Network Security Administrator

About Lee Valley

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service. Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2023 by Deloitte and one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes in 2018. Additionally, we ranked #1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled and highly motivated Network Security Administrator to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will bring 3-5 years of network administration experience, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and a commitment to expanding their expertise in this critical area. This role will be primarily dedicated to enhancing our security infrastructure, safeguarding our systems, and collaborating with senior IT staff to continuously strengthen and maintain our organization’s security posture. As a new position within the company, this opportunity is perfect for a seasoned network administrator or analyst eager to advance their career in cybersecurity and contribute to the ongoing protection and growth of our technology environment.

• Applicants must be within driving distance of our Ottawa office, as this position is onsite.

Key Role and Responsibilities

• Cybersecurity Focus: Assist in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to security incidents. Maintain and enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures to safeguard company assets, ensure data protection, and uphold compliancy requirements.
• Network Administration: Manage, monitor, and maintain company networks, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and scalability. Implement and troubleshoot LAN/WAN infrastructure, switches, firewalls, routers, and wireless systems.
• Support Existing Systems: Support network infrastructure, desktops, servers, disaster recovery systems, and IT/WAN infrastructure. Install, maintain, and upgrade IT hardware and software. Troubleshoot hardware and software issues with internal and external support.

• Firewall and Endpoint Security: Configure and manage firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, endpoint protection, and other network security systems.
• System Monitoring: Regularly monitor networks for suspicious activity, conduct risk assessments, and recommend mitigation strategies to the IT management team.

• Monitor and Update Security Systems: Endpoint security, software patching, and configurations.
• Disaster Recovery: Manage data backup and archiving infrastructure.

• Incident Management: Conduct initial analysis of security alerts, escalate confirmed incidents to senior analysts, and assist in incident response.
• Threat Hunting: Proactively search for threats and vulnerabilities using various security tools and systems.
• Compliance: Support compliance efforts, including PCI compliance, vulnerability assessments, and security audits.
• Documentation: Create and maintain documentation for network configurations, security policies, incident response procedures, and change management.
• Support and Projects: Participate in IT support activities, troubleshoot technical issues, and assist with various IT projects across departments.
• Disaster Recovery: Assist in managing data backup, disaster recovery, and archiving infrastructure.
• Pier Support: Provide first and second-level technical support to staff and collaborate closely with the network infrastructure team on infrastructure support.
• System Upgrades: Engage in IT modernization projects.
• On-Call: Participate in an On-Call rotation supporting the user base.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience: 3-5 years of hands-on network administration experience with an interest in or exposure to cybersecurity. Proven background in IT systems, infrastructure, and support.
• Certifications (Preferred): CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or other relevant certifications.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Technical Skills: Expertise in managing and securing enterprise networks, configuring firewalls (such as Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto, etc.), and working with SIEM solutions. Strong experience with VPNs, VLANs, and endpoint security tools. Proficient in working with VMware and Windows Server environments.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
• Would be considered an asset: Familiarity with compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, etc.), PCI compliance, and cloud security best practices. Experience with Microsoft Azure, Office 365, PowerShell scripting, and Fortinet technologies is an asset. Fluency in French is also considered an asset.

Soft Skills Needed

• Ability to work both independently and on a team.
• Excellent time management, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage priorities under pressure.
• Must be customer-centric with excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills
• Communication skills should include understanding your audience
• Highly organized and motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, and decision-making skills are crucial to this position.