Network Specialist

Title:
Network Specialist

Department:
Unified Communications & Networking

Reports To:
Director, Unified Communications and Networking

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
Reporting
to the Director of Unified Communications & Networking, the Network
Specialist is responsible for the daily maintenance and monitoring of NJIT's network
infrastructure. The position works with the Telecom staff to proactively
maintain network connectivity, resolve hardware incidents and work on
projects. The Network Specialist is also responsible for working with field
technicians, and end-users, to resolve Level II and III incidents and,
respond to service requests, and create knowledge-base documentation.

Essential Functions:
1. Maintains
NJIT's network infrastructure (e.g. voice, video and data) in order to
facilitate the
academic, research, and business needs of the university. This includes:
- Installing, maintaining and troubleshooting network equipment.
- Monitoring network services with emphasis on security.
- Evaluates network performance issues using testing equipment that includes
but is not
limited to sniffers, communication path software, network addressing, routing,
and other parameters affecting network performance.
- Performs routine maintenance and assists in network system software upgrades.
2.
Evaluates new network hardware and software and maintains network systems at
proper version
levels.
3.
Assists with configuring, writing, installing and researching network
security and network performance
tools.
4.
Conducts benchmark testing on network products providing analysis and technical recommendations.
5.
Prepares, revises, and maintains technical documents, including network
diagrams, testing,
and end user documentation.
6.
Provides customer support which includes answering questions and responding
to support
issues.
7.
Works with customers as well as the Telecom team to identify issues and
recommend wireless
and network design improvements.
8.
Supervise contractors and work with vendors to implement designs to
specifications.
9.
Serve as the point of contact with peers, service desk, technicians and
consultants to provide
technical solutions.
10.
Assist in configuring and commissioning routers, switches, firewalls and
other network equipment
using knowledge of Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 and network design to provide for smooth
expansion, flexibility and better performance.

Additional Functions:
- Maintains
knowledge of emerging technologies, best practices, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Assists with the maintenance of network applications, DNS, DHCP and general
IP address
management.
- Participates in rotation of after-hours coverage for immediate handling of
unexpected emergencies.
- Available for on-call support, in the event of an outage, for extended
periods outside normal
working hours.

Prerequisite Qualifications:
- Associate's
degree in a related field.
- Working knowledge of 802.1X port-base client authentication and different
types of supplicants.
- Experience troubleshooting wireless clients issues related to Dot1X and open
networks.
- Experience keeping accurate documentation and records on the network as a
whole.
- Experience installing and maintaining wireless infrastructure.
- Experience documenting work in an ITSM and/or ticketing system.
- Problem-solving, analytical, and time management skills.
- The
ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Knowledge of VPN services.
- Solid
oral and written communications skills.
- At the
university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be
exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
university, an equivalent combination of education and experience
specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
- A
Bachelor's degree in a related field or ITIL Foundation certification.
- Industry
certification(s), preferably Cisco, CCIE, or CCNP.
- Experience with Cisco Security Services such as ISE, Firepower, and
firewalls.
- Experience with Cisco Management platforms such as Prime, DNAC, Software
Defined Access
(SDA).
- Experience with interconnecting to cloud providers (e.g. AWS, Azure Cloud
utilizing VPN Service,
BGP, Direct Connect).
- Experience in writing scripts for network automation.

Bargaining Unit:
PSA

Range/Band:
24

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time