Chesapeake Public Schools
JOB DESCRIPTION
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Network Administrator III
Department: Department of Technology Innovation
Pay Grade: U121
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
GENERAL PURPOSE
Chesapeake Public Schools is seeking a skilled a Network Administrator specializing in Cisco. In this role, you will be responsible for the architecture, deployment, configuration, optimization, and day-to-day management of our enterprise Cisco and Meraki network environment.
The ideal candidate has expertise in the Meraki cloud dashboard, Cisco Wireless LAN Controller, Enterprise wireless deployment, and layer 2/3 switching, ensuring high availability, robust security, and seamless connectivity across all schools and administrative support buildings.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Oversee the provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco Meraki MS series switches and MR series wireless access points (APs).
- Using dashboard, serve as an administrator for the Meraki cloud organization, managing networks, tags, firmware updates, and configuration templates.
- Design, deploy, and optimize enterprise-grade Wi-Fi networks. Conduct predictive and post-deployment wireless site surveys to eliminate dead zones and mitigate RF interference using spectrum analysis hardware.
- Implement and maintain network security policies, including 802.1X authentication (RADIUS/ISE), guest Wi-Fi isolation, WPA3 enterprise encryption, and Content Filtering/Group Policies.
- Troubleshoot and support Tier 2/3 escalation point for complex network connectivity, performance, and roaming issues. Utilize Meraki health tools (packet captures, event logs) to rapidly diagnose and resolve bottlenecks.
- Manage hardware lifecycles, licensing renewals, firmware testing schedules, and RMA processes for Meraki and Cisco hardware.
- Maintain accurate network topology diagrams, IP addressing schemas, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the network infrastructure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: 3–5 years of experience administering enterprise networking environments, to include Cisco & Meraki switching and Cisco & Meraki wireless.
- Strong foundation of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, VLANs, Inter-VLAN routing, DHCP, DNS, STP/RSTP, LACP, and QoS.
- Strong knowledge of RF fundamentals, 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax), roaming mechanisms, and channel planning.
- Security Protocols and experience configuring secure access control using RADIUS, TACACS+, Active Directory integration, and captive portals.
- Strong analytical thinking, excellent documentation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
- Relevant certifications (Cisco, Meraki, CompTIA) are a plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Cloud Architecture
- Wireless Standards
- Security & Authentication
- Dashboard Configuration
- PoE Management
- Remote Troubleshooting
- Performance Tuning
- Physical Deployment
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- May require occasional after-hours or weekend maintenance windows to perform firmware upgrades or network disruptive changes.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs for rack-mounting switches and mounting access points on ceilings/walls.
- Must be able to climb ladders to mount overheard access points and manage network cabling.
- This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects;
- Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arms length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.