Junior Network Administrator

About the Role

This is a hands-on, entry-level role supporting the network infrastructure across offices, a data center, and a manufacturing plant. It is ideal for someone with solid networking fundamentals looking to grow into a Network Administrator or Network Engineer position.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor network health, troubleshoot connectivity, latency, and port issues.
• Review logs and alerts.
• Configure switch ports, VLANs, trunks, and basic Layer 2 settings under change procedures.
• Assist with installing and labeling switches, wireless access points, optics, and cabling.
• Perform basic cable testing and physical-layer troubleshooting.
• Maintain network documentation, including device inventory, assigned IP addresses, VLANs, switch-port records, uplinks, and diagrams.
• Coordinate with OT engineers, system admins, vendors, and end users during troubleshooting.
• Support scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and expansion projects, including a new recycling plant buildout.
• Participate in an on-call/after-hours rotation as experience grows.
• Work directly with the Network Engineer to support daily operations, troubleshoot incidents, maintain documentation, and assist with network expansion projects.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Foundational understanding of TCP/IP, IPv4 addressing, and subnetting.
• Understanding of switches, routers, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, and wireless APs.
• Basic knowledge of VLANs, access/trunk ports, and Ethernet switching.
• Comfort with basic troubleshooting tools (e.g., ping, traceroute, ARP, ipconfig/ifconfig, DNS lookups).
• Basic Windows and Linux command-line familiarity.
• Strong documentation habits.
• Clear communication skills.
• Ability to read technical documentation and follow established procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot in a structured, methodical way.
• Comfort working in an active industrial/manufacturing environment (involves distance, heat, noise, PPE, lifts, network closets, and walking through active production areas).
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant certs, military, or IT experience are a plus.
• 1-3 years in network support, NOC, infrastructure support, field technology, or a help-desk role involving network troubleshooting.
• CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar certification is nice to have.
• Experience with managed switches, VLANs/trunking, or Fortinet/Cisco equipment is nice to have.
• Familiarity with fiber optics, SFP modules, or wireless troubleshooting is nice to have.
• Exposure to industrial/OT/manufacturing environments is nice to have.

Pay & Benefits

• Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00/yr
• Comprehensive Health Coverage (Medical, dental, prescription, vision, and hearing)
• Profit Sharing
• Retirement Savings Programs
• Stock Benefits
• HSA & FSA Options
• Life & Disability Coverage
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Educational Assistance
• Dependent Child Scholarships
• Employee Wellness Programs

Workplace

• Fully onsite position in Columbus, MS.