Technology Director Jobs in Ridgefield, WA (NOW HIRING)

United Grain Corporation is hiring a Full-time, exempt-level Network Administrator to work at our corporate office located, in Vancouver, Washington.  This is a hybrid role, with the opportunity to work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Successful candidates will live in the surrounding areas and be eligible to work in the United States.  

WHO WE ARE

At United Grain Corporation, our employees are our most valuable asset.  For 55 years, we have been a premier grain exporter and supply chain management company for the export of agricultural grain products.  We have been serving the needs of American grain producers and suppliers, fulfilling the evolving needs of our global customers, uniting them and creating success for all.  In the process of doing this, we feed the world safely and reliably.  We want employees to feel like they are part of a family, the UGC family. 

WHAT UGC CAN OFFER YOU IN THIS POSITION                                       

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental (with orthodontia), Vision
• Life / AD&D, STD/LTD Insurance-Employer Paid
• 401K with generous company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time off including Community Volunteer time, and Holiday Pay

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Wellness Program
• Recognition Programs
• Inclusive, team oriented and family friendly culture

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Information Technology (IT) Director, this position will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and security of the organization's IT & OT network infrastructure. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the stability, performance, and availability of the network to support business operations. This position typically requires a high level of expertise and experience in network administration.

It is essential that all our employees align with our values of Inclusivity, Integrity, Reliability, and Safety by contributing to the creation of solutions and positive experiences for team members, customers, and producers while providing a high level of customer care and service. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs, configures, and implements network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems, to meet the organization's requirements.
• Performs routine maintenance, updates, and upgrades to ensure network reliability and performance.
• Troubleshoots and resolves network issues promptly.
• Implements and maintains network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, to protect the organization's data and resources.
• Continuously monitor network performance and optimizes network resources to ensure efficient data transmission and minimal downtime.
• Maintains accurate documentation of network configurations, policies, and procedures.
• Creates diagrams and network maps for reference.
• Assesses current network capacity and plan for future growth, making recommendations for hardware and software upgrades as needed.
• Interacts with network equipment vendors and service providers to procure hardware, software, and services and ensure vendor support agreements are upheld.
• Develops and enforces network policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance and security.
• Collaborates with the IT team, including system administrators, security analysts, and helpdesk staff, to resolve cross-functional issues and ensure a seamless IT environment.
• Develops and maintains network backup and disaster recovery plans to minimize data loss and downtime in case of network failures.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to other IT support staff, sharing your expertise and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with Firewalls, Remote Access VPNs, and other security appliances
• Five years of experience in network administration, with a proven track record of managing complex IT & OT network environments.
• Industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) may be preferred or required.
• Proficiency in network protocols, routing, switching, VPNs, and network security.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools.
• Knowledge of cloud networking and virtualization technologies is a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products including but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and SharePoint.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to Express or exchange ideas in English, by the ability to read, write, and comprehend written and oral operational and safety instructions and related rules, policies, and memos, and communicate clearly with your coworkers and supervisors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment both in proximity and practice.
• Must be able to make decisions and work independently, and detail oriented.
• Vision that permits close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Flexible with work hours - must be prepared to receive phone calls and respond to company-related needs at irregular times.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is regularly required to sit and may need to stand occasionally; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs. of computer equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and stressful environment.

United Grain Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.