IT Network Administrator

Bard College and Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock is seeking candidates who will be able to assume a wide range of network administration and other duties. Our most important qualifications for this position are motivation, desire and ability to learn a wide array of tasks including technical configuration, maintenance, customization of many complex hardware devices and systems, and the ability to work collaboratively and constructively in a team-based work environment. 

This position reports to the Director of Instructional Technology and has significant interaction and involvement with members of the college community and outside vendors, and collaborates with colleagues from other institutions.

Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a residential undergraduate college of the liberal arts and sciences that strives to cultivate and maintain a welcoming environment of equity and inclusion. Simon’s Rock is the nation’s only four-year college specifically designed for younger scholars. Located in Great Barrington, the college is a unit of Bard College located in Annandale-on-Hudson in New York. In 2014, Simon’s Rock opened Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock, a two year high school program for 9th- and 10th-graders on the path to starting college early.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain stable, functional and secure data and telephone networks.
• Monitor and manage network traffic, analyzing and troubleshooting problems as they occur.
• Investigate, recommend and implement new hardware and software solutions.
• Monitor and oversee the configuration, maintenance, and updating of network switches, routers, firewalls, and other network hardware/software; install or oversee the installation of ethernet and fiber optic cabling.
• Monitor and analyze bandwidth utilization to optimize use and performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain network monitoring as necessary for security and malware detection.
• Monitor network performance to determine whether adjustments need to be made; determine where network repairs, upgrades, and enhancements are warranted; implement changes and improvements.
• Troubleshoot outages or interruptions in network service; analyze and resolve wiring, hardware, and software issues.
• Plan the introduction of updated and new services on campus; facilitate network communications within and outside campus.
• Configure campus phone systems to provide robust service to faculty, staff and students on campus.
• Troubleshoot and resolve telephone hardware and wiring issues, working with other IT staff and with vendor technicians.
• Investigate new network hardware and software technology; recommend the acquisition of new technology; plan for the introduction of and the implementation of new hardware and software.
• Obtain configurations and quotes from vendors; work closely with senior staff inside and outside the ITS department to develop justification, pricing and funding alternatives.
• Communicate with the College community (faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents of students) regarding issues and topics related to the campus network and services.
• Work together with other members of the ITS department to plan and schedule upgrades to important systems and infrastructure while minimizing downtime.
• Coordinate closely with the System Administrator, Director of Instructional Technology, Director of User Services and other staff to ensure smooth functioning of systems and network.

 Required Qualifications:

• Affinity for learning how to manipulate and maintain complex systems and hardware platforms.
• Willingness to push the bounds of one’s comfort level with regard to exploring systems, hardware, code and technical environments that may initially appear opaque and/or highly complex.
• Desire to learn and self start.
• Ability to physically lift and carry 25 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work on ladders and also in tight quarters in order to install or service equipment deployed around campus.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability and willingness to be on periodic emergency on-call rotation as well as occasional night, weekend and very early morning work (e.g., for system upgrades).
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly

Highly desirable qualifications:

• Associates degree in Information Technology, Networking or Computer and IT Security, Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related technical area and/or equivalent experience.
• Previous technical experience including system and network administration.
• In depth knowledge of network and telephone hardware and software.
• Familiarity with Cisco Catalyst and HP Procurve switches and routers, Cisco ASA, Cisco Meraki Wireless, Windows Desktop and Server, Mac OS, Linux Servers, KVM Virtualization and/or Samsung OfficeServ PBX.
• Interest in and/or experience with cloud-based platforms, such as Amazon Web Services

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. This position is a full-time, salaried, benefits-eligible position. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. COVID-19 vaccination with booster(s) or approved exemption is required as a condition of employment at Simon’s Rock. Simon’s Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and socioeconomic levels as the values of equity and inclusion are core to our institutional mission. AA/EOE. 

To apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references to Charlie Derr, Director of Instructional Technology at NetworkAdminSearch@simons-rock.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls please.