Network Specialist

This is a highly specialized position designed to act as a local area network (LAN) administrator for a school district. The incumbent provides a full range of user support, including initial installation and upgrade, trouble shooting and system evaluation. In addition, the incumbent assists with routine microcomputer system support as training allows. Work is performed under the general supervision of higher level data management personnel, and requires the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an acceptable post high school training program designed to prepare students to become LAN administrators AND two (2) years of full-time work experience which primarily involved performing LAN administration and support; or three years of work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience deemed suitable to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, capabilities, limitations, and techniques of stand alone and networked microcomputer systems;
• Performs routine LAN administration, including adding/deleting users changing access rights, troubleshooting software and access problems;
• Performs installation and support of printers;
• Provides telephone and on-site assistance to users running software from network server;
• Establishes and maintains computerized records of network hardware/software configurations, licenses and warranties;
• Receives, records, and performs initial configurations and installations of LAN related computer hardware and components/operating system software;
• Provides support in other areas, such as initial setup and software troubleshooting as needed.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITES:

The following is indicative of the level and types of activities performed by incumbents in this title. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not preclude a supervisor from assigning activities not listed which could reasonably be expected to be performed by an employee in this title.

1. Performs routine LAN administration, including adding and deleting users, changing access rights, troubleshooting software and access problems, within the scope of existing policies and procedures;

2. Performs installation and support of printers in a LAN environment;

3. Provides telephone and on-site assistance to users running software from a network server, and refers any unresolved problems to appropriate staff;

4. Monitors all existing LAN's to ensure compliance with standards for installation, customization, and software licensing, taking corrective action when needed;

5. Establishes and maintains computerized records of network hardware and software configurations, licenses and warranties;

6. Receives, records and performs initial configuration and installation of LAN related computer hardware and component/operating system software, contacting vendor as necessary to resolve problems;

7. Performs installation and upgrade of application software on network servers and workstations;

8. Evaluates existing LAN configurations in order to provide accurate information regarding network capacity and performance;

9. Installs additional or replacement LAN components in existing networks;

10. Maintains standard supply list for bidding and ordering of LAN hardware and software components;

11. Provides support in other areas, such as initial setup and software troubleshooting, when needed;

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, capabilities, limitations and techniques of stand alone and networked microcomputer systems; thorough knowledge of mainstream LAN related hardware and software; ability to quickly learn and evaluate new LAN related software and hardware; ability to communicate, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; initiative; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Civil Service Eligibility Required