Officer: IP Networking Infrastructure Administrator (Post Level 10/11) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

Network Infrastructure Management

•    Analyse system logs and identify potential issues with computer systems environments.
•    Perform routine system health checks.
•    Install and configure new network equipment.
•    Maintain the network configuration management database.
•    Responsible to document the configuration of the network.
•    Perform hardware and or firmware maintenance in provided maintenance windows.
•    Troubleshoot and analyse reported problems relating to network infrastructure.
•    Responsible for system performance tuning.
•    Ensure that the network infrastructure is functioning properly. 
•    Responsible for the provisioning and de-provisioning of networks and related infrastructure.
•    Responsible for disaster recovery planning relating to network infrastructure.
•    Monitor and report on core network infrastructure.
•    Responsible for the backup and recovery of infrastructure.
•    Assist with the implementation of a disaster recovery strategy.
•    Introduce and integrate new technologies into existing data centre.
•    Answer technical queries and provide assistance to the 1st level support engineers.
•    Maintain software versions of network related business software platforms.
•    Monitor and report on platform availability and health.
•    Plan and perform maintenance of network cabling infrastructure.
•    Assist end-users with any support requests.
•    Assist users with budgeting.
•    Analyse end-user requirements and plan new network rollouts to UFS buildings.
•    Run day-to-day UFS wired and wireless network infrastructure and related configuration.
•    Communicate changes, maintenance, outages of networking equipment with operations monitoring staff.

Network Security    

•    Apply system updates, patches, and configuration changes aligned to security requirements.
•    Analyse system logs and identify potential issues.
•    Implement networking security changes as requested by business.
•    Maintain and monitor the network infrastructure.
•    Implement network security mechanisms according to business needs.

Strategic Alignment

•    Collaborate with ICT services teams to define future network implementations and systems configuration.
•    Perform annual budgeting and planning of network related equipment replacements to enable business alignment and life cycle management.
•    Engage with vendors to ensure most efficient and appropriate equipment solutions are investigated, tested, and implemented.
•    Report on network environment on a weekly basis and proactively engage with UFS Management in order to mitigate potential problems that might arise.
•    Represent the Networking division weekly at Operational Management Committee.
•    Participate in strategic and management meetings and planning sessions.  
•    Fully understand and provide support to the University’s Strategic Plan and departmental goals and objectives.
•    Analysis of business requirements and alignment of internal processes to adapt accordingly.

Project and Operations Management

•    Ensure optimal and reliable Network, Wireless and VoIP connectivity. 
•    Ensure assigned tasks of incumbents are prioritised and carried out efficiently to avoid unnecessary network downtime. 
•    Research technology to ensure that correct technologies are implemented.
•    Manage and lead individuals in the division to achieve objectives and goals are met.
•    Upkeep the division’s performance through proper monitoring, change and business needs analysis.
•    Ensure that all business processes and procedures are followed efficiently.
•    Ensure that all network related vendors are effectively fulfilling their contractual obligations.
•    Manage and coordinate projects and providing regular feedback.
•    Effectively monitor and review Telecommunications and Network processes, work instructions and associated forms.

People Management

•    Provide leadership and mentorship to all human resources within the networking division.
•    Provide positive influence to ensure high levels of morale and business continuity.
•    Take full accountability for divisional activities.
•    Provide advice and address issues related to incumbent’s individual performance, University policies adherence and any other issues affecting University performance and or reputation.
•    Challenge the status quo and ensure that all decisions are for the good of the University.
•    Promote individual growth through coaching and positive influence.
•    Continuous improvement of operating standards and efficiency through Rationalisation, Simplification and Standardisation in all domains (People, Process, Technology, Data and Governance).
•    Maintain good professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Create a safe environment to encourage innovation and “out of the box” thinking.

Monitoring 

•    Monitor and analyse individual, Divisional and Departmental performance, and the reporting thereof.
•    Monitor network reticulation contractor performance and addresses possible issues.
•    Identify trends effectively and plan preventative and/or corrective steps accordingly.

Change Management 

•    Represent the Network division at Operational Change Committee.
•    Make sure of the involvement of stakeholders with any change processes. 
•    Identify stakeholders and facilitate change through proper planning and communication.

Asset Management 

•    Record and report on all Network equipment physical assets.
•    Ensure that all telephony and network related assets are disposed of when the operational risk to business outweighs the benefit of utilising the asset.

Inherent requirements:

•    A B.Com Information Technology/B.Sc Information Technology/B.Tech Information Technology/relevant degree on NQF Level 7, OR a relevant three-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6. 
•    Minimum two (2) years’ relevant Network Administration experience.

Recommendations:
   Knowledge of: 

•     Microsoft and Linux operating systems. 
•     IP networking and cabling standards.
•     VLAN and spanning-tree configuration.
•     Switches and underlying configuration (Aruba and HPE experience beneficial)
•     Wireless Controller management (Aruba experience beneficial).
•     Trouble shooting network and wireless connectivity problems.
•     Enterprise wireless network technologies and standards.
•     RADIUS/802.1x authentication (Aruba Clearpass Policy Manager experience beneficial).
•     Wireless network RF planning.
•     Firewalls.
•     Network protocols and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
•     DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP routing and physical networking.
•     QoS and COS configuration.
•     IP routing and protocols such as OSPF and BGP.
•     Troubleshooting fibre and copper cabling technologies.
•     Network monitoring tools.
•     Cable testing.
•     Fibre networks.
•     The OSI model.
•     Copper and fibre cable reticulation.
•     Networking equipment.
•     Network planning.