Government agencies rely on Wide Area Networks (WANs) to connect multiple locations securely and efficiently. WAN Administrators play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, security, and performance of these networks, which are essential for government operations and communications.

What does a Wide Area Network Administrator do on Government Contracts?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) Administrator on a government contract is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining WAN infrastructure. Their key duties include:

Network Configuration & Optimization: Setting up routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure optimal network performance.
Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Continuously tracking network performance, identifying potential issues, and resolving connectivity problems.
Security Management: Implementing security measures such as encryption, VPNs, and firewall rules to protect sensitive government data.
System Upgrades & Maintenance: Keeping network hardware and software up to date to meet government cybersecurity and efficiency standards.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintaining detailed network documentation and ensuring compliance with federal IT security regulations.

Wide Area Network Administrator Job Description

WAN Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining government-wide area networks, ensuring secure and uninterrupted connectivity between multiple locations. Their duties include configuring network devices, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and implementing security policies. They work closely with IT security teams to protect government networks from cyber threats and ensure compliance with government cybersecurity regulations. Additionally, WAN Administrators conduct routine performance evaluations, recommend upgrades, and document all network configurations.

Job Requirements for a Wide Area Network Administrator

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

In-depth understanding of WAN technologies, including MPLS, VPNs, and SD-WAN.
Proficiency with network hardware such as Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto devices.
Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving network performance issues.
Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and government network security protocols.
Experience with network monitoring tools like SolarWinds, Wireshark, or PRTG.
Ability to document network configurations and maintain compliance with federal IT policies.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
3-5 years of experience in WAN administration, preferably in a government or enterprise environment.
Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or CISSP (preferred).

WORKSPACE/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Primarily office-based with occasional on-site visits for network installation and maintenance.
May require lifting network equipment and working in server rooms.
Availability for on-call support and emergency troubleshooting.

What does a typical job posting look like for a Wide Area Network Administrator?

Job Title: Wide Area Network (WAN) Administrator
Location: [Government Agency Location]
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled Wide Area Network (WAN) Administrator to maintain and optimize our government WAN infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have experience configuring and troubleshooting complex network environments, ensuring secure and high-performance connectivity across multiple locations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot WAN infrastructure.
Implement security measures to protect sensitive government data.
Optimize network performance and bandwidth usage.
Maintain network documentation and compliance with government regulations.
Collaborate with IT teams to integrate WAN solutions with overall IT infrastructure.

Salary Range:
The average salary for a WAN Administrator working on government contracts ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location.