Job Summary (Overall Purpose of the Position)
The purpose of the Network / Telecommunications Specialist is to assist in the implementation, maintenance and monitoring of the LAN/WAN/VPN Network and to provide an efficient and cost-effective telecommunications system. The position will work in conjunction with the Network / Telecommunications Administrator(s) to implementing and maintaining all IP based telecommunication for the various corporate data and telephony systems. The specialist will work to obtain the highest level of network performance, consistent uptime and adhere to best practice network and telecommunication standards. The position will work with the IT Security Administrator to guard against cyber-attacks and document issues or breaches.
Job Duties - Responsibilities – Tasks
LAN / WAN / VPN Network Administration:
- Assist in the development, deployment, installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrade and support of all telecommunications and network operating systems (NOS) at all fixed locations and mobile/vehicle stations.
- Assist in the design of the IP network and telecommunications infrastructure.
- Maintain and monitor all network connectivity including fiberoptic, microwave and cellular technology between the corporate office, disaster recovery site, mobile/vehicle stations and all remote locations within the LAN/WAN/VPN.
- Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of all corporate microwave infrastructure including the configuration and maintenance of radio equipment and technology.
- Maintain and monitor all AMI Base Radio devices.
Telephone System Administration:
- Program, coordinate, maintain and provide support for the telephone system.
- Install and configure telephones and associated devices and peripherals.
- Program, install, and provide instruction on the voice mail and messaging systems.
- Install, maintain, update and troubleshoot remote area telephone systems in coordination with corporate system to provide an Enterprise Communications System.
- Assist in the implementation, maintenance and support of SIP trunking, SIP end-point technology and Voice Over IP (VOIP) technology.
Network Security Administration:
- Assist Network / Telecommunications Administrator in executing security practices associated to the network by installing, maintaining, configuring, and upgrading all firewalls, routers, switches, radios, intrusion detection systems, associated protection devices and any such related network and telecommunications equipment.
- Assist in the monitoring of the network for security issues and seek compliance with defined security standards including but not limited to missing and installed patches, hardened baselines, hardened software configurations, and known vulnerability mitigations.
- Perform network scans to proactively identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. Assist in the implementation of telecommunication hardware upgrades and patches to remedy or remediated identified risks and vulnerabilities.
Disaster Recovery:
- Execute the disaster recovery procedures associated to network redundancy and reliability for the Corporate Information Systems.
- Validate and test the disaster recovery procedures associated to network redundancy and reliability for the Corporate Information Systems on an annual basis coordinated with the Corporate application and database stakeholders.
- Assist the Operation Technology SCADA department for the validation and testing of disaster the disaster recovery procedures related to the Corporate network required by the SCADA system.
Cyber Security:
- Assist the Network / Telecommunications Administrator to ensure network and telecommunication systems are deployed with best practice cyber security standards utilizing the Critical Security Controls framework developed by the Center for Internet Security.
- Adhere to and promote best practice cyber security standard work habits.
Safety
- Promote safe working habits and enforce all safety rules and regulations of Midwest Energy, Inc. Lead by example in safety compliance and take corrective action on safety violations, defective equipment, and any other practice that may adversely affect a safe working environment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in an IT field of network operating systems, computer science, data processing or a related technical field. Alternatively work experience and/or a combination of education and work experience will be accepted.
- CompTIA Network + certification from entry level to five years’ experience in Network Operating Systems, Microwave Systems and Internet applications.
- Solid familiarity and understanding in network protocols, OSI and TCP\IP models, routing and switching principles and the ability to troubleshoot network issues.
- Understanding or experience defining and establishing network specifications by conferring with users; analyzing workflow, access, information, and security requirements; router administration, including interface configuration and routing protocols.
- Understanding or experience evaluating network performance issues including availability, utilization, throughput, and latency; planning and executing the selection, installation, configuration, and testing of equipment; defining network policies and procedures; establishing connections and firewalls.
- Understanding or experience maintaining network security by developing network access, monitoring, control, and evaluation; maintaining documentation.
- Understanding or experience with upgrading network and telecommunication components by developing, testing, evaluating, and installing enhancements.
- Knowledge of telephone systems and experience in the technical aspects of voice communication technologies.
- Ceragon & Cambium radio experience preferred.
- A working knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
- Knowledge of electric or gas utility industry is preferred.
- Technical writing experience is desirable, but not required.
Key Competencies
- Demonstrated detection and analytical skills.
- Ability to quickly and accurately find a solution to network issues.
- Demonstrated skills utilizing technology platforms and reporting tools including Linux and Windows.
- Demonstrated skills utilizing project management techniques and methodologies.
- General knowledge and understanding of IT acumen associated to Networking, Telecommunications, and PC Support.
- General knowledge and understanding of IT acumen associated to best practice ITIL standards.
- Employee should be able to acquire, within a reasonable time, an understanding of basic utility operations.
- Ability to manage and supervise others in a team environment to facilitate a secure information system environment.
- Ability to prioritize and execute multiple issues simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in working independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to interface effectively and establish effective working relationships with the user community (employees), cross-functional team members, managers, and consultants.
- Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication to correspond with the user community, cross-functional team members, managers, security vendors and consultants.
- Ability to organize and lead end-user training.
- Ability to implement network solutions as well as trouble-shoot process, procedure, and software and hardware issues.
- Intermediate-level proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite including Visio.
- Must hold and maintain a valid Kansas Driver’s License.
Posting Close Date: April 12, 2024
Equal Opportunity Employer
