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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Network Specialist

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

Information TechnologyNetworkingSystems AdministrationIT Infrastructure

🎯 Role Definition

As a Network Specialist, you are the architect and guardian of our organization's digital connectivity. You don't just "manage" a network; you design, build, and fortify the complex web of systems that allows our business to communicate and operate seamlessly. This role is a blend of deep technical expertise, forward-thinking strategy, and hands-on problem-solving, ensuring our network is not only stable and secure today but also scalable for the challenges of tomorrow. You are the go-to expert for all things related to network performance, security, and reliability.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Network Technician
  • IT Support Specialist (Tier 2/3)
  • Junior Network Administrator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Network Engineer
  • Network Architect
  • IT Infrastructure Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Systems Engineer
  • Cloud Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, implement, and manage the complete lifecycle of enterprise-level network infrastructure, including Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), WLAN, SD-WAN, and VPN systems.
  • Proactively monitor network performance, integrity, and traffic patterns using advanced tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, or PRTG to ensure maximum availability and reliability.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex, multi-faceted network issues, performing deep-dive root cause analysis from the physical layer up to the application layer.
  • Configure, deploy, and maintain a wide range of network hardware, including enterprise-grade routers, multilayer switches, and next-generation firewalls (e.g., Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
  • Develop, implement, and enforce robust network security policies and procedures in close collaboration with the cybersecurity team to defend against threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Manage the organization's IP address space, including the administration of DHCP scopes and DNS records to ensure efficient and accurate resource allocation.
  • Execute regular network maintenance schedules, including firmware upgrades, security patching, and configuration backups, often during planned off-peak maintenance windows.
  • Plan and lead network infrastructure projects, such as new office build-outs, data center migrations, and technology refresh cycles, from initial concept through to final implementation.
  • Respond to, prioritize, and resolve network-related incidents and service requests within an ITIL-based ticketing system, ensuring strict adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Implement and fine-tune Quality of Service (QoS) policies to prioritize and protect latency-sensitive application traffic like VoIP and video conferencing.
  • Administer and secure the corporate wireless network infrastructure, including access points, wireless LAN controllers (WLCs), and user authentication systems (802.1x/RADIUS).
  • Participate actively in the organization's disaster recovery and business continuity planning by designing and testing network resiliency and failover mechanisms.
  • Secure network systems by meticulously defining and enforcing access control lists (ACLs), managing firewall rulebases, and participating in regular security and compliance audits.
  • Manage and support cloud networking components within IaaS environments like AWS (VPCs, Security Groups) and Azure (VNets, NSGs), ensuring secure hybrid connectivity.
  • Automate repetitive network administration tasks and configurations by developing and maintaining scripts using languages such as Python or Ansible.
  • Conduct thorough capacity planning and performance analysis to forecast future network demands and ensure the infrastructure can support long-term business growth.
  • Lead the technical design and implementation of secure remote access solutions for a distributed workforce, including modern VPN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) frameworks.
  • Perform in-depth packet capture and protocol analysis using tools like Wireshark to diagnose intricate network performance and application-level problems.
  • Configure and manage network load balancers (e.g., F5 BIG-IP, Citrix ADC) to ensure high availability and optimal distribution of traffic for critical applications.
  • Maintain a highly secure and segmented network environment through the effective use of VLANs, VRFs, and firewall zoning.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for telecommunication and circuit providers to manage service delivery, performance, and outage resolution.
  • Evaluate, test, and recommend new networking technologies, software, and hardware solutions to continuously improve the network's performance, security, and efficiency.

Secondary Functions

  • Develop and meticulously maintain comprehensive documentation for all network infrastructure, including logical and physical diagrams, IP schemas, configuration guides, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Provide technical mentorship and act as an escalation point for junior members of the IT team, sharing knowledge and fostering skill development within the group.
  • Stay abreast of emerging network technologies, security threats, and industry best practices by attending webinars, reading publications, and pursuing relevant certifications.
  • Collaborate with vendors and service providers for procurement, troubleshooting, and evaluation of new hardware, software, and circuits.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep understanding of TCP/IP and core routing protocols, including BGP and OSPF.
  • Expertise in advanced switching technologies, such as VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and link aggregation (LACP).
  • Hands-on experience with managing and configuring next-generation firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA).
  • Proficiency with enterprise-grade network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds NPM, PRTG, Zabbix).
  • Strong knowledge of VPN technologies, including IPsec and SSL VPN for site-to-site and remote access.
  • Experience with enterprise wireless networking (802.11ac/ax, WPA2/3 Enterprise, Cisco/Aruba WLCs).
  • Foundational knowledge of cloud networking concepts in AWS or Azure.
  • Scripting and automation skills for network tasks using Python, Ansible, or PowerShell.
  • Competency in network security principles, including ACLs, NAT, IDS/IPS, and port security.
  • Familiarity with DDI solutions for managing DNS, DHCP, and IPAM.
  • Proficient in packet analysis and troubleshooting with tools like Wireshark.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple concurrent projects.
  • A strong sense of ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience and certifications.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Network Engineering
  • Cybersecurity

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of hands-on experience in a network administration or engineering role.

Preferred:

Experience in an enterprise-level, multi-site environment with a strong focus on network security and automation. Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or Palo Alto PCNSA are highly desirable.

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