A Network Administrator on a government contract is responsible for maintaining the security, reliability, and performance of network infrastructure. Their job duties include:
- Designing, configuring, and managing local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and virtual private networks (VPN).
- Implementing security protocols and network access controls to protect sensitive government data.
- Conducting regular system upgrades and software patches to ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards.
- Monitoring network traffic and resolving connectivity issues in real time.
- Maintaining documentation of network configurations, policies, and troubleshooting procedures.
Job Requirements for a Network Administrator
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency in network administration tools (e.g., Cisco IOS, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
- Strong understanding of network security principles, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
- Familiarity with government cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, FISMA, RMF).
- Experience with virtualization and cloud networking (AWS, Azure, or hybrid environments).
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose complex network issues.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills for reporting and compliance.
Educational Background and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3-5 years of experience in network administration, preferably in government or defense environments.
- Relevant certifications such as:
- CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8570 compliance)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (preferred for security-focused roles)
Workspace/Physical Requirements:
- Primarily office-based, with occasional on-site visits to government facilities.
- May require lifting and installing network equipment.
- Ability to work on-call for critical network issues and emergencies.
What does a typical job posting look like for a Network Administrator?
Job Title: Network Administrator
Location: [Government Agency or Contractor Location]
Job Type: Full-time
Job Description:
We are seeking a skilled Network Administrator to support government IT infrastructure by maintaining and securing critical network systems. The ideal candidate will have experience managing network hardware, enforcing security policies, and ensuring high availability of IT services.
Essential Job Functions:
- Install, configure, and maintain network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
- Implement security measures to protect government data from cyber threats.
- Support cloud and hybrid network environments in compliance with federal regulations.
- Maintain documentation of network architecture, policies, and incident reports.
Salary Range
The salary for a Network Administrator working on government contracts typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and security clearance level. Roles within defense agencies or requiring Top Secret clearance may command higher salaries.