Network Technician

About the role

Christensen Farms is one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. Headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the 50‑year‑old company operates throughout the Midwest with facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and South Dakota. Christensen Farms owns three feed mills, manages 140,000 sows on 44 farms, and oversees more than 350 nurseries and grow‑finish sites. The organization employs nearly 1,000 people and maintains 1,500 contract partnerships. The Network Technician will support and maintain reliable connectivity across operations throughout the Midwest, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining LAN and WAN technologies, ensuring network systems remain secure, consistent, and optimized across multiple remote sites, traveling to field locations to set up new connections, implement alarm and communication systems, and maintain critical network infrastructure while adhering to strict biosecurity standards.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain standardized network connections, cabling, wireless access points, and security devices across geographically distributed remote sites.
• Troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues, network bottlenecks, and system failures to maintain long‑term performance and reliability.
• Install and maintain alarm lines, phone systems (VOIP and POTS), and other communication infrastructure.
• Evaluate and improve network performance through regular maintenance, upgrades, and testing.
• Perform hardware repairs, including network and peripheral equipment, to ensure continuous uptime.
• Work directly with vendors to procure equipment, coordinate installations, and ensure service quality.
• Provide technical guidance and on‑site training to colleagues as needed, supporting network‑related processes and troubleshooting.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Information Technology, Networking, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience working in a technical support or networking role.
• Strong understanding of LAN/WAN technologies, TCP/IP protocols, and network hardware configuration.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting connectivity issues and performing on‑site system maintenance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical users.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Working knowledge of Cisco or Meraki networking equipment and related technologies.
• Commitment to safety, biosecurity, and maintaining high professional and ethical standards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, flexible spending account (FSA), life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid time off bank, employee assistance program (EAP), and more.
• Opportunities for hands‑on leadership, ongoing training, and clear career advancement paths within a collaborative team environment.
• Active participation in community give‑back programs – feed programs for local farms, food shelf programs, food support for veterans, agriculture education and promotion, FFA/4H support, charitable contributions, etc.
• Company purpose focused on food safety, animal welfare, and core values of respect, integrity, excellence, adaptability, and innovation.
• Culture that fosters employee growth, hybrid work options, promotion from within, and a highly team‑oriented workplace.

Pay

The targeted base pay range for this role is $52,000 to $70,000, reflecting differences in candidate knowledge, skills, and experience.

Reports to Sr. Technology Services Manager.