LAN & WAN Staff

            Manager, Organization-Wide LAN's/WAN's--T5-1010-

            LAN Administrator, medium system--T5-1020-

            LAN Administrator, small system--T5-1030- 

            LAN Specialist, C--T5-1050-

            LAN Specialist, B--T5-1051-

            LAN Specialist, A--T5-1052-

 DESC. NO.:              T5-1010
JOB TITLE:      MANAGER, ORGANIZATION-WIDE LAN's/WAN's

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

Director, Organization-Wide LANs/WANs; LAN/WAN Administrator; Manager, Corporate Networks; Vice President for Network Operations

BASIC FUNCTION:

Direct overall administrative, financial and technical support for multiple type LAN topologies and network operating systems. Some LANs extend beyond the organizations immediate location and are connected by WANs. Networks contain various types of personal computers, workstations and mainframe computers.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities and applications include:

1.      Responsible for the smooth movement of electronic or optical information through a complex, privately and publicly linked heterogeneous group of LANs and WANs.

2.      Direct and participate in the development, design and implementation of state-of-the-art network solutions and manages a rapidly growing group of disparate LANs and WANs.

3.      Through direction of staff and own performance, maintain integrity of LAN and WAN network operating programs and their related software. Ensure a continuous, smooth and seamless operating environment.

4.      Direct network programming and administrative support for departmental computer network users in support of their specific business (research, production, accounting,. . .) needs and requirements.

5.      Direct the production, development of standards, maintenance and distribution of network documentation and user manuals.

6.      Provide network programming support for organizational MIS department to interface with mission critical mainframe applications, back-up procedures and organization E-Mail.

7.      Direct the planning, selection, installation, training and maintenance of a transparent corporate wide electronic mail system (E-Mail). The E-Mail system will cross corporate boundaries, including those in remote sites.

8.      Provide for round-the-clock troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for network hardware and software problems.

9.      Direct and provide training and education for end users on network operations, applications and usage. Assign new users appropriate ID's, addresses and passwords. Maintain the network inventory and asset database.

10.  Direct and chair the LAN Security Committee. Manage access control, audit trails, policy, virus protection, non-licensed illegal software and encryption when necessary.

11.  Ensure continued education and training of own staff by providing a combination of in-house and external education courses and hands-on training.

12.  Organize, schedule and direct central site system backups. Work with remote users for their backup needs and requirements. Direct the development and maintenance of a disaster recovery and contingency plan.

13.  Direct the testing, prototyping, and installation of new and upgraded system and applications network software. Responsible for the smooth installation of these applications and the continued integrity of the network with minimum interruption to the end user community.

14.  Negotiate technical contracts with outside LAN and network management vendors. Work and coordinate with outside vendors, including local carriers and Other Common Carriers (OCC) for the proper monitoring and configuration of WAN's. Responsible for vendors living up to their contractual obligations and monitoring and reporting on their performance.

15.  Provide technical guidance and support to the Telecommunications Office for the appropriate selection, design and installation of cables, baluns and connectors for all organization LAN's.

16.  Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN/WAN and PC industry, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater profitability, flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups. Some of the rapidly changing and evolving technologies that are of interest are: network management systems; groupware; E-Mail; voice annotated E-Mail; multimedia; CD-ROM; and peer-to-peer networking.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the Vice President for Information Services. Receives direction and organizational priorities from immediate supervisor and indirectly from various organizational user groups that define and specify business needs and requirements.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Manager, Organization-Wide LANs/WANs directs own staff of LAN/WAN Specialists whose responsibilities are directed to specific communities of users, topologies and operating systems. Some divisions may have own staff of LAN Administrators that will work directly with the department. The Manager also has direct responsibility for supervising vendors that may be on the organizations premises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a four-year degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Engineering or related discipline. Other degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. An advanced degree is desired but not required. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. Minimum seven years experience working and managing a large and diverse LAN and WAN based configuration, experience in LAN/WAN design and engineering, or large-scale multi-processor MIS/IS functions. Thorough knowledge of the OSI protocol stack, and experience with routing, bridging and gateway technology is essential. Experience managing and supervising a diverse group of technical and non-technical staff required, and effective organizational abilities to lead and motivate people. Excellent written, oral communications, inter-personal and organizational skills are essential. Presentation skills are necessary. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential. Some travel is required.

Because of the wide array of services, topologies and technologies used, a broad technical spectrum of expertise is necessary. Although technical expertise is not required in all the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. LAN operating systems include: Novell NetWare, Banyan Vines, AppleTalk, DECnet, LAN Manager, and OS/2 Lan Server. Topologies include token ring and Ethernet running on both base band and broadband systems. Operating systems include: Windows 2000/NT, UNIX, System 7, VMS with mainframes running MVS/XA. WAN topologies include switched multimegabit data services (SMDS), frame relay and ATM.  LAN's are primarily of the Client/Server model.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a senior level position within the organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise in other operational areas within the Information Services Division. Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial promotions and incentives. Some managers have demonstrated sufficient managerial and business expertise to be promoted to Division Directors of other operating divisions of the organization.

