The Network Architect is responsible for designing, planning, implementing, and maintaining the logical and technical network architecture across all college campuses, locations, and data centers. Working closely with leadership at all levels, the Network Architect provides technical guidance to ensure the stability and integrity of the network infrastructure. This role involves coordinating and participating in the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of network hardware and communication links. The Network Architect will assist the Help-Desk Support Team to provide guidance and assistance in troubleshooting when needed, collaborate with other IT Team members regularly, and reports directly to the Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations.

　　ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

　　Design and implement strategic plans to meet current and future network requirements.

　　Create and maintain documentation related to network configuration, mapping, processes, and service records.

　　Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery.

　　Establish methodologies for testing network performance and providing performance statistics and reports.

　　Provide architectural consulting expertise and direction to other Infrastructure Team members.

　　Collaborate with the Infrastructure Team and IT Leadership to develop network strategies.

　　Research and recommend cost effective technologies, process improvements, and/or alternatives on existing systems architecture and technology portfolio that are in alignment with Palmer College’s strategic plan, and in support of network development geared towards the support and growth of faculty, students, and staff.

　　Develop, document, make recommendations, and communicate plans for investing innetworktechnologies, including analysis of cost reduction opportunities.

　　Ensurenetwork serviceshave sufficient capacity, stability, and agility to satisfy individual departmental needs.

　　Design, deploy, monitor, and maintain company LANs, WANs, virtual networks,and wireless networks including firewalls, routers, hubs, switches, UPSs, PDUs, and othernetwork devices.

　　Microsoft Azure Networking:Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable, and resilient network infrastructure in Azure by using various Azure networking services and tools. Optimize network performance and availability by following Azure best practices and guidelines. Troubleshoot and resolve network issues by using Azure diagnostics and monitoring.

　　OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

　　Conduct research and make recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards in support of allnetworkprocurement and development efforts.

　　Plan, acquire, coordinate, and participate in installation of in-house and remotenetwork devices and appliancesacross the organization’s network.

　　Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.

　　Review new and existingnetworkdesign projects and procurement or outsourcing plans for compliance with standards and architectural plans.

　　Ensure compliance and regulatory requirements (e.g., PCI, HIPAA, FERPA, etc.) are adhered to for all technology implemented and supported by Palmer College.

　　Perform all responsibilities in a manner that fully complies with Palmer’s Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policy.

　　Perform other duties as assigned.

　　Qualifications

　　MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

　　Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent combination of relevant work experience and education.

　　Three years of experience and/or training in Local Area and Wide Area Networking, including Firewall and SD-WAN Technologies.

　　Excellent customer service skills and effective communication abilities with individuals at all levels, including external vendors and support.

　　Proven team-player with strong organizational and time management skills.

　　Must demonstrate organization, accuracy, thoroughness, and the ability to ensure work quality.

　　Regular and reliable attendance is required for success in this position.

　　DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

　　Proven and successful experience working with HP Aruba Edge Switches and/or HP Aruba Wireless Infrastructure

　　Desired professional certifications include Mobility (ACMA or higher), ClearPass (ACCA or higher), Edge (ACEA or higher), NSE 4 or higher, and/or Cloudgenix.

　　Prior experience and demonstrated proficiency with FortiGate Firewalls and Forti-manager.

　　Prior experience working with an SD-WAN solution, preferably Cloudgenix.

　　Prior experience working in Microsoft Azure, along with certifications including AZ-104, AZ-305, and AZ-700.

　　PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

　　Perform sedentary to light work in a ventilated, lighted, and temperature-controlled office setting. Occasional travel required.

　　Frequent need to stand, stoop, kneel, walk, sit, lift moderately heavy objects such as computers and network appliances and perform other similar actions.

　　Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, tools, and to handle other computer components.

　　Occasional need to work in tight and confined spaces to accomplish tasks including inspection and running of cables in floors, ceilings, and overhead spaces.

　　Limited travel of 10% - 15% can be expected.