Network Specialist V Agency

Under the direction of the Director of Enterprise Telecommunications, the Network Specialist V supports telephony services for HHS. This position is responsible for performing senior level network systems work involving the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of local area networks, wide area networks, Internet or intranet systems, and network segments.

Work includes designing, configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining routers, switches, gateways, and applications servers. Monitors the status of the network to ensure that all devices are working properly. Performs tuning and capacity planning activities to enhance the performance of network resources. Gathers data pertaining to customers’ needs and uses information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. Installs, tests, and maintains network hardware and software; analyzes network utility and availability. Maintains the network’s physical and logical structures, including network connections. Maintains network support software, analyzes user support statistics, and recommends appropriate measures.

Working under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, the Network Specialist V performs advanced (senior-level) network systems work. Employees at this level may independently perform the most complex network specialist work and may:

• Oversee and/or conduct major studies regarding system usage, make recommendations for improvements, and determine network system requirements.
• Review network system plans for completeness and accuracy, and plan and schedule network studies and system implementations.
• Analyze existing network and system procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyze and define agency disaster recovery responsibilities and procedures.

Essential Job Functions(EJFs):

• Troubleshoots multiple types of connections to include Wan and Lan Fiber and Copper connections. (5%)
• Monitors overall Network health and identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations. (10%)
• Manages network installation in new projects. (5%)
• Performs advanced (senior-level) network systems work. (20%)
• Oversee and/or conduct major studies regarding system usage, make recommendations for improvements, and determine network system requirements. (5%)
• Review network system plans for completeness and accuracy and plan and schedule network studies and system implementations. (5%)
• Analyze existing network and system procedures for efficiency and effectiveness. (5%)
• Responds to network outages, incidents and manages problem calls and service requests. (15%)
• Provides technical advice and assistance to business units and management to support new technology solutions. (10%)
• Performs related work as assigned (10%)
• Responds and solves simple to complex network problems. (10%)

Knowledge of: enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN environments, routers, switches, firewalls, network topologies, MPLS circuits, disaster recovery, change management, and network security.

Skill in: configuring and troubleshooting network hardware and software, creating switch configurations and templates, resolving simple to complex network outages, managing remote-site connectivity, supporting network installations, analyzing network performance, and developing implementation, test, and backout plans for approved changes.

Ability to: work independently at a senior level, exercise sound judgment, evaluate customer needs, recommend network improvements, manage multiple projects and service requests, support disaster recovery responsibilities, communicate technical guidance to business and management teams, and maintain the security and integrity of State of Texas infrastructure.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Cisco CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco CCNP Enterprise - Cisco Certified Network Professional, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Network+ preferred but not required., * Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in computer science, computer information systems, MIS, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of experience in network management and systems administration, including three (3) years supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Experience with Network topologies, configurations, and network management software
• Experience in local, campus and wide area networks.
• Education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Cisco Network switch and router configuration experience.
• Firewall configuration experience.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure of the State of Texas.

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.