DESC. NO.:              T5-1020
JOB TITLE:      LAN ADMINISTRATOR, medium system

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

LAN Manager; LAN Programmer; LAN Network Manager

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide general administrative and technical support for multiple type LAN topologies and network operating systems within the same geographic location. Hardware consists of different types of personal computers, workstations and minicomputers.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities and applications include:

1.      Responsible for the smooth movement of electronic or optical information through a complex, privately linked heterogeneous group of corporate LANs.

2.      Participate in the development, design and implementation of a rapidly growing, state-of-the-art group of disparate LANs.

3.      Through direction of staff and own performance, maintain integrity of LAN network operating programs and their related software. Ensure a continuous, smooth and seamless operating environment.

4.      Provide network programming and administrative support for computer network users in support of specific business needs and requirements (accounting, production, word processing,. . .).

5.      Coordinate network programming support with organization MIS department to interface with mission critical computer applications, back-up procedures and organization E-Mail.

6.      Coordinates the planning, selection, installation, training and maintenance of a corporate wide electronic mail system (E-Mail). The E-Mail system will cross corporate boundaries.

7.      Provide direct troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for network related hardware and software problems.

8.      Provide training and education for end users on network operations, applications and usage. Assign new users appropriate ID's, addresses and passwords. Maintain the network inventory and asset database.

9.      Recommend and implement network access control policy, manage audit trails, virus protection, non-licensed illegal software and data encryption when necessary.

10.  Coordinate with the end user community, the production, development of standards and maintenance of network documentation and end user manuals.

11.  Ensure continued education, training and maintenance of skills with other LAN Administrators by providing a combination of in-house and external education courses.

12.  Organize, schedule and direct central site system backups of LAN servers.

13.  Provide testing, prototyping, and installation of new and upgraded system and applications network software. Responsible for the smooth installation of these applications and the continued integrity of the network with minimum interruption to the end user community.

14.  Select, program, install and maintain LAN routers, bridges and repeaters.

15.  Negotiate technical contracts with outside LAN and network management vendors. Work and coordinate with outside vendors, including local carriers for the proper monitoring and configuration of LAN's. Responsible for vendors living up to their contractual obligations and monitoring and reporting on their performance.

16.  Share technical guidance and support with the Telecommunications Office for the appropriate selection, design and installation of cables, baluns and connectors for all organization LAN's.

17.  Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN and PC industries, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater, profitability, flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups. Some of the rapidly changing and evolving technologies that are of interest are: network management systems; E-Mail; groupware; multimedia; CD-ROM; peer-to-peer networking; and wireless communications.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the Director of MIS. Receives direction and organizational priorities from immediate supervisor. May indirectly receive direction from various organizational user groups that define and specify business needs and requirements. Participates on several organization technology driven committees. These committees will also provide general business, financial and technical guidance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The LAN Administrator directs own small staff of LAN Programmers whose responsibilities are cover a broad range of duties in support of the organization LAN. Some departments may have their own staff supporting local LAN’s, the LAN Administrator will work directly with these staff to help support their department LANs. The LAN Administrator is responsible for supervising vendors on the organizations premises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a four-year degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Engineering or related discipline. Other degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case by case basis. Minimum five years experience working and managing a large heterogeneous LAN, experience in LAN design and engineering, or large scale MIS/IS functions. Thorough knowledge of the OSI protocol stack, and experience with routing and bridging technology is essential. Working knowledge and experience of at least one high level programming language required. Experience supervising a diverse group of technical and non-technical staff helpful, and good organizational abilities to lead and motivate people. Excellent written, oral communications, interpersonal and organizational skills are essential. Good presentation skills would be helpful. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential.

Because of the wide array of services, topologies and technologies used, a broad technical spectrum of expertise is necessary. Although technical expertise is not required in all the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. LAN operating systems are primarily Novell NetWare but may include AppleTalk. Topologies include token ring and Ethernet running on TCP/IP. Operating systems include: Windows 2000/NT and UNIX. LAN's are primarily of the Client/Server model.

Many applications are PC based and require knowledge of several PC based applications. They include: MS Office, desktop publishing, and project management programs. Knowledge of similar programs may be substituted.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a mid level position within the organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise in other operational areas within the MIS department. Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial promotions and incentives. Some managers have demonstrated sufficient managerial and business expertise to be promoted to Department Manager of other operating divisions of the organization.

DESC. NO.:              T5-1030
 JOB TITLE:      LAN ADMINISTRATOR, small system

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

Network Control Technician; LAN Manager; LAN Programmer; LAN Network Manager; Department LAN Administrator

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide administrative and technical support for single type LAN topology and network operating system within the same site, consisting of personal computers and workstations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities and applications include:

1.      Responsible for the smooth movement of electronic and optical information through a privately linked homogeneous group of personal computers and work stations.

