Associate Network Administrator

Davidson T&I's Infrastructure & Operations division is looking for an Associate Network Administrator to join the Networks team. This role is the operational backbone of our network infrastructure - responsible for the field work, physical upkeep, and Tier 1 support that keeps our campus connected. You'll work directly alongside senior network engineers, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise networking platforms, UPS systems, structured cabling, and campus construction projects.

This is a role for someone who is comfortable working independently in the field, takes ownership of their work, and is eager to develop deeper networking expertise over time. You'll be a key part of a small, close-knit team where your contributions are visible and your growth is supported.

Who Are You?

You're an early-career IT professional with a solid networking foundation and a passion for hands-on infrastructure work. You bring:

• 1-3 years of experience in network support, IT infrastructure, or a related field operations role
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals - TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, switching, wireless, IP addressing, and subnetting
• Hands-on experience deploying and troubleshooting network hardware including switches, wireless access points, and patch panels
• Experience with structured cabling and physical network infrastructure
• Comfort using cable testing tools such as tone generators, probes, and cable certifiers
• Familiarity with incident response and SLA-aware support - understanding urgency, escalation paths, and the importance of timely resolution
• Strong documentation habits, including experience creating runbooks, knowledge base articles, and network records using IT ticketing and asset management systems
• Experience participating in or supporting change management processes, including CAB review and coordinating cross-functional teams during scheduled maintenance
• The ability to work independently in the field, manage multiple open tasks, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical colleagues
• Physical ability to lift equipment, work in confined spaces, and perform closet and overhead work as needed

In previous roles, you've shown up reliably, taken ownership of the work assigned to you, and left things better than you found them. You understand that great infrastructure is invisible - and you take pride in being the reason it stays that way.

Key Responsibilities

Network Administration (60%)

• Assist in the daily administration of campus network infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and associated hardware
• Perform Tier 1 network troubleshooting - verify physical connections, check link lights, reseat cables, swap patch cables, and scope the impact of connectivity issues
• Escalate confirmed network-layer issues to senior engineers with clear documentation including port numbers, switch locations, and observed symptoms, in alignment with incident response SLAs
• Support routine network maintenance tasks including firmware updates, configuration backups, and performance checks under senior engineer guidance
• Participate in change management processes, including preparing change requests and supporting CAB review for scheduled network maintenance
• Assist with Network Access Control (NAC) administration in Extreme Control - device registration, quarantine triage, and end-user compliance support
• Conduct periodic wireless site surveys to maintain accurate campus coverage maps and identify gaps or interference issues
• Create and maintain runbooks, network documentation, and operational procedures to support team consistency and knowledge sharing

Infrastructure & Field Operations (30%)

• Perform on-site walkthroughs to identify, label, and document network drops, patch panels, wall jacks, and cable runs across all campus buildings
• Trace and test cables using tone generators, probes, and cable testers to identify dead or mislabeled drops
• Conduct scheduled walkthroughs of all wiring closets and telecom rooms, maintaining cable organization, labeling, and environmental monitoring
• Monitor closet conditions and report cooling, airflow, or HVAC concerns to Facilities and the Network team
• Physically relocate or connect network hardware - switches, access points, patch cables - under Network team direction during moves, adds, and changes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Facilities, Physical Plant, and other campus divisions to coordinate infrastructure work and ensure network requirements are met
• Escort and assist third-party vendors and contractors during campus infrastructure work

UPS (Battery Backup) Maintenance (10%)

• Conduct scheduled inspections of network UPS units across all campus wiring closets and telecom rooms
• Test UPS units to verify battery health, runtime estimates, and alarm functionality on a regular maintenance cycle
• Replace batteries per refresh schedule or upon failed testing, following manufacturer and safety guidelines
• Maintain a UPS inventory log and asset lifecycle records tracking unit location, model, battery install date, and next scheduled service
• Manage battery disposal per campus environmental and safety policies; liaise with vendors for warranty claims and depot repairs

Summer Projects & Campus Construction Support

• Assist the Network team during summer infrastructure projects, building renovations, and equipment refresh initiatives
• Install switches, wireless access points, and UPS units under Network team direction and configuration oversight
• Perform cross-connects and patch panel terminations for new or relocated cabling infrastructure as directed
• Support post-installation walkthroughs to confirm equipment is properly mounted, labeled, and cabled before sign-off

Other Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Networking, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• CompTIA Network certification, or the ability and commitment to obtain it within 6 months of hire
• Additional industry certifications such as Cisco CCNA or Extreme Networks Associate (ENA) are a plus
• Experience with Extreme Networks platforms, including EXOS switching, VOSS Switching, Extreme Wireless, and Extreme Control (NAC)
• Familiarity with Cisco networking equipment, including switches and routers
• Familiarity with UPS systems - particularly Vertiv/Liebert - including battery replacement and SNMP monitoring
• Wireless site survey experience using tools such as Ekahau or similar
• Prior experience in a higher education or another mission-driven environment where reliability and access matter