Network Security Administrator / Cyber Security Administrator

Network Security Administrator / Cyber Security Administrator (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA & Compliance Security):

Total Required Experience in Years: 5 Years

Mode of Work: Remote (Colorado Preferred)

The client is seeking an experienced Network Security Administrator / Cyber Security Administrator to provide specialized network security administration and cybersecurity support for multiple state agencies. The selected consultant will be responsible for firewall administration, security operations support, compliance initiatives, infrastructure modernization, and security request management.

The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with Palo Alto and Cisco ASA firewalls, network security administration, compliance standards, and operational support within enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and execute Firewall Service Requests (FSRs).
• Manage break-fix tickets and security-related incidents.
• Process and implement approved change requests.
• Configure, administer, and support:
• Palo Alto Firewalls
• Cisco ASA Firewalls
• Manage firewall rules, security policies, NAT configurations, and VPN connectivity.
• Perform firewall troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Support infrastructure modernization initiatives.
• Facilitate replacement and refresh of End-of-Life (EOL) network hardware.
• Implement security controls to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to:
• IRS Security Standards
• FBI Security Requirements
• CJIS Compliance Standards
• Support ongoing network security operations.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance and emergency response activities.
• Participate in weekly on-call support rotations.
• Maintain documentation for firewall changes, security requests, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, networking, and security teams.
  

Required Skills

• Palo Alto Firewalls
• Security Policies
• Site-to-Site VPNs
• NAT Configuration
• Threat Prevention
• Cisco ASA Firewall Administration
• Firewall Rule Management
• Firewall Troubleshooting
• Network Security
• TCP/IP
• Routing Protocols
• Subnetting
• OSI Model
• Network Monitoring
• Security Operations
• Change Management
• Incident Response Support
• Hardware Refresh Projects
  
  

Technical Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls:
• Zones
• Security Policies
• Site-to-Site VPN
• NAT
• Threat Prevention
• Experience administering Cisco ASA Firewalls.
• Knowledge of:
• Routing
• Switching
• TCP/IP Networking
• Network Security Fundamentals
• Experience supporting enterprise network environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot firewall and network security issues.
• Understanding of security best practices and compliance requirements.
  

Preferred Skills

• Palo Alto Panorama
• Network Segmentation
• IDS/IPS Technologies
• Security Monitoring
• Vulnerability Management
• Government Security Environments
• Infrastructure Lifecycle Management
• Security Audits
• Risk Mitigation
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience supporting enterprise firewall environments.
• Experience implementing and managing network security controls.
• Experience handling firewall service requests and operational support activities.
• Experience participating in change management processes.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and within team environments.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
  
  

Compliance Experience

• IRS Security Standards
• FBI Security Standards
• CJIS Security Requirements
• Government Security Compliance Programs
  
  

Operational Requirements

• 40 Hours Per Week
• Monday Friday
• Weekly On-Call Rotation
• Availability for After-Hours Maintenance
• Emergency Incident Response Support
  
  

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Networking, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience accepted.
  
  

Preferred Certifications

• Palo Alto PCNSA / PCNSE
• Cisco CCNA Security
• Cisco CCNP Security
• CompTIA Security
• CISSP
• GIAC Security Certifications
  
  

Deliverables

• Firewall Configuration Changes
• Security Service Request Completion
• Change Management Documentation
• Compliance Reports
• Security Control Implementations
• Firewall Rule Reviews
• Incident Resolution Documentation
• Hardware Refresh Support
• Operational Support Deliverables
  
  

Must Have Skills

• Palo Alto Firewalls
• Cisco ASA
• VPN
• NAT
• Firewall Administration
• Security Policies
• Routing
• Subnetting
• TCP/IP
• Threat Prevention
  
  

Preferred Candidate

• Colorado Local Candidates
• State Government Experience
• Enterprise Network Security Experience
  
  

Location:

• Denver, CO
• Remote
• Colorado Candidates Preferred
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Ability to Pass Criminal Background Check
• Ability to Pass Financial Background Check
• Ability to Pass Drug Screening
• Participation in On-Call Rotation
• Availability for After-Hours Maintenance and Emergency Support