Senior Network Administrator

National Institute of Standards and Technology • Boulder, CO

4d

About The Position

The IT Security and Networking Division is seeking an experienced Senior Network Administrator to manage, optimize, and secure the NIST enterprise network and isolated Physical Access Control System (PACS) network. The role supports NIST’s research mission through high-speed networking and works across the country, primarily at the Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Boulder, Colorado, sites. The position focuses on maintaining high availability and security while leading strategic infrastructure projects, equipment procurement, and lifecycle management. It has no day-to-day supervisory or managerial responsibilities. Limited travel and a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and late nights, are required; the schedule may fluctuate biweekly to meet service needs. After-hours support may be required to protect mission-critical research systems.

The administrator supports the NIST enterprise network cable plant, switching, routing, wireless, DNS, VoIP, communication circuits, and access control systems. They administer, monitor, troubleshoot, and improve enterprise networks and PACS systems; develop and apply security configurations; automate network management and security; and create scripts, programs, and reports for continuous monitoring. The role also includes Cisco device deployment and upgrades, a five-year equipment replacement plan, procurement and project management for infrastructure solutions, and coordination with stakeholders to align provisioning, policies, and procedures with organizational goals, industry practices, and regulatory requirements.

This position is covered by NIST’s Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), a pay-for-performance system. Grade at appointment depends on experience and assigned responsibility. A probationary period may be required. Applicants must meet the selective placement factor and specialized experience requirements; education cannot be used to qualify.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Applicants must possess a current, active Cisco CCNP certification or higher and provide a current, active copy with the application.
• At least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level (ZP-III at NIST).
• Experience upgrading Cisco IOS and NXOS software versions.
• Experience upgrading or replacing Cisco hardware chassis and line cards.
• Experience using Cisco IOS and NXOS commands, including Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing.
• Experience interconnecting and testing network devices using fiber-optic and copper testing tools.
• Experience using Cisco ISE for network access control and micro-segmentation.
• Satisfactory completion of a pre-employment medical examination.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must meet applicable drug-testing requirements.
• Must select at least one eligibility to be considered.
• Physical capabilities include lifting and carrying 45 pounds or more, reaching above the shoulder, using both hands, distinguishing basic colors and shades, and hearing (hearing aids may be permitted).
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, in intermittent excessive noise, alone and closely with others, and for protracted or irregular hours.
• Education cannot be used to qualify; qualifications are based on specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members to analyze, validate, maintain, and propose changes that improve the security posture of the enterprise environment.
• Ensure a stable and secure NIST enterprise network.
• Research, develop, modify, and apply security configuration settings for networks and network devices.
• Manage and automate networks and network security.
• Administer, support, analyze, validate, and troubleshoot enterprise networks and PACS systems.
• Automate and analyze data through programming and scripting; create and maintain scripts, programs, and reports for continuous monitoring.
• Serve as a technical consultant on network systems analysis, integration, implementation, and maintenance.
• Deploy and upgrade Cisco devices.
• Procure equipment replacements as part of a five-year refresh cycle and develop a comprehensive equipment refresh plan.
• Administer, support, and troubleshoot enterprise networks, voice systems, and communication circuits to ensure uptime and security.
• Proactively review and deploy critical vendor system and code updates and oversee network and service monitoring.
• Develop contract requirements for large equipment procurements and infrastructure solutions, and lead related projects.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to align system provisioning, policies, and procedures with organizational goals, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Support the enterprise network cable plant, switching, routing, wireless, DNS, VoIP, and access control.
• Provide after-hours support as required to mitigate risks to mission-critical research systems.

Benefits

• A federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees, though specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• NIST offers work-life flexibilities to support balance between home and work responsibilities.
• NIST’s APMS is described as offering HR flexibilities to help recruit and retain talent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed