Telecommunication Network Specialist I

WVNET is seeking a highly motivated Telecommunication Network Specialist I to join our team. As a first-tier technical contact, you will be responsible for resolving network-associated hardware, software, and data circuit issues. You will work closely with our team of specialists to plan, implement, operate, and provide ongoing support to enterprise networks and communications systems, including voice, data, and video.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of the state-wide network, which supports all WVNET services. While work will be supervised, we are looking for a candidate who is eager to learn and gradually take on more independence and added responsibilities.

To excel in this role, you must possess excellent communication, organizational, and documentation skills. The problems and issues you will face in this position are often complex and occasionally ill-defined, requiring sound analysis and logical thinking. Errors could easily result in moderate-to-severe consequences for the entire state, making attention to detail and accuracy paramount.

Work Location: Morgantown, WV

Classification: Salary, Non-Classified, Full-Time Benefits, FLSA Exempt

Salary/Benefits

Starting annual salary range is $50,000 - $60,000 plus excellent State of WV Employee benefits: health insurance, dental, vision, hearing, Health Savings Accounts/Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement investing, and life insurance plans, short-term/long-term disability insurance, as well as, generous amounts of vacation, sick, state & federal holidays, and professional development opportunities.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Computer Science, Telecommunications or related field or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE.*Details of relevant experience must be shown in your resume*

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, or, ability to obtain it within 6 months of employment.
• Knowledge of Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience working with telecommunications equipment or networks. This could include experience gained through internships, coursework, or entry-level positions in related fields.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Act as the first-tier technical contact for network-associated hardware, software, and data circuit issues, providing prompt and effective support to end-users. Collaborate with higher-level Telcom specialists or supervisors to resolve complex network problems that cannot be resolved at the first level. Provide assistance with the design, install, configuration, and maintenance of networking equipment such as Routers, Switches, Firewalls, VPN Servers, and related devices to ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability. Implement software and firmware upgrades on networking equipment to ensure compliance with industry standards and security requirements. Assist with the planning, implementation, and troubleshooting of Voice Over IP (VoIP) and video networks to ensure high-quality and reliable voice and video services. Work with host site and remote site help desks to resolve networking problems, providing expert-level support and guidance to resolve issues. Collaborate with outside vendors and ISPs to plan, install, and troubleshoot high-speed data circuits, ensuring that circuits are optimized for performance and reliability. Be on-call to respond to network emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and resolve issues in a timely and effective manner. Utilize the in-house OZ Problem Tracking System to record and track projects, maintenance of equipment, and research past solutions to problems to ensure a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in the use of Personal Computers running Windows operating systems, including troubleshooting, software installation, and configuration.
• Familiarity with building and maintaining telecommunications wiring/cabling systems, including copper and fiber optic cabling, patch panels, and wall jacks.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with electronic mail systems and gateways, including Microsoft Exchange and SMTP Servers.
• Knowledge of Wide Area Networks (WAN) and related technologies, such as MPLS, VPN, and leased lines.
• Strong work ethic, with a track record of good attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to think logically and coordinate with others to diagnose and resolve technical issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of Local Area Network (LAN) design, implementation, and troubleshooting, including switch and Router configuration.
• In-depth understanding of the Internet Protocol suite (TCP/IP) and related networking technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users and document solutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently, physically crawl on the floor in order to run cabling beneath sub-floor, as well as climb ladders to work overhead, often above ceiling tiles.
• Occasional travel to remote location for technical assistance. Often, especially when working at a remote location, there are only 2 people on the team. Therefore, telecommunication specialists must be able to lift and hold smaller Switches/Routers/Servers while the other person screws the brackets to the rack. It's basically a standing shoulder press of between 10 to 25 pounds.
• Frequently, perform two-person dead-lift large communications chassis weighing up to 200 lbs. For example, a Cisco 6509-E weighs between 60lbs empty up to 190lbs loaded, and has exactly 2 handles.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled

The West Virginia Network for Educational Telecomputing (WVNET) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. WVNET provides a collegial, respectful and inclusive environment that values the diversity, creativity and contributions of its staff.