Network Specialist - Jobs in Hamilton, ON

Job Description

The incumbent is a member of a team of Technical Support Specialists which has the mandate of designing, implementing, securing and supporting the college network infrastructure. This includes routers, switches, wireless devices, network cabling, Wide Area Network, Local Area Network, Internet services, firewalls, packet shapers and Anti-spam/virus devices. The team is responsible for the ongoing research and development of our networks, and security.To be compliant with the Acceptance of Payment Card Policy and PCI Requirements, this position is required to provide a Police Check prior to the commencement of employment.RESPONSIBILITIES:The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to the following:Plan and design network connectivity and configurations at the highest technical level by:Identifying and conceptualizing network information needs; evaluating existing system and software/hardware capabilities relative to those needs; and implementing changes/adjustments or making recommendations as appropriate.Researching emerging and leading edge networking trends in preparation for eventual implementation by the college. Evaluating new products and strategies that will need to be used to accommodate new designs and network growth.Working with college management, faculty and staff to determine and assess networking requirements for current and future needs.Working with product vendors to determine and evaluate solutions that accommodate college business requirements.Planning for future growth. Monitoring and analyzing system trends and developing resolution strategies for identified issues. This includes new physical locations, as well as logical growth of the network and increased traffic and data flowsDeveloping standards for the organization and use of network resourcesAnalyzing and evaluating software and hardware products and upgrades.Introducing new networking services to the college communityInstall and maintain College equipment at the highest level of technical support and analysis. This includes hardware and software support of all routers, switches, firewalls, wireless devices and all WAN, LAN and Internet services by:Performing network management duties: upgrades, installation, testing, designing, developing, monitoring and tuning of network devices and softwareInstalling and maintaining cable plant, switch closets, and wireless locationsConfiguring network hardware and software on a continuous basis to adapt to changing needs of the network and the clients using the networkManaging College internet access, liaising with our internet service provider and introducing new internet services to the college communityProviding technical support to other IT professionals within the college where in depth networking, sophisticated data communications and PC support are involvedProviding network technical support to college departmental end user support personnel and the Help Desk.Monitor and troubleshoot network devices, traffic and data communication by:Assuring system stability, security and maximum uptime. Monitoring access to system resources, and track connectivity and security problems. Performing circuit and network troubleshooting to diagnose system problems; analyzing system functionality; identifying, locating, and resolving complex network problems to ensure minimal disruption of critical applications.Monitoring and analyzing network performance, and data flow patterns using a variety of software and analysis tools; Correcting network configuration issues that affect performance and optimum utilization of the networkIdentifying the source of network problems; analyzing and assessing the nature and degree of the problem and implement corrective actionsCorrecting reported problems using approved techniques that minimize impact to clients of the college networkWorking with external vendors to coordinate troubleshooting and resolution of vendor specific hardware and software problems.Collecting network traffic statistics. Logging and troubleshooting errors that occur in the networkStaying abreast of new developments and techniques and technology for resolving networking problems and issues.Working with non-IT staff to coordinate problem resolution and to keep people informed of the status of problems and down timeOrganize network infrastructure, supporting documentation and standards by:Maintaining documentation regarding network configuration, operating procedures, and service records relating to network hardware and software.Selecting and documenting location of all network devices, wiring closets, access point locations, and WAN, LAN and Internet connectionsDesigning and implementing logical and physical layouts of networks and attached equipmentDesigning and implementing standards and procedures for external contractorsCollecting and organizing requirements for new working products for teaching labs, faculty support, and administrative networking. Learning about each of the new products sufficient to install, trouble-shoot and maintain them. Liaising with software suppliers where required. Determining any hardware changes that may be required to support the changes. Scheduling and affecting the changes to coincide with academic and administrative cycles and timetablesDeveloping, recommending and implementing any resulting departmental policy and procedure changes.Secures and protects College networks, data and data communications by:Providing firewall, IDS and IPS management to proactively prevent and detect intrusion attempts both for Internet and Intranet traffic. This includes both inbound and outbound trafficAdhering to set IT Security Policies, Standards, and Guidelines while providing feedback and dialogue on continuous improvement as it relates to the security of infrastructureDetecting, responding to, troubleshooting and resolving ongoing security threats in collaboration with the IT Security Services TeamProviding physical protection for network and data communications equipmentProviding traffic shaping to manage network traffic to manage loads and attacks against servicesProviding anti-virus anti-spam protectionDesigning and maintaining accounts, authentication security activity for all network equipmentSharing among the workgroup, other IT staff members and other College employees by:Attending and/or presiding over project status meetingsLiaising, training assisting IT staff members with projects they are currently working with or will be involved with in the future.Acting as a technical resources for all College employeesKeep abreast of development and changes in the technology the college has in production:Through pilot projects, one-of-a-kind product testing, prototypes, formal courses, independent research, collaboration with peers at other colleges and reading of journalsQUALIFICATIONS:The successful applicant must have:A minimum four (4) year degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related discipline andA professional certification (CCIE Routing & Switching) or equivalent.A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the information technology field with direct experience in networking.Demonstrated commitment and understanding of human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion with the ability to communicate and work effectively inter-culturally with diverse groups of students, employees and the communityMohawk College is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.Mohawk College thanks all applicants for their interest in employment; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.Mohawk College is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Department at 905-575-2047.