01/01/2010 01512

NETWORK SPECIALIST 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in the administration of a Local Area Network (LAN) or in a centralized support capacity in network support, server support, or network managed services.

An employee in this job serves as a LAN administrator, or performs network administration support functions in network support, server support, or network managed services in an environment that may include LANs, Wide Area, or Metropolitan Area Networks. As a LAN administrator, work typically involves network support, server administration, and managed services functions for the network. Network support functions include installing and testing network hardware and software, including the network operating system on network infrastructure devices such as routers and switches; monitoring network performance to ensure that the network is available to all users; identifying network systems malfunctions and coordinating, scheduling, or implementing resolutions to hardware and software problems; configuring and managing routers, switches, and other hardware and software components; preparing network design specifications and specifications for the acquisition of hardware and software to support operations; and developing, implementing, and maintaining network security mechanisms. Server support functions include installing and testing network hardware and software, including the network operating system on servers; configuring and managing servers; establishing and maintaining the user environment; and maintaining file recovery and file backup systems. Network managed services functions include the administration of agency wide applications and services such as systems management, antivirus, and host intrusion protection. As a LAN administrator, work is differentiated from the Network Specialist 1 job by the responsibility for serving as a LAN administrator for a network of more than limited size and complexity. Work that involves assisting a higher level information technology professional in performing a variety of network administration functions of comparable scope and complexity within a complex network environment is differentiated from the Network Specialist 1 job by the responsibility for independently installing, updating, and maintaining network operating systems on servers or infrastructure devices; maintaining the network firewall and other network wide security mechanisms; or administering agency wide network managed services. Work may include lead work responsibilities over Information Technology Technicians and Network Specialists 1. Work is performed independently using initiative and judgment in managing network operations. Work may be assigned by an administrative or technical supervisor and is reviewed for conformity to operating procedures and overall network performance.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Troubleshoots and resolves network problems referred from the help desk.

Provides user support services and consultative expertise to network users regarding network resources.

Utilizes various types of tools and techniques to test, verify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network problems.

Monitors network performance through the use of various network management tools.

Optimizes the network for maximum efficiency.

Develops procedures for network optimization and provides guidance to lower level network specialists in optimizing the network.

Responds to network incidents or events through diagnosis and troubleshooting and works with end users and service providers to resolve problems.

Provides technical guidance to lower level staff in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving network performance problems.

Plans and designs network configurations and participates in designing complex network configurations including all hardware and software necessary for network operation and functionality and prepares design plans and specifications for acquisition and implementation.

Implements, controls, and monitors network security mechanisms.

Installs, configures, and maintains switches, routers, or other communications hardware and their associated software to support connectivity with other networks, platforms, and protocols.

Installs, tests, and maintains network cabling found in a network environment.

Assists a higher level network administrator in network support, server support, or network managed services for complex networks.

Provides consultative technical assistance in a centralized support capacity in network support, server support, or network managed services.

Provides direction to lower level network specialists involved in network support, server support, or network managed services functions.

Maintains network firewall hardware and software utilizing approved policies and rule sets.

Implements security for demilitarized zones and secure subnets.

Troubleshoots hardware and software related firewall issues.

Assists with the development of firewall specifications that address hardware platforms, software versions, IP addressing, and routing issues.

Maintains storage area networks within predefined instruction sets.

Installs or oversees the installation of server hardware, software, and peripheral components according to design or installation specifications and ensures operability.

Implements standards and procedures guiding access and use of network resources following Commonwealth standards.

Establishes and maintains the user environment by creating individual and group accounts and providing access to network resources such as shared files and printers.

Sets up and regulates shared directories and applies permissions.

Installs or updates software such as network operating systems, utility, and other network software and tests to verify correct system operation.

Administers and maintains file recovery and backup systems for enterprise systems and resolves related issues.

Configures, customizes, implements, and maintains central directory services, naming systems, and group policy standards.

Configures and maintains the server environment for agency wide applications to utilize a storage area network or other external storage.

Plans, designs, scripts, tests, and places into production complex tools and utilities for use on the network.

Installs, configures, maintains, troubleshoots, and resolves issues for agency wide enterprise applications.

Administers agency wide applications and services such as systems management, operations management systems, antivirus, and host intrusion protection services.

Reviews technical manuals and other literature, attends seminars, conferences and training classes to maintain currency with new information services, products, and IT developments.

Provides technical assistance in the development of contract specifications.

Monitors contractor performance in providing services and equipment in accordance with specifications.

Participates in program planning functions providing input regarding network capabilities and potential in meeting program objectives.

Conducts feasibility and cost comparison studies and makes recommendations based on the findings.

Updates and makes revisions, and may provide input, to the disaster recovery and continuity of government plans.

Designs, modifies, and maintains voice and data telecommunications systems.

Develops configurations and instructions and provides support in the maintenance and operation of videoconferencing systems.

Functions as a lead worker for technical work by assigning and reviewing work, training employees, and performing quality control functions for the work.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of network communications.

Knowledge of industry standards and protocols, concepts, and best practices of network communications systems.

Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of network hardware and software in a network environment.

Knowledge of the processes and procedures involved in the installation and configuration of network hardware and software in a network environment.

Knowledge of the process of installing and configuring hardware and software on desktop computers and peripherals.

Knowledge of troubleshooting techniques in a network environment.

Knowledge of network security industry standards and best practices.

Knowledge of scripting used in a network environment.

Knowledge of physical cabling and wiring specifications.

Ability to read and interpret technical computer manuals, procedures, and specifications.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Network Specialist 1;

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Two years of information technology experience that includes one year of technical experience in network operation or network maintenance, and an associate's degree in any information technology field;

                                                                                                                                                                          or

Four years of information technology experience that includes one year of technical experience in network operation or network maintenance;

                                                                                                                                                                          or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of technical experience in network operation or network maintenance.