Tier 2 NOC Specialist

The Tier 2 NOC Specialist is responsible for the administration and management of OARnet’s statewide IP/MPLS and DWDM backbone in a 24x7 Network Operations Center (NOC). OARnet maintains and delivers services across the state’s 5,500-mile fiber-optic network backbone to support the connectivity relied upon every day by Ohio’s higher education, K-12 education, state and local government, public broadcasting, health care and research communities.

The OARnet NOC supports a diverse range of services for customers with advanced networking needs including purpose-built infrastructures dedicated to public safety and multicast video, research connectivity through Internet2 and other partnerships, and wide area network transport to cloud computing resources.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Acts as an escalation point for OARnet customers, providers and ServiceDesk staff; assigns and manages tickets in an ITIL environment to ensure that network changes and problems adhere to standard operating procedures.
• Emphasizes written procedures while supporting the ServiceDesk staff; ensures work follows established NOC processes and operational standards.
• Works with general guidance to evaluate, develop and implement enhancements to OARnet routers and switches to maintain and improve the OARnet network in accordance with established IT processes and operational standards.
• Participates in change control by developing, reviewing and implementing MOPs (Method Of Procedure) and documentation for the OARnet Engineering change process.
• Works with general guidance to assess and report on the impact of network outages and scheduled vendor maintenance to OARnet services and customers. Responds to customer availability, security and performance problems in the fulfillment of customer Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Works with national carriers to troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues with limited supervision; provides guidance to national carrier technical staff to identify problems in infrastructure outside of OARnet’s administrative control.
• Coordinates with OARnet’s Tier 3 and Client Services groups in the development of network architecture solutions that align with OARnet’s technology services roadmap.
• Evaluates current and developing technologies to provide information about system capabilities, limitations, and requirements.
• Sets a tone of professionalism in the NOC that is consistent with organizational goals.
• Mentors junior network staff.

May be required to be available during off duty hours and/or on call. Once trained, the person in this position will be part of a weekend rotation. Positions currently available are on the 2nd shift.

OARnet, along with the Ohio Supercomputer Center and OhioLINK, is part of the Ohio Technology Consortium (OH-TECH), the technology and information division of the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). OH-TECH provides high-tech solutions for Ohio’s higher education institutions to catalyze innovation in the modern knowledge economy. OH-TECH is a welcoming and supportive work environment.

Because The Ohio State University serves as OH-TECH’s fiscal and legal agent, OH-TECH staff enjoy the same benefits as other Ohio State employees, including participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), the Ohio State Health Plan, employee wellness and work-life balance programs, educational benefits, discount programs and more.

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of previous professional experience working in a network operation center or supporting a service provider network.
• Working knowledge of fundamental networking concepts and protocols.
• Demonstrable ability to configure and troubleshoot Juniper or Cisco routers and switches.
• Knowledge of wave division multiplexing and Metro Ethernet technologies.
• Possesses a current Juniper or Cisco Specialist level certification.
• Working knowledge of scripting and automation tools such as Python and Bourne Shell in a Unix environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Desired Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years of experience supporting Juniper routing and switching in large-scale service provider IP/MPLS network.
• Experience troubleshooting TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, IS-IS, OSPF, BGP, MSDP, PIM, IGMP, RSVP, VRRP and LDP protocols.
• Professional experience configuring and troubleshooting Juniper or Cisco routers and switches.
• Experience managing services that utilize wave division multiplexing and Metro Ethernet technologies.
• Possesses a current Juniper or Cisco Professional level certification.