Job Description

Overview
This position reports directly to the manager for Network Engineering. This role includes working independently and as a team player for handling, installing, configuring, and supporting the NIU network. The Network Engineer is an integral part of the Division of IT and larger NIU campus as the work we do supports the day-to-day operation of computer networks which NIU relies on.
Position Summary
This position configures and installs network devices (e.g., switches, routers, wireless controllers, security appliances, etc.). He/she designs the device architecture and plays a key role in proactive network management, network optimization and capacity planning. This position receives requests and work orders (work orders) and trouble tickets from DolT (Division of Information Technology) to fulfill customers’ standard and basic technical/network needs. He/she uses network monitoring tools and devices to make basic inquiries about network service and device performance, make changes for service and devices, and recommend steps for network optimization. This position participates in special technical projects requiring Network Engineering input and guidance. Must provide off-hour on-call support when required. The Network Engineer Ill reports to the Director of Network Engineering.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
In the performance of the duties assigned to this position, the employee will work with a wide range of network products, protocols, software, and hardware.
As a member of a support team, responds to network infrastructure and security-related incidents promptly.
Collaborates with other technology team members including Information Security, Operations, and Applications Support, in addition to others.
Active participates in the design and planning of the network from a long-term strategic approach. Serves as a key participant in developing a three to five-year network plan to deliver video, voice, and data.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
1. Five (5) years of professional IT experience with configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting an Enterprise network (e.g., Packet capture and analysis, Firewall, wireless controllers, switches, routers, etc.) AND 60 semester hours of college course work or Associate’s Degree in Information Technology (IT), IT Management or a closely related discipline

OR


Six (6) years of professional IT experience with configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting an Enterprise network (e.g., Packet capture and analysis, Firewall, wireless controllers, switches, routers, etc.) AND 90 semester hours of college course work or Associate’s Degree in Information Technology (IT), IT Management or a closely related discipline

OR

Seven (7) years of professional IT experience with configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting an Enterprise network (e.g., Packet capture and analysis, Firewall, wireless controllers, switches, routers, etc.)

2. Current Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification or Ciena CE-P ( Carrier Ethernet Professional) certification or Ciena OC-A (Optical Communications Professional) certification

Classification-specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Knowledge of the systems and operations used within the areas and departments of responsibility
Ability to assist with troubleshooting software and hardware-related problems.
Ability to oversee and coordinate activities of user groups
Ability to effectively communicate with other colleagues, supervisors, administrative staff, and other IT users
Ability to identify and resolve technical problems
Ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with all staff levels
Department-level Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

1. Experience with Cisco and Ciena command line configuration.
2. Extensive knowledge of network architecture.
3. The ability to:
a. Effectively communicate with all levels of administrative and academic users.
b. Assess and recommend best practices to maintain efficient networks.
c. Independently troubleshoot and fix network connectivity problems.
d. Proactively monitor network performance to ensure proper working environment.
e. Effectively document and track critical network information.
f. Work collaboratively in a team environment.
g. Demonstrate good organizational and analytical skills.
Specialty Factors (Civil Service)
None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
1. Bachelor’s Degree in computer science
2. 7 or more years professional IT experience with configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting an Enterprise network.