Network Specialist

The Network Specialist is a member of the Information Technology Services (ITS) Infrastructure team responsible for maintaining, monitoring, securing, and enhancing Eastern New Mexico University’s wired and wireless network infrastructure. This position provides technical support for enterprise network services across multiple campuses by installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and documenting network systems, and by contributing to infrastructure projects that improve reliability, security, and performance.

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Client and Network Services, the Network Specialist provides operational support for the University’s network infrastructure, including Cisco switching, routing, wireless networking, firewalls, VPN connectivity, network monitoring, and related services. Working collaboratively with other ITS teams and campus departments, the Network Specialist helps ensure reliable, secure, and resilient network services while developing and applying broader technical expertise in enterprise networking technologies., + Configure, maintain, install, and optimize Cisco switches, routers, wireless access points, controllers, and related network infrastructure.

• Analyze complex network infrastructure issues, evaluate alternative technical solutions, and exercise independent judgment in determining appropriate corrective actions to maintain network availability, security, performance, and reliability
• Monitor network health and performance using enterprise monitoring systems to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Diagnose and resolve complex wired and wireless connectivity problems for faculty, staff, students, and campus departments.
• Evaluate perimeter firewalls, VPN services, network security appliances, and access control technologies; implement approved security controls and recommend improvements to strengthen network security
• Configure and maintain VLANs, spanning tree, trunking, DHCP relay, and other Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies.
• Configure, implement, administer, and maintain network authentication systems, including Cisco ISE, RADIUS, and 802.1X.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot campus fiber and copper network infrastructure, coordinate physical-layer repairs and installations, and verify connectivity and performance
• Plan and perform network equipment upgrades, firmware updates, backups, and configuration management.
• Maintain configuration backups for critical network infrastructure and participate in the development and testing of network disaster recovery and business continuity procedures.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including network architecture diagrams, configuration standards, inventories, IP addressing plans, security configurations, and operational procedures
• Participate in the planning, design, evaluation, and implementation of network expansion, refresh, and modernization projects.
• Evaluate network performance, reliability, security, and capacity, and make technical recommendations regarding infrastructure, configurations, technologies, and standards to improve enterprise network services. Work closely with Systems, Client Support, Help Desk, Smart Classroom, and Telecommunications personnel to resolve infrastructure issues.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to network outages or emergencies outside normal business hours when necessary.
• Regular and predictable attendance required
• Perform other related duties as assigned., + Work is performed in the office, classroom, telecommunications room, data center, and outdoor environments.
• Work may involve confined spaces, ceilings, dust, poor ventilation, noise, vibration, rooftops, and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and frequently climb ladders and use hand tools.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required for scheduled maintenance and emergency response.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Networking, or a related field, and two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and directly related professional experience is required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification within one year of employment if not already held., + Current Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification or higher.
• Two or more years of experience supporting enterprise networking environments.
• Experience administering Cisco Catalyst switching and enterprise wireless infrastructure.
• Experience with Cisco Firepower, Meraki, or comparable enterprise networking platforms.
• Experience with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), RADIUS, or network access control (NAC).
• Experience with enterprise network monitoring and management platforms.
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, government, or another multi-building, distributed environment.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust networking principles and network security best practices.
• Experience supporting Layer 3 routing protocols, including OSPF.
• Experience with IPv6 implementation or administration.
• Experience performing packet capture and network traffic analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking and the OSI model.
• Working knowledge of Layer 2 switching technologies, including VLANs, STP/RSTP, EtherChannel, 802.1Q trunking, and port security.
• Working knowledge of Layer 3 technologies, including static routing, inter-VLAN routing, access control lists, and IP routing fundamentals.
• Understanding of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting.
• Familiarity with enterprise wireless networking technologies.
• Knowledge of network security technologies, including firewalls, VPN, IDS/IPS, network access control (NAC), and multifactor authentication (MFA).
• Ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure.
• Ability to diagnose complex network problems using packet captures, network analysis tools, and structured troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including network diagrams, configuration records, and operational procedures.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and manage work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to providing responsive customer service and continuous professional development.