IT Network Specialist

Purpose

• Maximize network performance and security by leveraging expertise to design, implement, and maintain robust networking solutions tailored to organizational needs

Responsibilities

• Implement, and maintain the organization's network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, and wireless networks, to ensure reliability, scalability, and performance.
• Implement and maintain network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and access control policies, to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
• Monitor network performance, analyze traffic patterns, and conduct regular audits to identify and address network bottlenecks, latency issues, and security vulnerabilities.
• Diagnose and resolve network-related issues, including connectivity problems, routing issues, and configuration errors, to minimize downtime and ensure seamless network operations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, diagrams, and procedures. Generate reports on network performance, incidents, and compliance metrics as required.Manage relationships with network equipment vendors, service providers, and contractors. Coordinate procurement, installation, and maintenance of network hardware and software.
• Conduct capacity planning and forecasting to anticipate future network growth and resource requirements. Recommend upgrades and enhancements to support business needs.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications may be preferred for senior-level positions or specialized roles.
• Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and documentation purposes.
• Master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is preferred for senior-level positions or roles requiring specialized expertise.
• Additional certifications related to network engineering, security, or cloud technologies, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or AWS Certified Solutions Architect, can enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in network administration or a related field, with a strong understanding of networking principles and protocols.
• Proficiency in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools to identify and resolve network performance issues and security vulnerabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement network infrastructure solutions to meet business requirements and support scalability and growth.
• Knowledge of network security best practices, including access control, encryption, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Experience with network protocols and technologies such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, MPLS, and OSPF.
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts and services, such as AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, and Google Cloud VPC, is a plus.
• Experience with network documentation and diagramming tools to create and maintain network topology diagrams, configuration files, and inventory lists.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to analyze network traffic patterns and packet captures to diagnose and resolve connectivity and performance issues.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and vendors to implement and support network infrastructure projects and initiatives.
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, or equivalent industry certifications are preferred.

Functional Competencies