Network Systems Specialist

Network Systems Specialist

The Network Systems Specialist is a classification assigned to the Infrastructure Division of the Technology Services Department. Incumbents in this classification perform and direct the analysis, design, creation, monitoring, administration, troubleshooting and enhancement of the City's Local and Wide Area networks, and other network-related hardware and software products.

The ideal candidate is a technically proficient and detail-oriented network professional with demonstrated experience supporting complex local and wide-area network environments. This individual is skilled in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware, operating systems, and related systems, and is capable of effectively analyzing and resolving performance and connectivity issues.

They communicate clearly, deliver excellent customer service, and produce accurate documentation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, consistently meets established deadlines, and works effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. They are also capable of managing projects from planning through completion, including oversight of budgets and coordination with vendors, to ensure timely and successful outcomes. A strong commitment to maintaining secure, reliable systems and staying current with evolving technologies is essential.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Administers the development, maintenance and operation of the City's Local and Wide Area networks including network connectivity to all City Departments and the Internet.
• Designs, installs, configures and maintains the City's network facilities consisting of switches, wireless bridges, routers, firewalls, and various cabling schemes for a secure, efficient and cost effective communications between computer devices in local and remote locations.
• Installs and maintains effective network database and hardware system backup and recovery procedures.
• Configures and operates network management hardware and software systems, establishing and maintaining all network hardware and network operating systems inventory, and such other information as equipment addresses and routing schemes, access rights, directory structures and security attributes.
• Analyzes network activity and performs traffic studies using network management software and protocol analyzer, tuning hardware and software systems or re-routing communications to improve performance.
• Confers with departments to determine microcomputer, networking and connectivity requirements; conducts feasibility studies and prepares report of time estimates, personnel requirements and progress reports on assigned projects.
• Administers security for remote and web access to City's network and computer resources.
• Administers automated deployment of software and updates over the network.
• Configures and maintains anti-virus software on network servers and desktop workstations.
• Prepares and completes systems documentation prior to releasing for operation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Core competencies include knowledge of installation, maintenance and operations of local and wide area network hardware and software systems applied to server and microcomputer environments using a 10gig Base topology running in a multi-protocol environment using TCP/IP, on fiber and Ethernet backbones, office automation software, installation, maintenance and repair of server and microcomputer hardware, software and peripheral devices, network services including DNS, VPN's, DHCP, and and major desktop and networking technology hardware and software advancements and its capabilities.

Ability to administer a geographically dispersed local and wide area networks of servers, workstations and various microcomputers, install, diagnose and repair network hardware, software and peripheral equipment, work independently, meet established deadlines, work as a member of a group or, where appropriate, lead a team on projects, set priorities and organize work, provide excellent customer service, communicate effectively orally and in writing in dealing with users and managers, establish and maintain effective working relations with others, and adapt, learn, update, and apply new networking and computer hardware and software systems skills needed in a continuously changing technical working environment.

Minimum qualifications include any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: experience of four (4) years in network systems with two (2) years of recent experience in the management, administration, analysis and support of Local and Wide Area networks, microcomputer hardware and software and office automation software. Education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a discipline related to computer science, computer information systems, quantitative analysis or systems analysis. Experience in other technology processing related fields may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis. License: Possess a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Benefits and rewards may include telecommuting, vacation, paid holidays, generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage, CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, life and disability insurance and paid leave, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, health and wellness reimbursement, professional development reimbursement, and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid).