A.5 Network Specialist (NS)

Education

A relevant BS degree preferred. As an alternative, candidates with previous experience in IT may also qualify. The quality of the experience as demonstrated by achievement may compensate for lack of formal education.

Experience

Generally, two years of satisfactory work experience in related area and approximately two to four years of job experience to date. Experience should include substantial practical systems work with leadership experience and experience in network and communications. Has successfully applied network/communications concepts, data modeling, and data management applications in a variety of situations.

Skills

Can describe in detail network topologies and their use.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact with customers/users effectively.
Can describe in detail all IT concepts and practices, including their interdependencies.

Performance Expectations

Can describe and apply technical and application knowledge of data management concepts, modeling techniques, and design principles to complete project work. Can describe in detail database architectures, software, facilities, and applications and their value to the organization.
Applies technical knowledge and skills to address complex and nonstandard situations to two or more of the following:
- Provides advice and guidance to users and upper managers on the use of network/communications facilities to enhance business solutions.
- Works with colleagues to develop communications strategies and standards for significant projects or major application areas.
- Provides specialty technical support to service delivery functions in the planning, modeling, demonstration, installation, and customization of IT products.
- Works with teams to assist users/customers in identifying requirements for network/communications hardware, software, services, and facilities.
- Advises users/customers on the feasibility, practicality, and cost-effectiveness of the options proposed.
- For complex network/communications systems: manages small teams of staff to complete all stages of the life cycle for hardware/software development (including investigation, analysis, specification, design, construction, testing, maintenance, upgrade, and migration) to achieve well-engineered products.
- Provides staff teams with expertise in the development, use, and operation of network/communication tools and facilities. Manages the work of small teams to deliver quality project work and services on time and within budget.
Provides network management:
- Analysis of network impacts based on new adds and changes.
- Maintain a network topology drawing.
- Manage new installations/connects to network.
- Network capacity planning.
- Set up and maintain modem connections.
- Control the granting and revoking of modem access from outside.
- Provide naming services resolution.
Utilizes specialized techniques, tools, methods , and standards as needed to address organizational and user /customer needs for quality, security, availability, integrity, and safety.
Demonstrates a calm, rational, and organized approach to tasks when under pressure.
Manages own time effectively to respond to user requests in a timely fashion and provide users with agreed levels of service.
Applies the given standards, procedures, and tools to accomplish work assigned. Produces all required documentation for tasks completed, according to established standards.
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills with users/customers, colleagues, and immediate management.

Training and Development

Maintains knowledge and skills in networks/communications through active participation in seminars , conferences, workshops, etc.
Maintains up-to-date theoretical and practical specialty network/communications knowledge.
Maintains detailed knowledge of a wide range of network/communication software, hardware, media, services, and facilities available and in development.
Obtains ongoing training and practice in oral, written, and project leadership skills; attends management training.
Increases knowledge of IT and its uses within the organization.
Increases professional knowledge and awareness by reading and participating in technical activities outside of immediate employment.
Successfully completes trial experiences that involve those skills of higher competency required at the next level of advancement.