Network Engineer

The Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Prairie Farms' secure enterprise network infrastructure across office and branch locations and manufacturing plants. This role collaborates with cross-functional IT teams to develop processes, procedures, and solutions consistent with the organization's architecture roadmaps. The Network Administrator ensures maximum network continuity supporting Prairie Farms' multi-site dairy manufacturing and distribution operations., Infrastructure & Operations

• Install, configure, and maintain approved network hardware, software, and structured cabling systems across Prairie Farms facilities.

• Maintains structured cabling systems, telecom systems, WAN, LAN, Cellular, Wireless Networks and local Internet, remote access, VPNs, and connectivity protocols.

• Implement predetermined telecom/network software and hardware modifications with minimal downtime.

• Establish source device profiles, environments, directories, and access protocols aligned with Prairie Farms security standards.

• Support Fortinet firewall configurations, network segmentation, and access controls at assigned locations.

• Partner with System Administrators at various levels on site deployments, domain migrations, and virtualization-related networking tasks as directed.

• Additional support duties as assigned.

Monitoring & Support

• Monitor installed network and telecom equipment health to ensure optimal uptime and performance.

• Provide escalation support for connectivity or related network/communication issues for user community.

• Assist in proactive capacity planning for network upgrades and business growth.

• Collaborate with IT Help Deks teams (Tier 1-3) to streamline operations and response processes.

Security & Compliance

• Support implementation of network perimeter security controls including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection.

• Enforce network access controls, authentication protocols, and Forti Authenticator MFA for remote access users.

• Assist with firewall firmware testing and updating schedules across all locations.

• Document network configurations and maintain accurate records of all changes.

Site & Project Support

• Travel to Prairie Farms office, plant, branch, and distribution locations for project work and process review.

• Participate in corporate on-call rotation and after-hours support as required.

• Additional support duties as assigned by the Network Operations Manager.

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience required.

• 1-3 years of network administration.

• Knowledge of network routing protocols IPSec, BGP, RIP, SDWAN, etc.

• Strong knowledge of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.

• Strong knowledge of systems and network software, hardware and networking protocols.

• Experience with scripting and automation tools. (PowerShell, Bash)

• Knowledge of Service Desk process development and IT operations best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry standard, related certifications.

• Knowledge of VMware virtualization or equivalent.

• Experience with Linux administration.

• Knowledge of Manufacturing Operations (Operational Technology).

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced computer skills.

• Advanced communication skills to coordinate activities with other departments and locations within the company.

• Possess a strong work ethic, with the desire to learn new technologies and processes.

Required Soft Skills:

• Ability to work without direct supervision.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Coachable and willing to learn.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to plan and execute operational activities.

Competency

• Must be able to read and write English and perform basic math calculations.

• Effective time management skills to achieve results through prioritizing demands.

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills.

• Strong attention-to-detail and organizational skills.

• Must demonstrate proficiency in essential tasks and a willingness to learn.

Pay Range + other compensation components: $65,000-82,500

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, Thrift, Life Insurance

Shift (if applicable): Full time- Monday- Friday, 40+ hours per week. This position may include nights, weekends, and some holidays.

Travel required: 10-30%

Participation in rotating on-call schedule for after-hours and weekend support., (S)he will be required to sit and stand for long periods of time. (S)he will be required to stoop, bend, and reach above the head and below the knees to file and retrieve data.

We are a farmer-owned cooperative. This means we are owned and operated by over 800+ farm families who are critical members of society. They have selflessly taken on the tremendous task of producing nutritious, high-quality milk for a growing population, which requires being on the job 24/7, 365 days a year. We have represented American agriculture since our founding in 1938. Many of our dairy farms are operated by several generations of family members with roots dating back to the 1800s. On average, each farm milks around 120 cows and everyone pitches in to keep them happy and healthy - which means around-the-clock care!