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Position Title:Computer Network Support Specialist

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Experience with computer, network, and wireless systems through hands-on work or formal education (e.g., computer science, software engineering, network engineering. management and information systems).

CCNA, CCNP, and/or related networking/security/systems certifications.

Experience in deploying and managing computer/wireless networks using tools like Linux, Windows, Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenStack.

Experience with hardware prototyping and technical craftsmanship, such as 3D printing, woodworking, or basic electrical work.

Experience in computer programming

Experience in project management, including planning, coordination, and team communication.

Strong stakeholder engagement with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Job Description:

Are you interested in shaping the future of wireless networks and supporting cutting-edge research in rural broadband, precision agriculture, and 6G technologies?

Iowa State University’s Center for Wireless, Communities and Innovation (WiCI) is hiring a Computer Network Support Specialist to support the deployment, management, and innovation of advanced network systems like those featured in the ARA rural wireless living lab.

This position offers unique opportunities to engage with next-generation wireless technologies and contribute to meaningful real-world applications across Iowa and beyond.

What you’ll do:

+ Lead the deployment and ongoing operation of wireless and computer networking equipment, including 5G base stations, WiFi access points, and Cisco/Juniper networking systems.

+ Support the management, administration, and monitoring of the ARA wireless living lab’s infrastructure.

+ Collaborate with researchers and engineers to prototype and implement new wireless and network solutions through hands-on experimentation and software development.

+ Engage internal and external stakeholders—such as ISU departments, the City of Ames, and rural communities—in planning, coordinating, and deploying wireless systems.

+ Provide training and coaching to students involved with WiCI's research and operational efforts.

+ Support the administrative functions of the WiCI Center, including procurement, documentation, and event coordination.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in both technical and collaborative environments and is interested in applying practical networking skills to impactful statewide projects.

Additional information:

+ Position type: Full-time, Professional and Scientific

+ Location: On-site at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa (with occasional travel for project-related deployment)

+ Residency requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

About the WiCI Center:The Center for Wireless, Communities and Innovation (WiCI) at Iowa State University drives innovation in next-generation wireless systems through collaboration, field experimentation, and real-world deployment. WiCI supports a wide range of applications, from rural broadband to smart agriculture, and leads projects such as the ARA rural wireless living lab. Learn more at https://wici.iastate.edu and https://arawireless.org

What we offer – exceptional benefits:

Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

+ Work/life balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025

+ Generous vacation and sick leave – 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays

+ Excellent health insurance options – including dental and vision coverage

+ Retirement plans with employer contributions – choose from multiple plans to secure your future

+ Tuition reimbursement and professional development support – grow with us

+ Wellness programs and work-life resources – including mental health and counseling support

Explore Iowa State’s benefits: https://www.hr.iastate.edu/benefits

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date: June 19, 2025

Posting Close Date:June 29, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17250

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email [email protected] .

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.