IT - Network Engineer II

Under the direction of the Manager of Unified Communications, designs, configures, implements, monitors and maintains network systems to provide easy and secure access to the internet and all university connected technologies.  Plan, configure, administer and maintain all network infrastructure hardware, such as switches, routers, wireless access points, firewalls.  Responsible for 24x7 support of all network infrastructure for critical systems including life safety and security. Install, configure, and maintain high availability network infrastructure across multiple locations. Helps with solutions to networking problems that may arise in an expeditious, efficient, and timely manner.  Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with the mission, vision and values of the University of Central Oklahoma. 

Position Overview

Perform maintenance, and upgrade of networks, including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, remote access systems, and network management systems. Monitor network connectivity and ensure high quality data transmission. Provide technical support to various departments and users with regards to LAN/MAN/WAN (local/metropolitan/wide area networks) and cloud-based networks (e.g., VPN and BYOD). Serve as a liaison with vendors and other third-party providers. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

Responsible for maintaining and managing the university’s network infrastructure. Manages the implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructure under the guidance of acceptable University policies and procedures.  Works on complex problems where analysis of situation requires in-depth evaluation of various actors. Plans large scale systems projects. Provides recommendations for improvements to the network infrastructure which includes developing road maps, guides, standards and procedures. 

• Responsible for implementation, monitoring and identifying security vulnerabilities/intrusion detection and for building firewall policies on next generation firewalls.

• Develop and maintain documentation for network systems, utilities, and operational procedures. Provide technical assistance in communicating this information to users, vendors and consultants.

• Monitors, troubleshoots and repairs network performance from core enterprise services down to end user connectivity. Creates and uses tools to query critical devices to benchmark service availability and outage alerts.

• Maintains a current knowledge of networks, operating systems, design, technology, work methods and configuration through classes, published material and support/user groups.

• Guides vision of future networking and telephony technology to meet emerging university needs and stay within budget and support capacity.

• Provides backup support to other networking staff (including VoIP telephony) and trains others to provide backup to this position.

• Provides work leadership, guidance, and training to network administrators and specialists.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Requires a university degree in related field or 4+ years of equivalent work experience in chosen filed that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

• Thorough understanding of IP Management (v4 & v6), Access Control Lists, Policy Based Routing, routing protocols, wireless networks, secure remote access, VLANS segments, BGP and IP load balancing systems.

• Comprehensive understanding of system monitoring services and tools to track equipment response times, temperature, voltage, interface status etc. and alert technical staff of problems.

• Experience with Cisco Switches, Cisco Phones, Cisco Firewall, Cisco Wireless and Radware Load Balancers.

• Working knowledge in Incident Response, Recovery from cyber-attacks and forensics procedures.

• A Bachelor or Masters of Science degree in a technical field, such as Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology.

• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP or other Network certifications. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Must possess strong customer service and interpersonal skills.  Strong analytical, organization and collaboration skills. Ability to work well under pressure, handling multiple tasks and balancing multiple objectives, while consistently ensuring that priority objectives are met. Ability to communicate technical terms to non-technical users. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to author procedures, policies and proposals. An advanced working knowledge of and experience with the design, installation and technical support of network infrastructure including cable systems, network hardware, network software, IP addresses, network protocols, LANs and WANs in a large campus network environment. Experience installing, configuring, upgrading, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Ethernet routers, switches and wireless network infrastructure. Adheres to and complies with UCO’s shared values and the Office of Information Technology’s Code of Ethics. This position is on-call 24x7x365 and requires the successful candidate to have high-speed internet access to their residence, and maintain a smart phone on which to receive telephone calls, email, SMS messages from servers and authorized OIT personnel.

Physical Demands

Repetitive movement of hands and fingers - typing and/or writing. Frequent standing, and/or sitting. Occasional walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Visually identify, observe and assess. Ability to communicate with supervisor/students/colleagues. Regular physical attendance required. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.