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Trainee Network Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Network Administrator information

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$35.5K

$90.6K

$137K

How much do trainee network administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee network administrator in the United States is $90,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by a trainee network administrator during their first few months on the job?

As a Trainee Network Administrator, you may initially find it challenging to familiarize yourself with complex network infrastructures and a variety of hardware and software tools. Adapting to the organization's specific protocols, troubleshooting procedures, and security policies can also require a steep learning curve. Additionally, you’ll often need to balance learning new technical concepts while responding to user support requests and collaborating with senior administrators. Proactively seeking mentorship and making use of available documentation can help ease this transition.

What is the difference between Trainee Network Administrator vs Network Technician?

AspectTrainee Network AdministratorNetwork Technician
CertificationsBasic networking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+)Similar certifications, often more focused on hardware and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in office or data center settingsHands-on hardware and network troubleshooting, on-site or remote
Job RoleLearning network management, assisting with configurations, monitoringInstalling, maintaining, and repairing network hardware and connections

The main difference is that a Trainee Network Administrator is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills in network management, while a Network Technician performs more hands-on hardware troubleshooting and repairs. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and experience level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee network administrator?

To thrive as a Trainee Network Administrator, you need a foundational understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and hardware, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework in IT or computer science. Familiarity with network operating systems (like Cisco IOS or Windows Server), basic scripting, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are typically valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you troubleshoot issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining reliable network operations and supporting organizational connectivity needs.

What is a trainee network administrator?

Trainee Network Administrators are entry-level IT professionals who assist in managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks within an organization. They typically work under the supervision of experienced network administrators to learn about network hardware, software, and security protocols. Their responsibilities often include monitoring network performance, setting up basic network devices, and providing technical support to users. This role is designed to help individuals gain practical experience and the foundational skills needed to advance in network administration.

What cities are hiring for Trainee Network Administrator jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Network Administrator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Administrator jobs?

The most popular types of Network Administrator jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Network Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Network Administrator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Network Administrator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Network Administrator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Network Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,629 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Space & Rocket Center rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 29 rated museums


Job description

Full-time, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama insurance for medical, prescription, dental, and vision. Vacation, holidays, and sick leave. State Retirement. The Director of Information Technology at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) owns the delivery and day-to-day operational performance of the Center's information technology environment. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director translates enterprise technology strategy into executable operational plans and is accountable for the availability, integrity, and security of the networks, servers, business systems, and end-user services that support museum operations, Space Camp and educational programming, ticketing, retail and food service, and administrative functions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions
IT Service Delivery and Operations
  • Own the operational performance of all USSRC information systems, including service availability, incident response, problem management, and change control.

  • Establish, publish, and report against service levels for system availability and end-user support; maintain a functioning service desk intake, triage, and escalation process.

  • Direct the resolution of hardware, software, network, and application faults, ensuring minimal disruption to guest-facing operations, camp programming, and revenue systems.

  • Maintain accurate configuration, asset, and licensing inventories for all IT hardware, software, and subscriptions.

  • Develop, document, and enforce IT operating procedures, standards, and departmental policies consistent with enterprise policy approved by the Chief Financial Officer.

Infrastructure, Network, and Data Center
  • Manage the design, capacity, performance, and lifecycle of server, storage, virtualization, and backup infrastructure, whether on premises or cloud hosted.

  • Manage LAN, WAN, wireless, and external connectivity across the campus, including guest and trainee network segments, and maintain segmentation appropriate to each network's risk profile.

  • Oversee data center and server room environments, including power, cooling, physical access, and cable plant standards and documentation.

  • Manage the Center's telephone and unified communications systems, coordinating with the audiovisual and communications technology function on enterprise telecommunications planning.

  • Maintain current network diagrams, system documentation, and runbooks sufficient for another qualified technician to operate critical systems in the Director's absence.

Business Systems and Applications
  • Ensure the integrity, availability, and supportability of core business applications, including Point of Sale, ticketing and admissions, camp registration, accounting, and payroll and human resources systems.

  • Serve as IT owner for system integrations and data flows between business applications, working with functional owners in Finance, Education, Retail, and Human Resources.

  • Perform and oversee SQL Server administration and develop queries and reports to satisfy operational and financial data requests.

  • Manage application upgrade, patch, and testing cycles, scheduling work to avoid disruption to peak operating periods and camp sessions.

Security, Compliance, and Operational Risk
  • Implement and operate the technical controls that give effect to the Center's security program, working in close coordination with the Cyber Security Officer.

  • Administer identity and access management, including provisioning, role-based access, privileged account control, and prompt deprovisioning at separation.

  • Maintain operational compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements applicable to the Center's cardholder data environment and support annual assessment and attestation activity.

  • Support safeguarding of personally identifiable information, including records relating to minors participating in Center programs, and assist with privacy reviews and audits.

  • Maintain vulnerability management, patching, endpoint protection, and logging and monitoring practices; escalate identified risks with recommended remediation and cost.

  • Support security awareness training, delivery, and departmental compliance tracking.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
  • Maintain, test, and document backup, restoration, and disaster recovery capabilities for all critical systems, including defined recovery time and recovery point objectives.

  • Conduct scheduled restoration tests and tabletop exercises and report results to the Chief Financial Officer.

