Network Specialist

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) has an outstanding opportunity for Network Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to a Technology Manager, the Network Specialist is responsible for the installation and operation of both the physical components of networking technology and the switching aspect for all sectors. The network is the backbone for the information transfer and without it, University communications would be severely crippled. 

The Network Specialist is responsible for network installation and maintenance activities of over 10,000 network devices for the University, UW Medicine, Pacific Northwest Gigapop, Datacenters, and the state K-20 Education network. Activities include activating network/phone ports, installing switches, wireless access points, routers, firewalls, UPSs relating to all telecommunication network services for voice, data, and video. This position also provides support for infrastructure design and coordination with various UW departments.  

This is an essential position and is 100% on-site. 

The salary information provided below is for a full-time position and will be prorated for this part-time, 100% FTE opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

The Network Specialist must have an excellent understanding of Ethernet technologies, TCP/IP, SNMP, and IP network security and be able to easily adapt and apply them to different sectors -- the University, UW Medicine, Pacific Northwest Gigapop, Datacenters, and the state K-20 Education network all run different protocols, have a different customer base and command different maintenance procedures. Also, an excellent understanding of interconnection and troubleshooting techniques for WAN/LAN hardware to include routers, and LAN switches. This position will provide tier2 support for all network-related incidents. 

• 50% Under general supervision, independently perform complex installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair activities for all UW communications activities.  
• 20% Share technical expertise and provide support for Campus telecommunications and data networking installation and maintenance. Help in coordinating all facilities issues, as they relate to installation activities.  
• 15% Provide supervision, coordination and/or support functions/expertise for on-site technical and operational support staff. May direct the work of other 
• 15% Help in developing procedures for coordination of all aspects associated with installation activities and provide on-site technical assistance for peers and customers alike. Perform other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Data Networking, Computer Science or related field 
• Two years of experience with basic digital telephony concepts; experience troubleshooting digital switching and/or digital transport problems.  
• Experience working with communications service providers to troubleshoot digital transport and switching services, and with clients and support staff to resolve network-related problems.  
• Experience with service coordination and problem resolution in a communications network environment.  
• Working knowledge of Ethernet link layer protocols, standards, and practices for both LAN wiring and campus plants.  
• Experience working with customers to troubleshoot connectivity problems.  
• Experience working with communications service providers to troubleshoot digital transport and switching services, and with clients and support staff to resolve network-related problems.  
• Working knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications (such as Access, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Sheets).  
• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities.  
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, both independently and as part of a team. 

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Junos OS and Aruba Airwave.  
• A professional designation of CCNA.  
• Experience in a research university or other academic institution  
• Outstanding customer service skills. 

Working Conditions

• Must be comfortable working in confined areas and communications closets.  
• Must be comfortable working in health care environments and complying with a health care facility safety requirements as required.  
• Must be willing to work in University Medical Centers and meet minimum qualifications for working at such centers, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing and being current on all vaccinations.  
• Must be experienced with working in construction environments and their safety requirements.  
• Must be able to lift heavy equipment (minimum 40lbs) with proper lifting techniques on a daily basis.  
• Must be available for potential off-shift schedules.  
• Must be available to participate in after-hours on-call rotation.  
• Must be able to operate a state vehicle on a daily basis, which requires a current driver’s license that is valid for use in the State of Washington. It may, on occasion, be necessary to perform duties assigned to this person outside of normal business hours. It may also be necessary to travel on weekends in the performance of said assigned duties. 

About the Team

UW-IT is the central IT organization for the University of Washington, providing critical technology support to all three campuses, UW medical centers, and global research operations. UW-IT collaborates with University partners to advance teaching, learning, innovation, and discovery at the UW. IT Infrastructure (ITI) within UW-IT, provides system design, system management, software engineering and operational support for academic and administrative systems, the University’s wired and wireless networks, telecommunications services, departmental IT and the UW-IT organization.