Systems Administrator -

Network Infrastructure & Broadcast Operations Location:

Alexandria, VA (100% On-Site)

Position Type:

Full-Time Clearance Requirement:

Public Trust Schedule:

Standard business hours with occasional evenings and weekends based on operational needs. Position Overview Red Carrot is seeking an experienced, hands-on Systems Administrator with a strong background in network administration, infrastructure management, and IT troubleshooting to support a high-profile federal broadcast studio environment in Alexandria, Virginia. This is a networking-focused IT position, not a traditional broadcast engineering role. The ideal candidate will have extensive practical experience configuring, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, servers, and connected devices. Strong working knowledge of Netgear and SonicWall equipment, TCP/IP networking, VLANs, network security, and Windows-based systems is highly desirable. The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of the studio's IT and network infrastructure while supporting specialized broadcast technologies and production systems. While previous experience in a broadcast or media environment is beneficial, we strongly encourage candidates with traditional IT infrastructure, network administration, or systems administration backgrounds to apply. Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Administration & Infrastructure Management Configure, administer, maintain, and troubleshoot network switches, routers, firewalls, and other networking equipment. Manage and support Netgear switches and SonicWall firewall appliances , including configurations, firmware updates, security policies, and connectivity troubleshooting. Perform daily network health checks and routine inspections of networking equipment, including switches and appliances located in multiple LAN closets. Monitor network performance, connectivity, bandwidth utilization, and system availability to identify and resolve potential issues proactively. Configure and troubleshoot TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, routing, switching, and network segmentation. Diagnose network connectivity problems, IP conflicts, firewall restrictions, and performance bottlenecks. Maintain secure, reliable connectivity between workstations, servers, production systems, and network-connected devices. Recommend and implement improvements to network reliability, performance, and security. Systems Administration & IT Support Administer and troubleshoot Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365 applications, user accounts, and workstation configurations. Support physical and virtual servers, shared storage, network-attached devices, and connected production equipment. Perform routine system maintenance, software updates, patch management, and hardware troubleshooting. Manage user access, permissions, system accounts, and network-related subscriptions. Troubleshoot hardware, software, and connectivity issues for technical and non-technical staff. Coordinate with vendors and technical support providers to resolve system and infrastructure issues. Network Documentation & Preventive Maintenance Create, maintain, and update detailed network diagrams documenting switches, firewalls, servers, connected devices, IP addressing, and network topology. Maintain accurate records of network configurations, equipment inventories, system changes, and troubleshooting procedures. Develop and follow standard operating procedures for routine network inspections, preventive maintenance, and system recovery. Conduct regular inspections of networking equipment in designated LAN rooms and equipment closets. Identify aging equipment, security vulnerabilities, and potential points of failure before they disrupt operations. Broadcast Network & Production Systems Support Maintain network connectivity supporting live broadcasts, video production, editing workstations, and media storage systems. Support network-connected broadcast equipment, including video encoders, streaming devices, production servers, and IP-based video systems. Assist with the administration and troubleshooting of specialized platforms, including EVO media storage servers and LiveU servers . Collaborate with broadcast engineers, producers, and technical directors to resolve network-related technical issues. Provide timely troubleshooting and technical assistance during live broadcasts and high-visibility events. Support reliable data transfers, shared storage access, and communication between production workstations and broadcast systems. Prior experience with EVO, LiveU, or broadcast-specific systems is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong networking fundamentals and the ability to learn specialized technologies are encouraged to apply. Network Security & Infrastructure Projects Maintain firewall configurations, network security policies, access controls, and secure connectivity. Support system patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance with applicable federal IT security requirements. Assist with network infrastructure upgrades, equipment replacements, system installations, and technology deployments. Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders on network-related projects and technical requirements. Document infrastructure changes and provide recommendations for improving network security, reliability, and operational efficiency. Required Qualifications Minimum of 3 years of hands-on professional experience in network administration, systems administration, network engineering, or IT infrastructure support. Strong practical understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, subnetting, routing, and switching . Experience configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting managed network switches, routers, and firewall appliances. Experience with Netgear, SonicWall, Cisco, Juniper, or comparable enterprise networking equipment . Ability to independently diagnose and resolve network connectivity, configuration, and performance issues. Experience monitoring network infrastructure and performing routine preventive maintenance. Ability to create and maintain accurate network diagrams and technical documentation. Working knowledge of Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365, and general IT systems administration. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently, prioritize technical issues, and communicate effectively with staff and management. Ability to work on-site in Alexandria, Virginia , with occasional schedule flexibility to support operational requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain the required Public Trust clearance. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience administering Netgear managed switches and SonicWall firewalls . Network+ certification, CCNA, or equivalent demonstrated networking expertise. Experience supporting multiple LAN environments, server rooms, and network equipment closets. Experience with network monitoring, packet analysis, and diagnostic tools. Familiarity with Windows Server, Active Directory, network storage, and backup solutions. Experience with EVO shared storage, LiveU servers, or other IP-based broadcast equipment. Previous experience supporting a broadcast facility, production studio, media organization, or government IT environment. Familiarity with network security best practices and federal IT operational requirements. What We're Looking For We are seeking a networking professional who takes ownership of the infrastructure , understands how network systems communicate, and can identify and resolve problems without requiring constant direction. The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with switches, firewalls, servers, and network-connected devices while maintaining organized documentation and conducting daily preventive checks. Strong networking knowledge is our top priority. Broadcast-specific experience is a bonus, not a requirement. Benefits at Red Carrot At Red Carrot, we empower employees to be leaders and provide opportunities for professional growth. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:

Training and Development:

Tuition reimbursement and professional training opportunities for eligible employees.

Healthcare:

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. 401(k)

Retirement Plan:

Traditional and Roth options with company matching and no vesting period.

Profit Sharing:

Discretionary profit-sharing plan for eligible employees after one year of employment.

Paid Time Off:

Paid time off, flexible scheduling where operationally appropriate, and 11 federal holidays.

Pay:

$80,200.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person