NETWORK ENGINEER

Network EngineerWith regular supervision, this role is responsible for maintaining and administering the Lottery's computer networks. Primary duties include maintenance of computer networks, hardware, software, and other related systems, performing disaster recovery operations, protecting data, software, and hardware from attacks, and replacing faulty network hardware components when necessary. Works closely with the users of our network to identify potential issues and fix existing problems. A strong understanding of network infrastructure and network hardware, able to implement, administer, and troubleshoot network devices including WAPs, firewalls, routers, switches, and controllers and a deep knowledge of application transport and network infrastructure protocols is required.Develops long term lifecycle planning forecasts in preparation for the obsolescence, replacement, and deployment of all networking infrastructure components. Analyzes anticipated networking needs for upcoming budgetary cycles, prepares proposal documents with justification and subsequently obtains quotes for approved items. Develops and maintains comprehensive network documentation and drawings along with step-by-step response plans for foreseeable outage or equipment failure events. Plans, tracks, and manages complex projects according to Lottery prescribed methods and procedures. Provides timely reporting on the status and progress of such projects. Monitors and maintains the Lottery's internal and external networks and analyzes issues with communications failures, blockages and bottlenecks or other problems relating to the switches, routers, firewalls, and other networking devices. Maintains and in depth understanding of all Lottery systems and infrastructure and the relationships and interactions between them. Performs in-depth studies of current infrastructure and systems with the goal of identifying potential conflicts or problems or opportunities to improve operating stability and performance. Evaluates new or updated hardware and software and may construct test labs, infrastructure and testing plans for further evaluation and simulation prior to their implementation in production environments. Assists with deployment planning for potential adoption of new technologies or processes and develops and validates back-out strategies and backup/restore procedures for recovery in the event of unforeseen issues. Reviews planning and implementation documentation and verifies successful installation and proper operation. Stays abreast of the most current releases and security updates for assigned products and systems and judiciously implements them while minimizing impacts to production environments. Research and analyze relevant documentation for problem troubleshooting and resolution of performance or compatibility issues with hardware, operating systems or other software and utilities and work with vendor support resources as required. Provides complete and comprehensive descriptions of reported problems, troubleshooting and remediation steps and progress for all assigned incidents and change events maintaining ongoing communication with all stakeholders using Lottery incident management processes. Adheres to Lottery change management practices in the performance of all modifications. Develops and maintains clear and comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure documents for all assigned infrastructure and systems. Attends meetings and conferences as scheduled prepared to engage and provide input. Makes use of Lottery provided learning resources to improve competency and learn new skills. Maintains familiarity as assigned with other software, systems, and infrastructure, including SAN technologies, any Microsoft technologies from desktop to cloud and our VOIP infrastructure. Maintains high data security at all times in accordance with best practices and promotes security solutions and practices that balance auditor compliance with user requirements. Follows and upholds Lottery policies to ensure high security and the best service for end-users. Proactively reviews system logs, alert messages and other reports to help identify potential performance degradations before they occur and notifies appropriate parties. Provides on-call support outside of normal working hours as needed. May be required to travel on Lottery business as necessary. Reports to management on status of products and technology in specific areas of expertise. Perform administrative duties, including submission of timesheets and activity reports in a timely manner. Perform other related duties as assigned by management.Knowledge of concepts, terminology and best practices relating to the support and management of computing and networking hardware, software and infrastructure systems employed in IT organizations, including CISCO firewalls and Extreme Network Switches and Wireless Access Points. Knowledge of one or more high-level computer programming or scripting languages. Knowledge of the client/server network communications model. Knowledge of internet and web-based design concepts and practices. Knowledge of VOIP Telecommunications Infrastructure. Ability to learn new skills as they relate to changing technologies, hardware or software platforms, communications methodologies, and programming languages. Knowledge of project management concepts and resource estimating techniques. Ability to develop, test and debug computer programs or procedures. Ability to interpret technical information and communicate effectively to non-technical staff and management. Ability to develop and present clear and comprehensive technical documentation, specifications, and reports. Ability to prepare applications or systems design specifications based on analysis of user functional requirements. Ability to collaborate with appropriate sources. Ability to think logically, analyze, research, and resolve technical problems in a timely manner. Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and to supervise staff as delegated. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Other job-related requirements and authorization to substitute related work experience in lieu of post-secondary educational requirements Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent years of experience). Successful passing of a criminal background check (state, local, and national) is required. Maintains strict confidentiality of information learned while working with the Florida Lottery, whether learned through assigned duties or through working with other units. The types of confidential information may include, but are not limited to, payroll information, budget matters, policy decisions, tax matters, employee disciplinary issues, and other personnel data.