Network Administrator

Are you a passionate, self-motivated Network Administrator with strong data center experience and the ability to think beyond standard operating procedures? Do you enjoy working in a smaller, collaborative environment where your expertise directly impacts the organization?Our Vaughan-based client is seeking an Intermediate/Senior Network Administrator to support and evolve their in-house hybrid infrastructure spanning both cloud and on-prem environments. In this role, you will not be siloed-you'll work across networking, security, cloud, and data center domains with genuine ownership and influence.You'll join a lean in-house team of seven (six technical members plus a team lead), where autonomy, innovation, and cross-functional problem-solving are part of everyday work.This hybrid position requires 3 days onsite per week.What You'll DoStrategy & PlanningPartner with leadership and a small technical team to assess short- and long-term network and data center capacity needs.Document network and data center configurations, topology maps, operational processes, and DR procedures.Develop and maintain internal policies and guidelines tailored to the organization's unique environment.Think beyond SOPs-identify vulnerabilities and design creative, practical solutions to maintain system integrity and resilience.WAN & Data Center Infrastructure AdministrationDesign, implement, and optimize WAN and data center infrastructure: routers, switches, servers, UPS systems, cabling, and telephony.Research new technologies and recommend improvements suited for a smaller, agile in-house environment.Manage procurement, licensing, and lifecycle upgrades of network and data center hardware/software.Work closely with vendors and contractors while maintaining hands-on ownership of operational systems.Network Architecture & ManagementArchitect, configure, and maintain enterprise networks using Cisco/Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco/Juniper switching, and Azure Networking.Implement and optimize BGP and OSPF routing across hybrid cloud and data center environments.Support, optimize, and troubleshoot the organization's Zscaler architecture.Configure and manage Azure VNets, NSGs, routing policies, and Azure Firewall.Ensure the reliability, performance, and high availability of cloud and on-prem network services.Operate within ITIL-based incident, change, and service management processes using platforms like ServiceNow.Security & MonitoringAdminister and enhance network security systems and policies.Deploy, tune, and manage SIEM platforms (Microsoft Sentinel, Rapid7).Monitor Zscaler policies, logs, and user experience to maintain strong security without impacting performance.Collaborate with Systems Administration to address vulnerabilities and strengthen security posture.Perform patching, vulnerability assessments, and continuous network hardening.Evaluate overall network performance and provide actionable insights through reporting.Voice & Communication SystemsSupport and maintain VoIP systems such as Microsoft Teams Phone, ensuring stable and seamless communication across the organization.What We're Looking ForRequired Experience5+ years of enterprise network administration, including hands-on data center operations.Strong experience with Palo Alto, Juniper, Cisco, and Azure networking technologies.Expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and hybrid cloud networking.Proven hands-on experience with Zscaler (deployment, advanced policy tuning, troubleshooting).Comfortable working in a lean IT team, taking end-to-end ownership across networking, cloud, and data center infrastructure.Ability to think creatively and troubleshoot beyond SOPs-bringing resourcefulness and practical reasoning to real-world problems.Strong communication, documentation, and analytical skills.Knowledge of GDPR and modern security frameworks.Experience with VoIP systems and SIEM tools.Education & CertificationsBachelor's degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. Equivalent experience welcomed.ITIL v4 Foundation certification preferred.Certifications in Azure, Cisco, Palo Alto, or Juniper are strong assets.Data center-specific training or operational certifications are a plus.