Network Specialist

Network Specialist

Charles County Government is seeking a Network Specialist to be responsible for maintaining and administering complex, resilient, and secure local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs) and the systems connected to them. Specialist will ensure day-to-day operations and high availability of County networks. This position will plan, direct, design, coordinate, maintain, and secure LANs, WANs, internet services, and inter-agency network connections. Specialist will resolve network operational issues, maintains network hardware and software, and provides directions and/or recommendations regarding network equipment and related software. This position will support information technology used in critical infrastructure operations. Overall goals are set and this employee determines the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new and unusual problems encountered in the workplace.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, designs, installs, maintains, and secures County networks, physical and virtual network infrastructure, servers, storage arrays, telecommunications services, and related networking components and services.

• Troubleshoots and resolves errors for network applications, hardware, and services.

• Implements and administers cloud resources used by the County, including those for email services, web servers, desktop applications, communication, collaboration software and enterprise federation services. Ensures interoperability with on premises datacenter infrastructure.

• Administers and secures external network connections, including internet services, voice services, and inter-agency connections.

• Assists with network security audits, incident response, vulnerability assessment and remediation and compliance review.

• Ensures all aspects of the network follow security guidelines and best practices.

• Configures and manages remote access solutions.

• Maintains backups of all County network data, including scheduling and restoring of data.

• Performs disaster recovery operations for network infrastructure and data.

• Provides technology support for critical infrastructure operations.

• Coordinates with Help Desk staff and the user community for problem determinations and resolutions.

• Performs inventory of network and telecommunications infrastructure assets.

• Performs identity and access management operations for network users.

• Researches, evaluates, and recommends network hardware, software, and cloud solutions.

• Plans projects and implements upgrades, patches, and installation of new applications and equipment.

• Supports Lifecycle Management functions including research, proof of concept, procurement, installation, maintenance, retirement, and disposal for network hardware and software.

• Develops scripts/programs, implements APIs, and uses other automation tools to automate and improve existing workflows to support both the administration of the County's network infrastructure and County software applications.

• Develops and maintains documentation of the County's network and telecommunications infrastructure, applications, and services.

• Maintains current knowledge of networking and telecommunications technologies, services, and applications.

• Assists with design phase of IT needs for new construction, renovations, and relocations in relation to IT infrastructure.

• Places orders for telephony and cellular equipment.

• Administrates County emergency notification systems and alarms.

• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Network Specialist I: Associate's degree in computer technology and two (2) years network experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Network Specialist II: Associate's degree in computer technology and four (4) years of network experience with three (3) years minimum as a Network Specialist I, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Network Specialist III: Associate's degree in computer technology and six (6) years of network experience with three (3) years minimum as a Network Specialist II, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Relevant industry certification(s) preferred (e.g., Network+/Security+ (CompTIA), CCNA/CCNP (Cisco), Telecommunications Analyst (TCO)

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Work is subject to frequent interruptions and occasional work beyond the normal scheduled hours of operation.

Must be available to work during non-work hours to support County computer systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the concepts and techniques of computer networks as applied to the requirements of the County's computer services.

• Knowledge of network and telecommunications connectivity, protocols, network security devices, network types (e.g., wireless, fiber optic, etc.) and common operating systems

• Ability to plan and manage projects

• Ability to interpret highly technical information

• Ability to write technical documentation

• Ability to analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions

• Ability to administer, maintain and troubleshoot networking technology, services, and other networking infrastructure.

• Ability to administer email, network security, and disaster recovery infrastructure.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

• Ability to initiate daily assignments, follow through on matters and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations.

Additional Information

Physical Demands: The work is sedentary with frequent periods of walking and standing. Typical positions require workers to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; climb stairs; bend and crouch; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing and to detect odors.

Work Environment: Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division: Fiscal and Administrative Services/Information Technology

Pay Grade: 115-117

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports To: Network Manager

Supervises: None