Network Architect

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Network Architect position available in the Information Technology Department.

SUMMARY:

Installs, maintains, and monitors the operation of the organization's local area, wide area, and metropolitan area networks (LAN/WAN/MAN), wireless network, physical and virtual servers and security and email services. Diagnoses and resolves complex network and system connectivity issues. Plans for and designs network infrastructure (physical and virtual). Evaluates vendor hardware and software solutions. Participates in long and short range technology planning. Recommends networking and security policies and standards. Closely coordinates internally and maintains contact with outside organizations in the maintenance, service, recommendation, implementation, problem solving and /or purchase of these networks. Troubleshoots hardware and software problems and is typically consulted on the organization's most difficult and complex hardware/software problems and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the organization's LAN/WAN/MAN including planning, installation, maintenance, monitoring and replacement/upgrade recommendations.
• Supports the organization's physical and virtual servers including planning, installation, maintenance, monitoring and replacement/upgrade recommendations.
• Keeps up-to-date on industry trends and new technology developments. Makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Supports the organization's email services, including planning, installation, maintenance, monitoring and replacement/upgrade recommendations.
• Supports the organization's network security services, including planning, installation, maintenance, monitoring and replacement/upgrade recommendations. Network security services include firewalls, NAC, anti-virus, VPN, web-filtering, mobile device management, endpoint encryption, and anti-spam applications.
• Keeps up-to-date on security threats and trends. Makes recommendations for compliance and threat mitigation.
• Diagnoses and resolves complex network and system connectivity issues. Responds to emergency situations as needed for the purpose of resolving immediate concerns.
• Designs network infrastructure (physical and virtual) for the purpose of providing highly reliable and cost effective networking and connectivity systems.
• Develops project plans, time and cost estimates, implementation schedules, and project timelines.
• Reviews, evaluates and recommends disaster recovery strategies.
• Creates and maintains comprehensive documentation for all supported systems.
• Evaluates vendor products in hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment.
• Assist in preparation of proposals and solution presentations.
• Participates in long and short range technology planning. Recommends purchases consistent with the organization's short- and long-term objectives.
• Recommends networking and security policies and standards to ensure efficient use of Organizational resources and adherence to good security practices.
• Closely coordinates internally and maintains contact with outside organizations in the maintenance, service, recommendation, implementation, problem solving and/or purchase of networks and connectivity.
• Troubleshoots hardware and software problems and is typically consulted on the organization's most difficult and complex hardware/software problems and projects.
• Attends classes, seminars, conferences, user groups and reviews professional literature to enhance knowledge of trends and developments related to local area network systems.
• Supports technology at Council and Committee meetings as needed. Answers Help Desk phones calls and participates in on-call rotation as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with peers, subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, mathematics or a related field, or an equivalent combination of formal education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.
• To comply with Kansas Criminal Justice Information System security requirements, must be at least 18 years of age.

• Seven to ten years' experience with configuration, installation and maintenance of network and server devices.
• Working knowledge of network hardware to include infrastructure, server, and client hardware.
• Certification in networking or server administration is preferred.

• Five years' experience in at least five of the following:
• OSI Model, IEEE 802.x protocols, UDP, TCP/IP, SNMP.
• Routing protocols such as OSPF and MPLS.
• Ethernet based data network transport technologies.
• Wireless network transport technologies including configuration and support of controllers and access points.
• Administration of IP addressing, subnets.
• Test equipment and protocol analyzers to aid in diagnosis and solution of problems encountered in a complex networking environment.
• Networking media, including twisted pair and fiber optic technologies.
• Advanced administration, implementation, and support experience required in: MS Windows platform and MS Office Suite, Google applications, virtualization software, desktops and servers.
• Advanced working knowledge in either virtualization software or active directory.
• Voice over Internet Protocol technologies.
• Fortinet Firewalls and Fortinet Unified Threat Management environment.
• Ability to document and evaluate current environment and use best practice methodologies to ensure highest level investment utilization.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Advanced written, verbal, reading and communication skills.
• Ability to perform intermediate level mathematical calculations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend possible solutions.
• Alpha and numeric recognition.
• Abstract and logical reasoning.
• Decision making ability.
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment.

• Ability to make and receive phone calls.
• Ability to lift approx. 50 lbs. and transport 25 feet.
• Hand and eye coordination adequate for data entry.
• Ability to operate a city vehicle.

• None.