Network Specialist- Kirkland AFB

## Description
**Network Specialist – ONSITE ROLE IN NEW MEXICO**

Full-time

Location: Albuquerque, NM

***Veterans First Initiative, LLC (VFI)*** *is a U.S. Government Contractor and IT Services Integrator that delivers Network, Unified Communications, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity Engineering and Infrastructure Solutions on a global scale. VFI is certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a **Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business** (SDVOSB).*

VFI seeks an experienced professional **Network Specialist** to support our NE&S contract In Albuquerque, NM at Kirkland AFB. The Network Specialist ensures that the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Health Agency (DHA) LAN/WAN provides all required services, by supporting the network infrastructure with on-site troubleshooting and problem resolution.

**Note:** All candidates must possess anactive DoD Secret clearance

**Location:** Kirkland AFB, NM

**Schedule:** Monday – Friday, weekends as needed

**Travel:** Minimal, less than 10%

**Duties and Responsibilities**

• Provides daily operational support for the LAN core and edge switches across the medical network campus
• Resolves technical issues associated with network and routing protocols at all levels of the OSI model utilizing diagnostic and network administration tools
• Provides overall network infrastructure support to routing and switching equipment, firewalls, and associated cabling
• Plans, installs, and supports hardware and software upgrades, and resolves associated technical issues

**Requirements and Qualifications:**

• Clear understanding of OSI Model Layers 1-3, to include TCP/IP, VTP, SMTP, SNMP, DNS, DHCP, routing protocols, and EIA/TIA cable standards
• Must be familiar with firewall and VPN technologies
• Strong network experience maintaining switches and routers, and troubleshooting LAN/WAN problems
• Good knowledge of general security methodologies
• Must have strong oral and written communications skills
• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline such as Computer Science, Engineering or related technical discipline and 3 years related experience, or;
• Completion of certification program at a technical or vocational school and 8 years related experience
• Compliance with DoD Directive 8570.01 “Information Assurance Training, Certification, and Workforce Management required
• Security+ CE certification required
• Current CCNA, or Juniper/Brocade equivalent, desired
• DoD and/or medical network experience preferred

**Clearance:**

• Active secret DoD clearance is required

**Compensation:**

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between $60,000.00-$70,000.00. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

VFI offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, employer paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, retirement plans with employer contributions, paid time off, holidays, opportunity for advancement, and a respectful and collaborative work environment.

**Application Instructions:** Please apply on our website at: [<www.vetfi.com/careers>](http://www.vetfi.com/careers).

*VFI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status.*