Full-Time | Fixed Term (12 months)
Higher Education Officer Level 8 | $116,349 - $ 128,806
Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
About the Role
Working with a vibrant team across all aspects of Information Security & Infrastructure, the Senior IDS Network Security Specialist provides senior operational support for the delivery of the University’s network security capability, with a particular focus on firewall policy lifecycle management (requests, change coordination, documentation, and continuous improvement) in close partnership with Information Security.
You will act as a key liaison for technical teams and University stakeholders to ensure protection of the university’s digital environment, through consistent communication, advice, and timely delivery of agreed firewall and network security outcomes and work collaboratively with Information Security and all relevant IDS and University stakeholders to coordinate and deliver firewall and network security related change initiatives and activities.
Key position responsibilities include:
Coordinating firewall rule and policy changes across the University network, including intake, impact assessment coordination, approvals, scheduling, implementation, and verification in partnership with Information Security and relevant technical teams
Identifying opportunities to improve firewall policy, process, and operations, and coordinating delivery of agreed enhancements with relevant teams.
Providing expert advice and support to IDS and University stakeholders on network security matters, including participating in projects and initiatives to improve network security and resilience.
Identifying and documenting firewall and network security risks and operational issues, and coordinating treatment plans and escalations in line with IDS and University policies, in partnership with Information Security.
A more comprehensive list of duties is available from the Position Description
About You
You possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot firewall and connectivity issues, coordinate inputs during security events, and escalate appropriately through agreed operational channels.
Your high-level interpersonal and relationship management skills have equipped you with the ability to liaise effectively between technical teams to communicate complex technical matters clearly and ensure you build and manage customer relationships effectively in a strategic and long-term context.
Other keys to success are:
A broad knowledge of network protocols and firewall technologies, with practical understanding of security standards and governance expectations, and a strong focus on operational process, documentation quality, and continuous improvement.
High-level self-improvement and growth mindset/approach to the role and fosters it amongst the wider team.
Higher education experience is advantageous.
It is expected that someone at this level will show progress towards postgraduate qualifications in Information Technology or a relevant technical area and have extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training in an IT environment.
About Information and Digital Services
Information and Digital Services (IDS) are a pivotal resource of the University, providing information and digital technology services and support to the Flinders University staff and student community. The IDS team apply technical expertise to support university projects and provide core services such as the IDS Service Desk, Audio visual, simulation and event services, Information security and identity access management services and more.
Life at Flinders
We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.
Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?
17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
Flexible working arrangements
Our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders initiative
Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.
Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy
Prescribed Conditions for Employment
Flinders University is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, free from gender based violence. Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University. This includes a Gender Based Violence declaration, in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence (2025), and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.
How to Apply and Information
You are required to submit a CV, along with a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the Key below Position Capabilities of the Position description
Demonstrated experience in firewall administration and firewall policy lifecycle management (intake, approvals, implementation coordination, verification, and documentation) in a large and complex organisation.
High level interpersonal and relationship management skills, with demonstrated ability to liaise effectively between technical teams to communicate complex technical matters clearly.
Extensive knowledge of network protocols and firewall technologies, with practical understanding of security standards and governance expectations, and a strong focus on operational process, documentation quality, and continuous improvement.
Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Security+, Certified Network Security Engineer) are highly desirable.
For more information regarding this position, please contact Leigh Hoppenbrouwers
Certification
Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:
20 May 2026At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
Flinders. Fearless.