Purpose of the Position

Responsible for the designing, configuration, implementation, documentation, and maintenance of the network environment for Simmons Foods, Inc. & Affiliates. 

Essential Position Responsibilities- This is a Salary Exempt position. 

Ensure high levels of security, availability, and performance within the Simmons network environment. Prepares the Simmons network environment for resilience, modularity, and scalability. Demonstrates thoroughunderstanding of routing and switching including actively working with design and implementation of OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, DMVPN, Spanning-Tree, OSI network model, IP Voice and Video Collaboration solutions, and other routing and switching protocols.

Monitors, analyzes and troubleshoots Simmons networks. Tracks all changes within the Simmons network environment. Analyzes network performance to ensure optimal functionality throughput and availability. Takes corrective action when needed. Possess in-depth troubleshooting capabilities and experience. Acts as the first line of contact for complex problems that span multiple areas of responsibility in a timely fashion. Monitors network infrastructure life cycles.

Documents, configures, and implements new hardware. Identifies and documents current state and desired state. Ensures existing network standards remain up-to-date. Creates new standards as the gaps in existing standards are identified. Builds the road map to achieve desired state. Manages projects from initiation to completion under the direction of the Network Manager. Documents and plans the design and configuration while ensuring compliance with the standards of the Simmons network environment.

Continually work to improve all facets of the Simmons network environment. Recommends modifications to theSimmons network environment while substantiating recommendations with evidential sources and documentation. Understands emerging technologies such as IPv6, OpenFlow, sFlow, FabricPath, etc. and takes corrective action in order to stay ahead of the technology curve.

Works independently and within a team of network technicians as well as system administrators, DBAs, desktop support personnel, and others. Mentors other infrastructure team members. Proven excellent communication and interpersonal skills including advanced technical documentation. Possess understanding of various protocols and various network management techniques such as SNMP, Syslog, packet capture and analysis, etc. 

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. 

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. 

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. 

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Must be able to work in office and manufacturing plant environments, both indoors and outdoors, in wet environments, cold and heat. Open availability is required; Weekends and evenings as required due to system outages. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility. 

Travel: Moderate. Travels to various remote locations and works independently. Must be able to obtain and keep a valid passport, as some travel to Canada is required.

Technical Experience: 10 years in network engineering or network infrastructure. Thorough knowledge of OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, DMVPN, Spanning-Tree, OSI network model, SNMP, Syslog, packet capture and analysis, IP Voice and Video Collaboration, etc. 

Industry Experience: Preference for poultry or food processing organization. 

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Systems or 4 years related work experience

Preferred Education: CCIE, JNCIE, or CCNP, JNCIS certification