Network Administrator (#1835)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Day-to-day management of Cisco switches, the phone system, and other network infrastructure components controlled by NBACC. Provides support for network infrastructure not controlled by NBACC. Tasks Back-up and disaster recovery, cabling, device hardening, and vulnerability management of network infrastructure devices. Also involved with many aspects of Windows servers including OS and application management as well as ticket escalation from Service Desk.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* A minimum of three to five years of Cisco device work experience (or a degree in a related field) is preferred.
* Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or more advanced Cisco certification such as CCNP Enterprise are required.
* Advanced knowledge of and troubleshooting experience with Cisco switches and LAN/WAN configuration.
* Experience with Cisco Firepower firewall/VPN is a plus.
* Possesses knowledge of network security, understanding of vulnerabilities and countermeasures.
* Knowledge of and troubleshooting experience with Microsoft and VMware servers is desired.
* Experience with Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft and other webservers, Network Attached Storage, and VoIP are a plus.
* Working knowledge of common operating systems and software applications.
* Effectively communicates issues and resolutions to all levels of the organization.
* Ability to keep confidentiality of sensitive information.
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with team members.
* Ability to provide technical support over the phone or in online meetings. Professional demeanor and earlier customer service experience are strongly desired.
* Good problem-solving skills. Ability to handle constantly changing flow of tasks, be able to multitask effectively during busy times, and exercise patience and professionalism during stressful situations.
* Ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision.
* Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
* Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
* Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) may be required, dependent upon position and/or business needs.
* May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Deploys and administers Cisco Firepower firewall/VPN, Cisco switches, and other network devices in a secure environment.
* Manages voice telecommunications system.
* Monitors system logs/e-mail alerts and activity on network devices and troubleshoots problems with network connectivity.
* Performs Cisco IOS and other network device patching/upgrades, device hardening, and helps to maintain certification and accreditation of the systems.
* Follows the change management process when making changes to the systems/major applications.
* Follows and keeps existing documentation updated and creates documentation for new procedures.
* Responds to tickets escalated from the first level Service Desk and other IT teams.
* Attends and actively takes part in weekly meetings. Coordinates with other staff engaged in similar tasks.
* Helps the rest of the team with management of Microsoft and VMware servers.
* Maintains a broad knowledge of network devices and applications.
* Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
* Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
* Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
* Maintains appropriate records.
* Performs other assigned duties.

BNBI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.