Entry Level It Network Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Position Description: Pay: $35.76 per hourJob description:POSITION DETAILSPosition Title: IT / Network ManagerWork Location: Artesia, NMReports To: Project Manager (on-site); Director of Government Services (corporate)Schedule: Monday–Friday during business hours; on-call 24/7 for after-hours emergenciesPOSITION SUMMARYThe IT / Network Manager is responsible for all information technology, wireless internet, and television services across 504 dormitory rooms across 72 trailers plus dining facilities. This position owns the full lifecycle of the contractor-provided IT infrastructure: installation, configuration, maintenance, security compliance, help desk operations, and performance reporting.This role operates on a federal law enforcement training installation and requires strict adherence to cybersecurity policies, NIST/FIPS encryption standards, and immediate coordination with the Cyber Defense Team on any security incidents. The IT / Network Manager replaces the current IT support position and is expected to bring the site into full compliance with all PWS IT requirements from day one.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESWireless Internet OperationsInstall, configure, maintain, and repair all wireless access points across 504 dormitory rooms and dining facilities.Ensure reliable, high-speed internet access capable of supporting all students concurrently for e-learning, streaming, virtual classrooms, and bandwidth-intensive training use.Maintain an open network configuration (no user authentication required) with active content filtering to block explicit, illegal, and inappropriate content while preserving access to legitimate law enforcement training materials and coursework.Ensure all wireless traffic is encrypted in compliance with NIST SP 800-52, SP 800-77, SP 800-120, and FIPS 140-2 or 140-3.Maintain compliance with DHS Sensitive Systems Policy Directive 4300A and DHS Security Configuration Checklists.Monitor the network continuously for security incidents and anomalous activity.Television ServicesManage cable or digital TV service in every dormitory room and the dining facility.Maintain a diverse channel lineup including news, educational, and entertainment programming at HD quality or better.Ensure all dormitory TVs (minimum 32", commercial-grade, securely mounted) remain operational with continuous-operation capability.Troubleshoot and resolve TV service outages within the SLA timeframes specified below.Help Desk & Technical SupportOperate or manage a 24/7 help desk with toll-free telephone and email support for all IT and TV service issues.Provide on-site technical support during business hours.Provide on-call after-hours support for emergency IT issues.Apply all firmware and software updates promptly in accordance with NIST guidelines and security compliance requirements.Security Incident ResponseImmediately notify the Cyber Defense Team of any suspected or confirmed security incident — 'immediately' means upon detection, not next business day.Cooperate fully with the Cyber Defense Team on all investigations and remediation efforts.Document all security incidents with timeline, scope, root cause, and corrective action taken.Network Architecture & FLETC CoordinationOperate all contractor IT systems on separate networks and circuits from managed systems — no interference with government IT infrastructure during installation, maintenance, or operation.Maintain and update network diagrams, security configurations, and maintenance plans; submit all documentation for review and approval prior to installation or significant changes.Monitor continuously for conflicts with IT systems and report immediately.Provide weekly performance updates including service availability, incident resolution times, and security compliance metrics.Submit monthly uptime reports to FLETC documenting wireless internet and television availability against SLA targets.Service Level Agreement ComplianceThe IT / Network Manager is personally accountable for meeting the following contractually binding SLAs:Severity 1 (complete internet outage): 15-minute response, 2-hour resolution, 95% compliance target.Severity 2 (limited internet outage or complete TV outage): 30-minute response, 1-day resolution, 95% compliance target.Severity 3 (limited TV outage or single TV out): 2-hour response, 2-day resolution, 95% compliance target.Wireless internet uptime: 99.9% during the contract period (approximately 8.76 hours maximum allowable downtime per year).Television services uptime: 99.5% during the contract period.Property & Asset ManagementMaintain an accurate inventory of all IT assets: wireless access points, routers, switches, content filtering systems, TVs, cabling, and network infrastructure — with make, model, serial number, and location for each item.Coordinate with the Property Custodian to ensure all IT equipment is tracked within the site property control system.Manage ISP account information, vendor contracts, and help desk service provider agreements.Contractor Laptop & Device SecurityManage contractor-issued laptops and devices; ensure no unauthorized user profiles, software, or email accounts are configured on company equipment.Enforce access controls: only authorized personnel may access payroll systems, timekeeping platforms, or other sensitive contractor systems.Report any unauthorized access attempts or policy violations immediately to the Director of Government Services.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSExperienceMinimum three (3) years of experience managing wireless network infrastructure, preferably in a multi-building campus or hospitality environment.Demonstrated experience with enterprise-grade wireless access point deployment and management (Ubiquiti, Cisco Meraki, Aruba, Ruckus, or equivalent).Experience operating or managing a help desk or IT support operation with defined SLAs.Experience with network security monitoring, content filtering, and incident response procedures.EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field preferred.Required Skills & KnowledgeWorking knowledge of NIST SP 800-52, SP 800-77, SP 800-120, and FIPS 140-2/140-3 encryption standards.Familiarity with DHS Sensitive Systems Policy Directive 4300A or equivalent federal cybersecurity frameworks.Proficiency with network monitoring tools, wireless site survey equipment, and remote management platforms.Ability to design and maintain network diagrams and technical documentation to federal review standards.Strong written and verbal communication skills — must produce clear performance reports and coordinate professionally with FLETC government staff.Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues independently and under time pressure.Clearances and EligibilityMust be able to pass a federal background check and obtain site access at FLETC Artesia.Must be a U.S. Citizen or otherwise eligible to work on a federal installation.Valid state-issued driver's license required..Physical RequirementsAbility to walk extensively throughout the campus across 72 trailers and facility buildings.Ability to climb ladders, work at heights (access point installation/maintenance on exterior walls or ceilings), and work in outdoor conditions in Southeastern New Mexico climate.Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (equipment, routers, TVs).PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSPrior IT experience on a federal installation, military base, or DHS facility.CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, or equivalent industry certifications.Experience with Starlink or satellite-based internet service as a primary or redundant connection.Experience with commercial TV/IPTV distribution systems.Prior experience as a 1099 independent contractor on a federal services contract.Familiarity with the Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determination process as it applies to IT labor categories.Bilingual (English/Spanish) — beneficial for staff communication.Work Location: In person $35.76 - $35.76 Hourly