Associate Network Administrator

Job Summary

Purdue IT | West Lafayette, Indiana

Under the guidance of Network Operations leadership, the Associate Network Administrator provides operational support for the Purdue University network infrastructure, including wired, wireless, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), and network security technologies. This entry-level position works closely with network engineers to maintain the reliability, performance, and security of critical University network services.

As a member of the Network Operations team, the Associate Network Administrator actively monitors network health, responds to incidents and service disruptions, troubleshoots operational issues, and works support tickets through resolution. The position also contributes to the development of process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies designed to enhance network stability and service delivery. Additionally, the Associate Network Administrator assists with the creation, maintenance, and improvement of technical documentation, operational procedures, and project-related materials.

This position normally works a 40-hour schedule within standard business hours. However, support of a 24x7 enterprise network environment requires occasional work during evenings, weekends, holidays, and scheduled maintenance windows. Participation in an on-call rotation is required to support the timely resolution of network incidents and other unplanned service events.

The Purdue network environment supports multiple campuses and organizations through a collaborative partnership involving Purdue West Lafayette (including Purdue Indianapolis), Purdue Northwest (Hammond and Westville), and Purdue Fort Wayne. Occasional travel between campuses may be required. Success in this role requires the ability to work effectively within a multi-vendor environment and to collaborate with technical teams across institutions to deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective networking solutions that meet the diverse needs of the Purdue community.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field
• One (1) year of experience in network operations, network administration, network engineering, information technology, or a related technical field
• Experience developing, maintaining, or supporting automation and scripting solutions using tools and languages such as Python, Ansible, GitHub, PowerShell, Perl, or similar technologies
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Valid driver's license

Skills Required:

• Technical Qualifications
• Foundational knowledge of enterprise networking concepts, technologies, and best practices
• Familiarity with:
  • Cisco networking technologies and exposure to multi-vendor network environments
  • network monitoring, observability, or infrastructure management platforms
• Understanding of common network protocols and services, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching, routing, and wireless networking principles
• Basic understanding of network security concepts, controls, and operational best practices
• Experience:
  • using scripting or automation tools to streamline operational tasks and improve efficiency
  • working in a Network Operations Center (NOC), higher education environment, or large enterprise network
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification or equivalent networking knowledge
• Exposure to network automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), or configuration management tools
• Strong:
  • verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service and technical support
• Ability to:
  • troubleshoot technical issues and follow established processes to resolution
  • participate in on-call rotation and perform occasional work during evenings, weekends, holidays, and scheduled maintenance windows
  • work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational environment
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license for occasional travel between Purdue campuses

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days -Summary of Benefits for Professional levels 1-3, Management levels 1-2 - Human Resources - Purdue University.

Career Stream

Professional 1

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20002145

Career path maker:

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