Network Specialist

NETWORK SPECIALIST (On Site)

Under the general supervision of the Senior Network Specialist and within established policies, procedures and guidelines, the Network Specialist will be responsible for wireless data communications including NPC wifi, point-to-point and point-to-multi-point radios, cellular services, configuration and deployment of routers, switches, and firewalls, network patch management, firmware updates, network documentation and network monitoring of NPC’s multi-location network.

Responsible for planning, budgeting, vendor management, deployment, installation, and configuration of existing and new venue network infrastructure. Continually seeks to optimize the network, and ensure that it meets and adheres to the network architecture. Troubleshoots network performance and security issues as required.

Provides supervision to seasonal staff on special projects. Works with external suppliers, vendors of record and internal Procurement teams to procure, and implement Park wide networking improvements that are aligned with the network strategy. Participates in the ongoing maintenance and support of the infrastructure, while providing support to the service desk and directly to NPC staff as required. Work closely with the management team, and internal customers to understand IT requirements, develop optimal network and wireless solutions, ensures timely IT solution delivery, and resolves any production and support related issues.

Niagara Parks offers an salary of $88,127.25 to $105,146.52 per annum for this position, as well as, a comprehensive benefit and defined benefit pension plan. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a post-secondary education in engineering, computer science or equivalent, coupled with relevant network and routing experience.
• CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certification or equivalent vendor certifications required; Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) or Aruba Certified Mobility Professional (ACMP); Extensive working knowledge of network protocols and routing.
•  Entry-level of Associate (JNCIA) certification; strong analytical experience and troubleshooting skills necessary to resolve complex network and routing issues.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ direct experience configuring, deploying, installing network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls etc.) in a fast paced, complex, enterprise network (minimum of 30 sites and 600 termination points) required; Five years’ experience in network security required; strong conceptual understanding of networks and be experienced in creating and developing logical and physical network designs; ability to provides excellent documentation and strong troubleshooting skills; a wide breadth of technical understanding including: Palo Alto firewalls, OSPF routing, routed VPNs, NAC’s, local area networks, cable plant management, and telephony (VoIP) networking.
• The position requires strong technical, interpersonal, and both verbal and written communication skills.
• The following qualifications are considered to be an asset: Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACME) or Aruba Wireless Mesh Professional (AWMP); Experience in Motorola or Cambium radios; the Enterprise Routing, JUNOS Security, Firewall/VPN (or JNCIS) certification; A project management designation; A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, experience in network security as it applies to PCI-DSS compliance; working knowledge of Juniper and HP/Aruba networking equipment, Motorola point-to-point, and wireless meshing technologies; experience with fiber optic networks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

• Collaborates with the Senior Network Specialist to establish short and long-term strategies for the NPC network that contributes to the organization’s network security, performance and effectiveness.
• Manages and supports the network infrastructure consisting of three primary offices, two primary data centers, and 30+ remote locations. 
• Provides continuous improvement to network security and PCI-DSS compliance.
• Leads the configuration, deployment, maintenance and upgrades of local and wide area networks including the NPC fiber network, MPLS and private connections, as well as Internet and firewall connections; implements and troubleshoots redundancy options for wireless and traditional site-to-site links.
• Provides first-class network monitoring and documentation for all aspects of the network infrastructure.
• Establishes and maintains pro-active NOC, intrusion detection, and Security and Incident Event Management (SIEM) monitoring and reporting.
• Responsible for pinpointing and resolving network connectivity issues.
• Responsible for maintaining all wiring, jacking, data closets, data centres and the full extended cable plant and wiring infrastructure including fiber and radio and ensures that the infrastructure meets Panduit certification; works with contractors on renovation and new construction to ensure that IT standards are met.
• Provides operational and on-call rotation support as required in a twenty-four seven work environment.
• Ensures a high level of customer support through proactive problem ownership and management, and adherence to change management standards.
• Develops and manages with the Senior Network Specialist, budgets for the network infrastructure at NPC; adheres to the network budget and initiates corrective actions.

TIER 2 SUPPORT AND NETWORK ADMINISTRATION.

• Assists with problem tickets and support timely resolution and closure of incidents.
• Assists with the administration and support of network gateways, web filtering, and other applications interfacing to the internet to ensure a secure and safe computing environment.
• Ensures that documentation and knowledge bases are kept up-to-date and maintained as an effective tool for design, support and troubleshooting.

DIRECTING/SUPERVISING 

• Prepares objectives for seasonal staff, supervises, monitors performance, disciplining and evaluates performance. 
• Provides monthly progress reports for management and the board on network security relating to PCI-DSS.
• Routinely monitors network, server and systems performance and reliability; oversees quality improvement through incident reporting and corrective measures. 
• Leads failover/self-healing and disaster recovery testing activities for network infrastructure; assumes the project management role for key and significant network infrastructure projects and special event initiatives requiring wifi or network connectivity; attending meetings to discuss new concepts and projects with knowledge of confidential business plans related to internal projects or potential RGO’s.
• Participates on cross functional team meetings on new business proposals (ex. new attractions) and feasibility with regards to wireless connectivity and network infrastructure.
• Assists in the procurement process for hardware, software, and consulting services in consultation with project teams and management; participates on NPC evaluation teams to choose new systems.
• Researches and evaluates network, wifi, wireless systems and technology directly with various outside vendors as required.
• Oversees related network work by third party providers to ensure accuracy, and proper policies and procedures are followed.
• Assigns and assists and follows-up on various IT projects with staff, contractors and consultants to inspect progress, deliverables and completion of work.
• Liaises with various internal/external stakeholders and coordinates work with parties regarding the planning and implementation of NPC network/wireless related projects and systems.
• Provides technical guidance, advice and assistance to the staff, as required.
• Ensures that workers under their control work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, policies/procedures and are provided with the required training.
• Provides shared weekend supervision with other staff as well as answer after hour IT requests; this may include supervision of bargaining unit staff within IT.
• Provides strong project management direction.
• Maintains a collaborative work environment by fostering cooperation within the information technology department and between the departments and all other constituents.
• Reviews suggestions regarding operational issues or recommendations for improvement, and assist in developing, implementing and monitoring these changes.
• In consultation with Human Resources and the Senior Network Specialist design a skill development plan to upgrade the computer skills of direct reports and self, and to ensure that skills levels are developed and maintained at an appropriate level.
• Maintains the required professional and technical knowledge and certifications by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing and maintaining a peer network, and studying for and writing certification exams.

PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES

• Required to work after hours from time to time consistent with the job function and responsibilities.
• Will be required to participate in the On Call Emergency support rotation.
• As assigned.