Network Operations Specialist

JOB-

Anticipated Start Date

July 6, 2026

Location

Houston, TX

Type of Employment

Contract Hire

Employer Info

Our client is an American natural gas and crude oil pipeline company with headquarters in Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest publicly traded partnerships and a leading provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals.

Job Summary

The client is seeking a Network Operations Specialist to support a 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) in NW Houston. This role is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure, Cisco environments, Windows servers, SCADA systems, and IT applications. The successful candidate will provide first- and second-level technical support, manage network incidents and escalations, ensure system performance and availability, support critical operational systems, and maintain compliance with IT security standards in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Job Description

• Work a flexible schedule (nights, weekends, and holidays) to support a 24x7 Network Operations Center.
• Provide first- and second-line support for Pipeline Operations Control Desk issues related to phone systems, SCADA servers/systems, remote SCADA devices, and network-supported infrastructure.
• Use and maintain network management tools (SolarWinds, Cisco DNA Center, ThousandEyes, nGeniusONE, NetBrain, LiveNX, Infoblox, Cisco APIC, etc.) to monitor and maintain all IT network infrastructure hardware, software, and applications.
• Monitor, debug, and resolve Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cisco infrastructure issues (routing, network hardware/software failures, configuration, WAN outages, firewalls, and performance issues).
• Maintain and support configuration management for failed Cisco infrastructure.
• Monitor, manage, and resolve outages, WAN utilization, and packet errors for all data network circuits (Network Service Rings (DWDM and SONET), Managed Gigabit Ethernet, IPFlex, Internet, StarLink, VPN, VSAT, Cellular, and Radio Links).
• Monitor, debug, and resolve all Tier 1 and Tier 2 Windows server environment issues based on IT standards and application/business requirements.
• Monitor, debug, and resolve all data center environmental management systems.
• Monitor and validate the functionality of IT-supported applications.
• Monitor, debug, and resolve Tier 1 and Tier 2 remote SCADA and plant control network problems.
• Manage Support Center ticket escalations concerning server administration, network infrastructure, Pipeline Control Desk, and IT application issues.
• Support and maintain all Network Operations Center documentation (procedures, processes, and vendor information).
• Maintain ownership of NOC trouble tickets until the problem is resolved.
• Support and manage report generation for network infrastructure, administration, performance, and trouble ticketing.
• Debug network and application issues using packet capture tools to identify and resolve Tier 3 issues.
• Support and maintain critical SCADA network and domain infrastructure environments.
• Perform Support Center duties during non-business hours.
• Follow strict IT security policies.
• Process replacement devices for failed equipment in the field.
• Perform other duties as delegated by IT Management.

Skills Required

• CCNA, CCNP, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience supporting Cisco networks preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting Microsoft operating systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Server operating systems.
• Experience with network management tools, including Cisco DNA, SolarWinds, LiveAction, NetScout, and Cisco APIC, preferred.
• Experience with data circuit technologies (DS-3, T-1, MPLS, VSAT, LTE, Microwave, etc.) preferred.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and Nexus devices.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Knowledge of scripting and programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, PowerShell, or C# preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot server and network hardware/software issues across all layers of the OSI model.

Education/Training/Certifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and work experience, required.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment while sharing information effectively.
• Ability to analyze packet captures using NetScout or Wireshark.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support a 24x7 Network Operations Center.
• Schedule: 4-on, 4-off with 12-hr shifts. Weekends and nights included. Eligible for OT after standard 40hr work week

Pay Rate/Salary

• USD 58.00–70.00/hr Compensation will be offered within this posted range based on experience, skills, and market factors.