Network Technician II (24-25 SY) (Anticipated)

JOB TITLE: Network Technician II WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt 

REPORTS TO: Director of Networking & Cybersecurity PAY GRADE: IT 4 (230 Days) 

DEPARTMENT: Networking-Cybersecurity & VoIP DATE REVISED: 11-4-2024

PRIMARY PURPOSE: This position is primarily responsible for maintaining the hardware and software required to implement, operate, and maintain the network infrastructure for the WAN and LAN (both wired and wireless) at each campus within the district. This may include managing the work of all vendors that are call upon to provide network related services at these sites. This also includes managing the work order system that is used by all network users to request network-related services. In order to perform its duties, this position requires the use of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users, to determine hardware, software, and network functional requirements. This includes determining the specifications and requirements for campus related network hardware and test equipment that are required to operate and maintain the network.

Network Technician II will be officed at Administration Building, and will provide support, maintain and monitor all district networks. This position will also require on-site visits to all Irving ISD sites as needed when network issues occur.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification: 

• High School diploma or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Associate’s degree or higher with major coursework in computer science, management information systems, telecommunications, or network administration preferred.
• A minimum of one current certification in network services is strongly recommended or in progress of obtaining, (e.g. Network +, CCNA, CCNP) at time of hire.
• Willingness to complete a second current certification within two years of employment.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Experience in electronics, telecommunications, and local (including both “wired” and “wireless” architectures) and wide area networks.
• Knowledge of network facilities and data processing techniques, OSI reference model, and TCP/IP networking,
• security software, Active Directory, Group Policies and application servers, including SCCM
• Able to comprehend technical manuals, procedural documentation and OEM guides
• Ability to recognize, analyze and resolve network problems
• Excellent software and hardware troubleshooting skills
• Significant hands-on troubleshooting abilities with Network products (e.g. Cisco), security software, performance monitoring, capacity management, and network management tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Experience: 

• 3 or more years’ experience in network related activities.
• 3-5 years’ experience working in a K-12 school environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Provide ongoing support, maintain, and monitor all district networks. Provide ongoing support of daily operations, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Ethernet Local Area Network infrastructure including but not limited to Cisco routers and switches, this will consist of being onsite at any of our 44 remote locations. Assist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of district Wide Area Network equipment. Also participate in and assist with the design of new deployments.
2. Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Ethernet local area network equipment. Assist in the maintenance of district wide-area network equipment
3. Manage (i.e. Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain) the district’s 802.11x wireless network infrastructure including but not limited to Cisco wireless access points and Wireless LAN Controllers as required to optimize network efficiency. This may require physically removing and replacing wireless access points in tall or constricted areas. Also participate in and assist with the design of new deployments.
4. Troubleshoot data cable connections on Cat 5e and Cat 6 twisted pair network cables using a FLUKE tester to verify connectivity to the network switch or verify damaged data cables for repair.
5. Troubleshoot software and hardware issues on end user devices, i.e., help resolve problems encountered by District-wide users of various servers, desktop systems, laptops, tablets, iPads, iPhones, security cameras, VOIP phones, keyless entry systems, printers, district network Internet and other computer technology. This may require facetime with end users and site visits
6. Troubleshoot and repair or replace defective Network devices/equipment by being able to physically climb ladders or work in tight spaces to troubleshoot Wireless Access Points and Cisco switches, as well as data network connections including cat 5e, cat 6 twisted pair and fiber connections.
7. Assist in the management and configuration of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASA) – Palo Alto Firewalls, etc. including but not limited to VPN services and VPN client installation.
8. Manage (i.e. Install, configure, and use) network management software (e.g. SolarWinds Orion, Aruba Airwave, and packet capture software) to monitor and maintain network performance. Evaluate network management systems and make recommendations for purchase.
9. Manage (i.e. Install and configure) commercially developed network software, hardware, and operating systems. Assist in the evaluation of network hardware and software.
10. Maintain expertise with current networking equipment. Maintain technical skills concurrent with applicable technology as required for successful job performance.
11. Assist the networking team in current networking applications such as Windows Internet Name Server (WINS), Domain Name Server (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and content filtering products.
12. Assist in the network planning, design, upgrade, and detailed documentation.
13. Collaborates with other departments to ensure successful project implementation.
14. Communicates with supervisor on a regular basis.
15. Use appropriate work order system to manage customer problems and requests to ensure timely resolution. This may also include the assigning of and following-up on work orders assigned to other group members.
16. Provide positive, high-quality, and consistent customer service for all users.
17. Provide on-call services on weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. On call duties consist of receiving calls 24/7 for network outages which affect security cameras, keyless entry, VOIP phone system, heating/AC systems, or food service freezers are offline. It is imperative that all the above-mentioned components which all require network connectivity, be in working order always
18. Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Networking-Cybersecurity & VoIP.
19. Manage Contractors (e.g. Cabling and Equipment) to ensure that contracted work is completed in accordance with applicable standards and is completed in a timely fashion.
20. Select the necessary test equipment for testing network cabling and Network Equipment based on their independent evaluation and expertise.
21. Perform all traffic routing activities required to maintain effective and efficient services across the district’s wide area network.
22. Create and manage all documentation regarding the District’s Network Design and Equipment Inventory.
23. Test, troubleshoot, and configure end-user devices and printers that are connected to the district’s mainframe administrative computer systems.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITIES: 

Although supervisory responsibilities remain with the Network & Cybersecurity Director, the Network Technician II must work as a team member with network admins, cybersecurity teams, campus techs, administrators, all staff, and work collaboratively to resolve network problems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state or national travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety: Perform all duties in a safe and responsible manner. Observe all safety precautions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve workplace safety.

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