SENIOR NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR - Assessor's Office

Cook County•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Information Technology, the Senior Network Administrator performs a variety of support functions related to the computer help desk, email system, file/print servers, database servers, and all other network operations for the Cook County Assessor's Office (CCAO). The Senior Network Administrator provides help desk support for CCAO staff, township assessors, and data subscribers. The Senior Network Administrator maintains good customer service and recommends short and long-term computer network solutions. The Senior Network Administrator may be responsible over different subject matter areas including, but not limited to, information security, information operations, and network systems.

Requirements

Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Computer Science or Information Technology, or related field.
Three (3) years of full-time work experience in network administration or engineering.
OR
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Five (5) years of full-time work experience in network administration or engineering.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Ability to converse knowledgeably and communicate effectively orally and in writing with non-technical departments, and to work with and understand the end user requirements.
Ability to use discretion in carrying out assignments and completing tasks, sometimes within short timeframes to meet assessment deadlines.
Knowledge of materials, software, equipment, and procedures utilized by CCAO or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge.
Ability to interact with the general public and taxpayers, providing guidance and information regarding the computer systems utilized by CCAO.
Ability to meet CCAO and departmental deadlines and effectively utilize time with limited oversight.
Ability to resolve specific problems in accordance with management objectives.
Ability to work with others; excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with the public and co-workers.
Ability to mentor and provide guidance to junior IT staff.
Knowledge of the CCAO procedures, policies, practices and guidelines or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge.
Knowledge of infrastructure environments including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid solutions.
Ability to understand server virtualization, networking principles (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching), storage technologies, and data center operations.
Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud infrastructure management and security.
Ability to understand Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or other IT service management frameworks.
Skilled with automation and orchestration tools.
Ability to think strategically, make sound decisions, and drive operational excellence.
Knowledge of security frameworks, standards, and best practices (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Controls).
Knowledge and experience with risk assessment, vulnerability management, and penetration testing.
Knowledge of data privacy and protection regulations.
Experience with performance monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
Skilled with disaster recovery and business continuity planning for network infrastructure.
Visual acuity to review and edit written and electronic communications for long periods of time.
Walking between offices and meetings may be required.
Repetitive use of hands to handle and or operate standard office equipment.
Regular use of a telephone to communicate.
Lift, carry, and push computer systems, printers, and equipment.
Ability to work extended hours as needed or be on-call for emergency situations as needed to address network outages or issues.
Occasional travel to satellite offices as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Three (3) years of full-time work experience with Microsoft Network/Operating Systems.
Three (3) years of full-time work experience with Endpoint and malware protection software (i.e. Trellix, Crowdstrike, McAfee).
Three (3) years of full-time work experience with Active Directory and Group Policy administration.
Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a senior or leadership role.
Two (2) years of full-time work experience with administration in cloud platform (i.e. Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google Public Cloud, etc).
Two (2) years of full-time work experience configuring, maintaining and supporting servers in a virtual and/or hybrid environment.
One (1) year of full-time work experience with programming languages: Python, PowerShell, Bash, or Perl.
One (1) year of full-time work experience with SQL Server 2018 or higher.

Responsibilities

Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of core IT infrastructure components, including servers (on-premises and cloud), networks (LAN, WAN, WLAN), storage systems, backup systems, data centers, and cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
Plan and manage IT projects, including hardware and software deployments, system upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPis) to track infrastructure performance and identify areas for improvement.
Drive the implementation of relevant frameworks to optimize IT service management processes (e.g., incident management, problem management, change management).
Implements computer network maintenance (fixes and upgrades) and provides support to CCAO staff regarding network connectivity, including applying operating system updates, patches and configuration changes.
Provides support, maintenance, and management of CCAO's computer networks and assists in developing and implementing new automated systems to increase solutions in a computer-networked environment.
Maintains systems, performs upgrades, analyzes and resolves computer network and hardware problems.
Configures hardware and network equipment installations and relocations.
Tracks, troubleshoots and initiates computer and network repair service.
Solves hardware and network problems of a moderately complex and sometimes difficult nature.
Tests new equipment before releasing for general CCAO use.
Performs back-up and recovery procedures, monitors database server's efficiency, and ensures optimal performance.
Implements and documents network policies, procedures, disaster recovery planning, and new technologies.
Develops network diagrams and documentation and works with other Cook County network planners.
Collaborate with other departments, including systems administrators and help desk teams to troubleshoot and implement network improvements.
Analyze, review and recommend improvements to CCAO's network technologies to increase solutions in a computer-networked environment.
Works with network security protocols, VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and network monitoring tools.
Manages network resources, server and workstation security, including managing access control to network resources, managing antivirus/malware systems, assigning and modifying security attributes, creating and modifying security rights, assigning privileges and authorizations.
Develop and execute a comprehensive information security strategy and roadmap aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to senior leadership on information security risks and mitigation strategies.
Design, implement, and maintain security policies, response plans, standards, procedures, and guidelines.
Conduct regular audits, risk assessments and vulnerability assessments to identify and evaluate security risks.
Ensure compliance and retention with relevant industry regulations and standards.
Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies, and proactively adapt security strategies accordingly.
Supports CCAO's IT help desk by answering calls, emails and help desk tickets from CCAO staff and Township Assessors and provides support and assistance regarding the use of the CCAO's computer systems and networks.
Provides general guidance and assistance regarding use of automated systems, prepares user guidelines and trains employees regarding the use of CCAO's automated systems.
Administers email systems and creates email accounts, assigns security and distribution groups, monitors server performance and mail routing, troubleshoots email related issues, recommends and plans for improvements to the email network.
Provides file/print server support including print server setup, client setup; manages directly-attached printers; sets up and manages remote/network printers; manages print jobs and troubleshoots print issues; sets and enforces file security and access controls; and creates network shares.
Create and maintain accurate and concise technical documentation, including IT system reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and knowledge base articles.
Assist with the coordination and communication with external IT vendors.