Network Technician

Job Description – Network Technician

Title

Network Technician

Description

The Network Technician’s role is to support the stable operation of the in-house computer network. This includes planning, designing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links while ensuring minimal network downtime. The person will also diagnose, resolve, and document hardware and software network problems in a timely and accurate fashion and provide end user training and support where required.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with network analysts and designers to create optimal network design topologies and configurations.
• Work with end users and department heads to identify and document required network service levels. Work to meet service level agreements with end users.
• Aid in development of business continuity and disaster recovery plans and maintain current knowledge of plan executables. Respond to emergency network outages in accordance with business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Prepare and ensure accuracy of documentation, procedures manuals, and help sheets for network installations.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Support development and implementation of networking projects and new technology installations.
• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards in support of network procurement and development efforts. Evaluate and recommend for purchase networking hardware and software products.
• Write technical specifications for purchase of networking hardware and software products.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of networking contracts and supervise contract-based installations.

Operational Management

• Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot end user workstation hardware, software, networked peripheral devices, cabling, and networking hardware and software products.
• Maintain servers, including e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software.
• Maintain security solutions, including firewall, anti-virus, and intrusion detection systems.
• Maintain all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, hubs, and UPSs.
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports.
• Receive and respond to incoming calls, pages, and/or e-mails regarding network connectivity problems.
• Perform on-site analyze, diagnosis, and resolution of complex network problems for a variety of end users, and recommend and implement corrective hardware and software solutions, including off-site repair.
• Recommend, schedule, and perform network improvements, upgrades, and repairs.
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory.
• Prepare, maintain, and adhere to procedures for logging, reporting, and statistically monitoring network data.
• Liaise with, and provide training and support to, help desk support staff on network issues.
• Perform server and security audits.
• Perform system backups and recovery.
• Provide guidance to members of the team as required.

Position Requirements

Formal Education & Certification

• College degree in the field of computer science preferred or equivalent work experience.
• CCNA Certification desired.
• ITIL Certification or experience is a plus.

Knowledge & Experience

• Working technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems.
• Extensive application support experience.
• Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and standards.
• Ability to operate network component analyzers, scanners, and testers.
• Hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.
• Understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

Personal Attributes

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct research into networking issues and products as required.
• Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
• Self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Work Conditions

• On-call availability.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, hand and power tools, and to handle other computer components.
• Inspect and install cables in floors and ceilings.
• Lifting and transporting of heavy to moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.