QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum):

• Associate degree in related technologies, or three (3) years experience in Datacenter Administration / Networking Technologies.
• One (1) year experience in Datacenter Technologies and basic network administration. Industry-standard certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or similar preferred.
• Willingness to acquire CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), JNCIA (Juniper Networks Certified Internetworking Associate) required.
• Other equivalent combinations of training, experience, and education will be considered.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The Regional Wide Area Network Specialist - Level I position assists in the management and support of our organization's data center and network infrastructure. The Level I specialist will be responsible for supporting the organization's network infrastructure environment, ensuring stable and secure network systems operation. Key duties include assisting in network administration, implementing basic data security measures, and supporting IT infrastructure. The role will also be essential in contributing to network and data center maintenance, including supporting upgrades and integrating technologies as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving technical issues related to network architecture and security.
• Understanding of data center management services, including server hardware and storage solutions.
• Knowledge of basic network principles, protocols, and architectures (LAN/WAN, TCP/IP).
• Familiarity with network security measures such as firewalls and VPNs.
• Good documentation skills for maintaining network diagrams and standard operating procedures.
• Proactive Learning and Development Skills - Must demonstrate a strong initiative in self-learning and professional development. Actively seeks out educational opportunities, workshops, and industry seminars to enhance technical knowledge and stay current with emerging network technologies and best practices.
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Ability to assist in technical documentation including system configurations and troubleshooting guides.
• Team player, willing to learn and support colleagues.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and willingness to learn new networking technologies.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist in the design, configuration, and maintenance of the organization's data center infrastructure.
• Support network performance monitoring to ensure high availability of IT services.
• Assist in implementing and managing security measures.
• Provide support in IT projects, including system upgrades and expansions.
• Provide technical support to users and assist in training for secure use of network resources.
• Stay updated on industry trends in data center and network technologies.
• Support systematic system monitoring, maintenance, and performance testing.
• Stay updated about emerging network technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements relevant to K-12 school environments and recommend improvements or enhancements to network services to meet evolving needs.
• Help in monitoring and auditing of network systems and equipment to ensure compliance with company policies and standards.
• Contribute to the assessment and recommendation of new network technologies or tools to improve efficiency and performance.
• Assist in the management of vendor relationships, particularly for network hardware and software procurement.
• Participate in on-call rotation to provide after-hours support for critical network issues.
• Engage in knowledge-sharing activities with team members to foster a collaborative working environment.
• Attend relevant training sessions or workshops to maintain and enhance technical skills.
• Support the management of network assets, including tracking and inventory management.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for scheduled and unscheduled travel.
• Perform any additional duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Primary Responsibilities:

• On-Call Network Outage Responsibilities: Serve as primary contact for network outages, including immediate troubleshooting and coordination with relevant teams to ensure timely resolution following IU17 defined protocols. This responsibility requires availability outside of standard working hours, including weekends and holidays, to address urgent network issues.
• Physical Demands: This role involves frequent lifting (up to 60 pounds) and is physically demanding. Duties encompass a broad spectrum of physical activities, including lifting, carrying, and handling various materials and equipment.
• Work Environment: Work is primarily conducted in a school building/campus, datacenter, office, or laboratory setting. However, there may be occasional exposure to outdoor elements and working in awkward or confined spaces to address network issues.
• Travel Requirements: Regular travel to various IU locations and customer sites is mandatory. This may include travel outside of BLaST IU17’s region and necessitates overnight stays, which will be covered by the employer as per company policy.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as required by the role and the organization's evolving needs.