Network Architect

at  Florida State University

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience or a high school diploma or equivalent and ten years of experience. (Note: or a combination of appropriate post high school education and experience equal to ten years.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Networking OEM Certifications: Palo Alto, Cisco, Juniper, etc.

This position works with technical support to develop network architecture solutions that align with the overall University strategic direction. Responsible for providing the technical direction and architecture to implement and manage highly advanced and complex enterprise networks for NWRDC and its City, State, College, University and K-12 customers. Manages the Tallahassee Fiber Loop, Tallahassee’s connection point to the Florida Lambda Rail. Coordinates and performs the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of various network infrastructure products.
Responsible for designing integrated network solutions which may include routers, VPNs, IPS/IDS, protocol recommendations, network topologies and related systems. Acts as custodian of the network architecture process that interfaces with project and program managers to guide the scope and direction of network solutions. Formulates and defines system specifications and objectives through analysis of networking trends and NWRDC and customer needs. Determines and evaluates potential solutions, develops system specifications and requirements, designs and programs to meet the requirements, and tests and validates solutions. Ensures quality control by ongoing testing and feedback from the NWRDC customer community. Follows best practices for change management and security as well as other guidelines and procedures provided by NWRDC and customers.
Designs, installs, troubleshooting and maintenance for various router, switch, firewall, VPN, and load balancing systems at NWRDC that may include IPS/IDS, protocol recommendations, network technologies, and related systems. Analyzes and evaluates networks including developing and recommending solutions to complex network problems. Assumes responsibility for the design, planning and implementation of LAN/WAN infrastructures.
Assists in the revision and development of policy, procedure, and standards to ensure that operations and systems remain up-to-date and relevant in a dynamic networking environment. Work with technical support members to develop network architecture solutions that are aligned with the overall strategic direction of NWRDC.
Assesses NWRDC customer networking trends and needs and provides network connectivity support both internally and for NWRDC customers. Provides guidance and assistance to all NWRDC staff members of both a technical and planning perspective.
Participates in approved professional development opportunities per NWRDC’s policy. Professional development and training is defined as learning undertaken by the employee to maintain and advance their skills, knowledge and competencies, specifically as they relate and add value to the job and workplace.
Participates in an after-hours support and/or team on-call rotation in support of a 24/7 data center.
WRDC provides support for a wide range of state and local government, as well K20 organizations across the State of Florida. These organizations are dependent on NWRDC in order to accomplish their missions. This requires NWRDC to maintain services 24/7, even during times of crisis or emergency. As such, all NWRDC staff are considered essential staff for operations of the State of Florida.