PAY GRADE: 31S

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Network and Infrastructure Services (NIS) group is responsible for the operation, maintenance, support, and growth of networking, automation platforms, unified communications as well as the Chapel Computing Center. The University’s network systems include a variety of servers, routers, firewalls, switches, Internet of Things (IOT) devices and the datacenter environmental systems adds to the complexity of the work of this group.  Staff in the NIS Infrastructure unit provide services that support the entire University. Other groups in the IT unit rely heavily upon NIS for services and technical support. NIS is one of several groups within the larger organization of Information Technologies (IT). The technology work of this group is critical to the achievement of the IT organization’s and University’s strategic plans and goals. This group also provides the technological foundation that supports the institutional mission.

The DevOps Network Engineer works under limited direction and is responsible for many segments of the university networks and their ongoing management and growth as well as integration to support ongoing campus projects and research. To maintain and enhance the central systems and network, the incumbent configures switches, routers, Wi-Fi & IOT devices. Support includes designing, automating, installing, testing, debugging, integrating systems and documenting their work. These systems are heterogeneous and require experience with multiple technologies to program and maintain. The central systems are typically used by or impact the entire University community.  The incumbent is considered essential personnel and provides off-hour, on-call coverage to support all the central systems in rotation with other Systems Programmers.

The DevOps Network Engineer reports to the Lead Network Architect.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the system administration, programming and analysis efforts for one or more of the following: central IT systems, network, telecommunications, or applications which typically are used by the entire University community. Ensures the security and integrity of the system(s) and the data. Complexity, criticality, and volume of systems supported increases as programmer level increases.
• Performs system maintenance, configures equipment, installs software & upgrades, installs patches and monitors system status. Writes software programs for customizations to address user needs, add functionality, modify systems, and maintain interfaces with other systems. Oversees testing and debugging of network systems and software. Writes documentation and procedures. Develops policies regarding use of central systems. Provides on-call support for critical systems.
• Coordinates the troubleshooting of problems, which can range from simple to complex, with centrally supported systems, the network, and occasionally campus departmental systems. Problems can be critical and properly diagnosing and resolving may require collaboration and teamwork to reach the best and most expedient solution. As a technical expert, uses creative approaches regarding solutions.
• Leads complex projects and follows through to completion.
• Serves as subject matter expert for other systems programmers, network engineers and technicians, and other staff in IT. Maintains a high degree of familiarity with software and hardware supported by staff in Network and System Services. Cross trains with and assists colleagues with their work as needed. Assists, mentors, and trains junior systems programmers re: their programming tasks and with solutions to complex technical problems. Trains IT staff, and occasionally campus department staff, on new or modified software/hardware and in areas of technical expertise.
• Provides technical expertise and support to the campus clientele regarding departmental systems and applications when needed. Contributes to the planning, leadership, and support regarding campus technical initiatives and innovative solutions. Participates in strategic and long-range planning for campus network and system services.
• Initiates and leads feasibility studies related to client/server, network, software and policies. Performs trending analysis to predict future problems. Leads disaster recovery planning and recovery operations when needed.
• Leads the evaluation of hardware and software for potential use in the University environment. Maintains an expert level of technical skill in areas of specialization and good knowledge of emerging state-of-the art computer and network systems technologies, architectures and products. Identifies emerging technologies and industry requirements. Leads the research and evaluation of future technologies and solutions.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with colleagues and clients and follows University and department policies and procedures governing IT efforts. Contributes to the planning, leadership, and support regarding technical initiatives and innovative solutions. Works within the department’s overall strategic plan following project priorities and scope. Meets deadlines and achieves goals. Participates in strategic and long-range planning for the unit.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, and/or Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field with seven years experience or a combination of education, certification, and experience can substitute for required education.
• Excellent programming skills. Ability to specify, write, and develop computer programs using a range of programming languages.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more operating systems, common networking equipment, and major network protocols, and multiple technologies.
• Ability to plan, design, develop, implement, test, and modify complex systems, subsystems, applications, hardware configurations, and customizations, and external application interfaces to meet specified needs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and correct systems problems.
• Analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and a working knowledge of business systems principals.  
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical and less technical users.
• In-depth knowledge of information flow and management environments within the area of operational specialty.
• In-depth knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of relevant multi-user computer systems, applications, and/or equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of computer systems analysis and design concepts, methods, procedures, and standards.
• In-depth knowledge of network automation software and packages that provide large scale configuration and management of computer network devices.
• Must be available for off-hour, on-call coverage support for all the central systems in rotation with other Systems Programmers.