented, and skilled in diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues in a dynamic environment. This position is classified as an Essential personnel classification for Emergency Response. This means that during an emergency response this position is required to report directly after an emergency. Essential status is defined as employees whose duties are vital to maintain basic municipal functions during an emergency.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential job duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following:
Network Operations & Maintenance
Monitor and maintain the City's LAN/WAN infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
Conduct daily network health checks and proactively identify potential service disruptions.
Diagnose and resolve connectivity issues, hardware failures, and performance-related incidents.
Assist with network upgrades, expansions, and lifecycle refresh initiatives.
Support core network services including VLANs, routing, DHCP reservations, IP addressing, and segmentation.
Wireless Network Administration
Maintain and support the enterprise wireless network, including access points, controllers, antennas, and security configurations.
Monitor wireless coverage, performance, capacity, and interference across City facilities.
Troubleshoot roaming issues, authentication failures, SSID problems, and device connection concerns.
Assist with wireless site surveys, access point placement, and Wi-Fi expansion projects.
Implement wireless best practices for high-density and mission-critical environments.
Switching & Routing Administration
Configure and support VLANs, trunks, switch port security, and link aggregation.
Maintain routing configurations, DHCP functions, and IP addressing standards.
Support network segmentation and uphold access controls and network policies.
Monitor routing performance, spanning tree operations, and uplink stability.
VoIP & Unified Communications Support
Provide operational support for the City's VoIP and communications platforms.
Resolve call quality concerns, device registration issues, and configuration requests.
Deploy, relocate, and troubleshoot desk phones and softphone devices.
Network Security & Compliance
Monitor firewalls, VPN services, and intrusion detection tools for threats or abnormalities.
Assist in applying network security standards, access policies, and patching.
Support cybersecurity initiatives and compliance with municipal requirements.
Participate in investigations of network-related security events.
Hardware Installation & Physical Infrastructure
Install and maintain switches, routers, patch panels, UPS systems, and related equipment.
Ensure communication rooms meet standards for organization, labeling, grounding, and environmental conditions.
Coordinate with vendors and contractors on cabling, fiber installations, and infrastructure upgrades.
Video Surveillance Camera Support
Provide operational support for the City's video surveillance camera network.
Troubleshoot connectivity, power, bandwidth, and registration issues.
Support ONVIF-compatible cameras and integration with the video management system (VMS).
Assist with camera placement, replacement, and optimization in coordination with the Senior Network Engineer.
Support security policies and network segmentation for surveillance systems.
Door Access Control Support
Support the City's network-connected access control systems, including controllers, badge readers, and access panels.
Troubleshoot connectivity, PoE power issues, device registration, and offline events.
Assist with installation, configuration, and network integration of access system hardware.
Work with the Senior Network Engineer and vendors to evaluate system enhancements and expansion needs.
Maintain documentation of device locations, configurations, and network assignments.
Uphold segmentation and security controls for access control traffic.
Documentation & Change Management
Maintain accurate network diagrams, IP address records, port maps, and configuration documentation.
Follow established change management procedures for all network modifications.
Document troubleshooting steps and technical solutions for knowledge sharing.
Collaboration & Support
Partner with the Senior Network Engineer on major initiatives, migrations, and infrastructure improvements.
Provide Tier-II support for escalated network and wireless service issues.
Collaborate with IT colleagues to resolve cross-functional technology incidents.
All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, manager, director or mayor.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Must possess the required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Possesses a strong understanding of network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN technologies, TCP/IP protocols, and VoIP systems.
Demonstrates proficiency in operating, configuring, and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and related network devices.
Exhibits working knowledge of VoIP infrastructure and maintenance best practices.
Requires skills in installing, configuring, and maintaining network hardware and physical infrastructure.
Possesses knowledge of video surveillance technologies, including IP cameras, camera networking, and video management systems (VMS).
Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot video connectivity, image quality, ONVIF integration, and PoE/power delivery issues.
Exhibits familiarity with camera placement strategies, retention requirements, and network considerations for fixed and PTZ cameras.
Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with the Senior Network Engineer, IT personnel, and cross-functional teams.
Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically under pressure.
Exhibits effective communication skills when interacting with team members, vendors, and other City departments.
Demonstrates familiarity with network monitoring, diagnostics, and performance management tools.
Possesses foundational knowledge of operating systems, server hardware, and networking software.
Demonstrates knowledge of electronic door access systems including controllers, badge readers, electronic locks, and network-connected access panels.
Exhibits the ability to diagnose access control connectivity, device enrollment, PoE power, and communication failures.
Possesses an understanding of access system best practices including segmentation, security policies, and event/log monitoring.
Shows a willingness to learn emerging technologies and adapts quickly in a changing environment.
Education and Experience
An Associate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in network administration, with a focus on infrastructure and VoIP systems. Experience working with Cisco network equipment, Fortinet firewalls, enterprise wireless environments, and routing/switching platforms is strongly preferred.
Licenses of Certifications
The position requires possession of a valid Mississippi driver's license. Professional certifications are preferred, including CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, and Fortinet NSE credentials.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical requirements include the ability to occasionally lift and carry 25 pounds or more; visual acuity, speech, and hearing to effectively perform network-related tasks; and sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate tools, a computer keyboard, and standard office equipment. The role involves periods of sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling while performing essential duties. Work is performed primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor environments as needed. The position requires the physical capability to handle and install networking equipment, including the safe use of ladders. On-call availability may be required for urgent network or communications issues.
