IT Network Administrator

Summary

Clarity Partners is a recognized company in Chicago, known for being one of the Best Places to Work. They are seeking an IT Network Administrator to manage and optimize enterprise-level network environments, ensuring performance, security, and reliability across multiple systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary network administrator supporting enterprise network environments
• Install, configure, maintain, and support network hardware, software, and communication systems
• Administer and support Microsoft 365 environments, including user management, licensing, and security configurations
• Manage and maintain Microsoft Server environments (Windows Server), including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
• Support and administer VMware virtualized environments, including provisioning, monitoring, and performance optimization
• Configure and manage Fortinet firewalls and security appliances to ensure network protection and compliance
• Monitor network performance to ensure reliability and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs)
• Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity, performance, and infrastructure issues
• Implement and manage network security measures to protect against unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data breaches
• Conduct routine network audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards
• Manage backup and disaster recovery processes to prevent data loss and ensure business continuity
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, procedures, and changes
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to support infrastructure initiatives and upgrades
• Respond to network emergencies and security incidents to minimize downtime

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• 2–3 years of professional experience in network administration required; 3–5 years preferred
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Entra ID/Azure AD, SharePoint, Teams)
• Experience managing Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Active Directory and Group Policy
• Experience supporting VMware virtual environments (vSphere/ESXi)
• Experience configuring and managing Fortinet firewalls and network security solutions
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs), routing, and switching
• Experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Familiarity with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and security best practices
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills
• 3–5 years of professional experience in network administration preferred
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, Network+, Fortinet NSE, VMware VCP, or Microsoft certifications preferred
• Citrix Workspace administration experience is a plus

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• 2–3 years of professional experience in network administration required; 3–5 years preferred
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Entra ID/Azure AD, SharePoint, Teams)
• Experience managing Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Active Directory and Group Policy
• Experience supporting VMware virtual environments (vSphere/ESXi)
• Experience configuring and managing Fortinet firewalls and network security solutions
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs), routing, and switching
• Experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Familiarity with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and security best practices
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills

Nice to Haves

• 3–5 years of professional experience in network administration preferred
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, Network+, Fortinet NSE, VMware VCP, or Microsoft certifications preferred
• Citrix Workspace administration experience is a plus