"Network Infrastructure Administrator"

Job Description

Amherst College invites applications for the Network Infrastructure Administrator position. The Network Infrastructure Administrator is a full-time, year-round position, starting at $90,000 - commensurate with experience.

The Network Infrastructure Administrator supports the College's network and security infrastructure, ensuring reliable and secure access to campus systems. This role is responsible for the configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of firewalls (primarily Palo Alto or Fortinet), as well as supporting Windows server infrastructure and key enterprise systems. The incumbent works collaboratively within the Systems & Networking team and across departments to maintain secure, high-performing, and well-documented network services.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Manage Palo Alto and/or Fortinet firewalls, including configuration, policy management, and threat prevention
• Perform network security and access control for network devices, including firewall rule audits and compliance enforcement
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to network logs and threats, using tools like Wireshark or packet sniffers to optimize performance and security
• Maintain network infrastructure, including firmware patching, lifecycle management, and network device configuration
• Document network architecture, changes, and policies following change management protocols and prepare reports for leadership
• Evaluate and recommend network technologies, and support planning efforts for future upgrades
• Provide cross-functional support to staff and collaborate with IT teams on enterprise systems and network issues
• Participate in on-call rotation to resolve after-hours issues as needed

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in STEM
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant IT experience supporting enterprise networking environments
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience managing and configuring enterprise firewalls, preferably Palo Alto (Fortinet acceptable)
• Specialized skill training/certification in lieu of minimum education and related experience; PCNSA/E;FCP
• Strong working knowledge of network security principles, firewall policies, and access control management
• Experience with packet analysis and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex network performance issues in a timely manner
• Familiarity with enterprise networking hardware, routing/switching concepts, and network management tools (e.g., SolarWinds)
• Solid understanding of Windows Server administration and Active Directory preferred
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail, with experience writing and maintaining network diagrams and change records
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive community
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Industry certifications such as Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) or Engineer (PCNSE), Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) or equivalent
• Experience in a higher education or research-intensive enterprise environment
• Familiarity with security compliance frameworks such as NIST, CIS Controls, or GLBA
• Experience with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible, PowerShell)
• Knowledge of Zero Trust networking principles and segmentation strategies
• Experience implementing or supporting identity-aware network access solutions (e.g., NAC, SSO, MFA)

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Benefits are an important part of our overall compensation, so it is critical that you review all of the options to ensure it meets your total compensation requirements. Click here for Benefits Information.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, visit https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Amherst_Jobs/job/Amherst-Campus/Network-Infrastructure-Administrator_JR6132