  • Serve in the Center's incident response and emergency operations structure for technology-related events, including after-hours activation.

Project and Program Delivery
  • Plan and deliver IT projects, system upgrades, and technology implementations on schedule and within approved budget, using consistent project management practices.

  • Prepare requirements, scopes of work, and technical evaluation criteria for technology procurements.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence capabilities, and recommend adoption where a defensible operational or financial case exists.

Budget, Procurement, and Vendor Management
  • Prepare and administer the annual IT operating and capital budget in coordination with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance department; monitor expenditures and explain variances.

  • Manage IT vendors and service providers against contract terms, service levels, and renewal calendars, escalating contract negotiation and execution to the Chief Financial Officer consistent with Commission purchasing authority.

  • Ensure procurement activity complies with applicable State of Alabama purchasing and bid requirements and with Commission policy.

  • Identify cost efficiencies and consolidation opportunities and recommend reinvestment of savings into modernization priorities.

Team Leadership and Staff Management
  • Supervise the staff and assign information systems staff, including network administrators, systems administrators, and service desk technicians.

  • Manage hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance appraisal, coaching, and corrective action in coordination with Human Resources.

  • Ensure staff receive relevant technical and compliance training and maintain required certifications.

  • Maintain adequate coverage for 24x7 operations, including on-call rotation, holiday and weekend coverage, and cross-training sufficient to avoid single points of failure in staff knowledge.

  • Foster clear and regular communication within the department so that staff are informed of operational priorities and organizational information.

Records, Data Governance, and Legal Support
  • Support electronic discovery and litigation hold requirements, preserving and producing records for legal review as directed.

  • Support public records and open records requests involving electronic records, in coordination with Center leadership and counsel.

  • Maintain retention and disposition practices for electronic records consistent with applicable State of Alabama records retention requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Guest Experience
  • Partner with Education, Operations, Retail, Food Service, Marketing, Development, and Finance to understand operational needs and deliver technology that supports them.

  • Support integrated guest and trainee experience initiatives spanning online, on-site, and hybrid channels, including ticketing, registration, and loyalty systems.

  • Coordinate with the AV Manager on systems that span IT and AV domains, including exhibit media, digital signage, theater and simulator systems, and networked show control.

  • Coordinate with the Property and Insurance Security team on networked physical security systems, including security camera infrastructure and access control, and with Operations on mobile radio and emergency notification technology.

Communication
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, in writing and verbally, with executive leadership, staff at all technical levels, vendors, contractors, and external partners.

  • Translate technical risk and cost into terms that support executive decision-making.

  • Provide timely, accurate status reporting during outages and security incidents.

Other Functions
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer, including participation in operational analyses, audits, and process improvement initiatives such as retail inventory and accountability audits and point-of-sale efficiency reviews.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Level of Supervision: Manages a team of varied skill levels within the information systems function. Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and may be designated to act on the CFO's behalf on information technology matters.
Travel Required
Limited. Occasional travel for training, conferences, and vendor or partner engagements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree in information technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.

An additional four years of directly relevant progressive IT experience may be substituted for the degree requirement at the discretion of the Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources.
Preferred Education and Certification
  • Master's degree in information technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Relevant professional certification, such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, Microsoft, or Cisco credentials.

Required Experience
  • Eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in information technology or information systems operations, including at least four years at the supervisory or management level.

  • Demonstrated experience managing enterprise network and server infrastructure, including LAN and WAN, server operating systems, virtualization, and backup and recovery.

  • Demonstrated experience administering Microsoft Windows Server and client operating systems, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 or equivalent enterprise productivity platforms.

  • Experience supporting business-critical applications, including Point of Sale and financial or accounting systems.

  • Working knowledge of information security principles and practical experience implementing security controls, access management, and patch and vulnerability management.

  • Experience preparing and managing departmental budgets and managing vendor relationships and service contracts.

  • Demonstrated project management capability on infrastructure or application projects.

  • SQL Server administration and query development.

  • Ability to instruct and train staff and end users in the operation of hardware, systems, and applications.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience in a public sector, state agency, nonprofit, museum, attraction, or hospitality environment with seasonal staffing fluctuations and public-facing revenue operations.

  • Experience maintaining PCI DSS compliance in a merchant environment.

  • Experience with networked AV, show control, or exhibit media systems.

  • Experience with physical security technology, including IP camera and access control systems.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
The following are the physical demands of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
  • Sitting for extended periods (four to eight hours) at a workstation.

  • Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, hand tools, and test equipment.

  • Walking and climbing stairs to access other departments and buildings across the campus.

  • Occasionally lifting and carrying equipment and supplies up to 40 pounds to waist height, with assistance available for heavier items.

  • Bending, kneeling, and reaching to install, maintain, or repair computer and network equipment and to store or retrieve supplies.

  • Visual acuity sufficient to read technical documentation, schematics, and computer displays, and to handle documents.

  • Hearing and speaking sufficient to instruct employees and communicate with staff, vendors, and service providers in person and by telephone.

  • Occasionally climbing ladders and working in confined spaces such as cable runs, ceiling spaces, and equipment closets.

  • Availability for after-hours response, which may require flexibility in physical and mental demands during outages, security incidents, or other critical events.

Eligibility Qualifications
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment is contingent

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