WS Network Specialist

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The WS NETWORK SPECIALIST is responsible for designing, building, supporting, and maintaining all devices and services within the Alice Smith School's network. This role involves identifying and proposing solutions to performance and scalability challenges, creating and maintaining comprehensive network documentation, and providing advanced technical support to 1st and 2nd level support teams. The WS NETWORK SPECIALIST is also responsible for mentoring 2nd level support staff and collaborating with the DiT Manager to ensure the network is secure and well-maintained, proactively minimizing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, the WS NETWORK SPECIALIST may be required to assist with DiT operational tasks when needed.

Responsibilities/duties:

1. Adhere to the school's policies and procedures.

1. Network Security

• Ensure the school network remains fully operational during access hours, with an appropriate and reliable backup strategy in place.
• Ensure endpoint protection systems are functioning effectively and kept up to date.
• Provide recommendations and guidance to the Network Backup to enhance information security and data protection.
• Conduct regular penetration testing and address identified security vulnerabilities promptly.
• Manage, maintain, and enforce all policies and procedures related to network and information security.
• Collaborate with the DiT Leadership team to ensure externally accessible services remain operational and are secured behind a robust firewall.
• Provide periodic training to the DiT department on best practices in IT security.

2. Network and Project Management

• Design, stage, and build the network infrastructure for The Alice Smith School.
• Assist as a project lead or contributor for all network-related projects, ensuring timely completion within established timelines.
• Address tickets escalated by Level 1 and Level 2 support staff, ensuring proper documentation and resolution in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Work with the DiT Leadership team to establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for network infrastructure.
• Periodically review the network infrastructure for compliance, conducting audits and coaching where necessary.
• Diagnose and resolve network issues, including virus outbreaks, network intrusions, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate with network vendors for troubleshooting and testing.
• Maintain up-to-date network documentation, including diagrams, policies, and configurations.
• Provide feedback to the DiT Leadership team on vendor and contractor performance.
• Be available for evening or weekend work to address system/network emergencies or planned maintenance.

3. Asset Management

• Implement and oversee systems to manage and maintain all network infrastructure assets.
• Ensure regular patching, maintenance, and optimal performance of network assets.
• Conduct periodic asset audits to maintain accurate network asset records.
• Collaborate with the DiT Leadership team to plan for infrastructure upgrades and ensure proper asset disposal for obsolete equipment.
• Ensure all network hardware and systems are appropriately licensed and compliant.

4. Change Control and Information Security

• Enforce effective change management procedures and ensure compliance with related policies.
• Guide and support the team members in adhering to change management protocols.
• Escalate change requests to the DiT Leadership team as required.
• Provide regular reports to the DiT Leadership team and school management on the state of information security, including breaches or security incidents.
• Report any breaches of change management procedures to the IT Leadership team.
• Ensure IT staff follow defined information security protocols.
• Actively participate as a member of the DiT Leadership Team, attending meetings and contributing to strategic discussions.

Selection Criteria:

• Degree/Diploma in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science.
• Certification Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA Network+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) would be an added advantage.
• Maintain an up-to-date approved IT systems certification for the entire duration of the contract period.
• Proficiency in networking technologies, protocols, and standards (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs).
• Experience with network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls).
• Knowledge of wireless technologies and configurations.
• Familiarity with cloud networking and virtual environments.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Be proactive and independent in creative development.