2.      Manage the design, growth, implementation and maintenance of the departments LAN.

3.      Maintain integrity and reliability of LAN network operating program and related application software. Ensure a continuous, smooth and seamless operating environment.

4.      Provide network programming for computer network users in support of specific business needs and requirements. Plus printer set-ups, definitions and configurations.

5.      Plan, select, install, train and maintain departments electronic mail system (E-Mail).

6.      Perform troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for LAN hardware and software related problems.

7.      Perform training and education to end users on network operations, PC program applications and usage. Assign new users and network nodes appropriate ID's, addresses and passwords. Maintain the network inventory and asset data base.

8.      Responsible for network security, audit trails, virus protection, and non-licensed illegal software.

9.      Coordinate with the end user community the production, development of standards and maintenance of network documentation and end user manuals.

10.  Organize, schedule and perform LAN backups.

11.  Test, prototype, and install new and upgraded network system and applications software. Responsible for the smooth installation of these applications and the continued integrity of the network with minimum interruption to the end user community.

12.  Select, install and maintain LAN routers, bridges, and repeaters.

13.  Help negotiate technical contracts with outside vendors. Work and coordinate with outside vendors for the proper monitoring and configuration of LAN.

14.  Coordinate with the Telecommunications Office and end user departments for the installation of LAN cables and connectors.

15.  Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN and PC industry, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the Director of Telecommunications. Receives direction and organizational priorities from immediate supervisor. May indirectly receive direction from the department managers that define and specify business needs and requirements.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The LAN Administrator exercises no direct supervision of support staff. The LAN Administrator will work directly with departmental staff to help support their department LAN. May be responsible for supervising vendors that are on the organizations premises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a four-year college degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Engineering or related discipline. Other college degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. Minimum one year experience working and managing a departmental LAN, experience in LAN design, installation and engineering. Knowledge of the OSI protocol stack, and experience with routing and bridging technology is essential. Experience supervising staff helpful. Good organizational abilities, written and oral communications, interpersonal and organizational skills are essential. Good presentation skills would be helpful. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential.

A broad technical spectrum of expertise is helpful. Although technical expertise is not required in all the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. The LAN operating system is Novell NetWare. The LAN topology is token ring. PC operating systems include: Windows 2000/NT and UNIX. Knowledge of TCP/IP required.

Many applications are PC based and require knowledge of several PC based applications. They include: MS Office, desktop publishing, and project management programs. Knowledge of similar programs may be substituted.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a mid level position within the organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise in other operational areas within the Telecommunications Department. Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial promotions and incentives as the LAN grows and becomes more complex. Some staff have demonstrated sufficient managerial, business or technical expertise to be promoted to other operating divisions of the organization and within the Telecommunications Department.

DESC. NO.:              T5-1050
 JOB TITLE:      LAN SPECIALIST, C

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

Network Control Technician; LAN Programmer; LAN Analyst

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide first level technical support for single type LAN topology and network operating system. Hardware consists of mostly Windows based personal computers and workstations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      This is an entry-level position in the MIS/Communications division. The position is primarily responsible for the installation and maintenance of Windows based personal computers and workstations, and their connection to the organizations LAN network. Plus, first level diagnosis and repair of cable/terminator and PC problems. Specific responsibilities include:

2.      Unpack, verify contents and configuration of new personal computers. Configure and set-up personal computers as nodes based upon a client/server model on the organizations LAN. This includes: arranging with the LAN Administrator for naming, address and security levels as is appropriate for the particular installation; load and initialize PC software (operating system, networking software, applications software,. . .); testing PC for network operations including access to printers, E-Mail and business applications; instructing user on the PC and its access to the network.

3.      Work with other LAN Specialists for the installation of LAN cables throughout the organizations premises. Work includes: the installation of backbone cable, risers and horizontal wiring; terminating of cable to wiring hubs and distribution panels, servers and peripherals (printers, fax machines,. . .) and data connectors.

4.      Perform first level troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for PC, peripheral equipment and LAN related hardware and software problems.

5.      Perform formal training and education for end users on network operations, applications and usage. Man help desk on a rotating basis.

6.      Help test and install new and upgraded LAN operating network system and applications software. Part of the team responsible for the smooth installation of network and business applications and the continued integrity of the network with minimum interruption to the end user community.

7.      Provide written and graphical input for network documentation and end user manuals.

8.      May work and coordinate with outside vendors for the proper monitoring, maintenance and configuration of LAN.

9.      Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN and PC industries, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater profitability, flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the MIS/LAN Manager. Receives immediate direction and work instructions from immediate supervisor. May work as part of a project team and receive directions from the team project leader. On specific assignments may take directions form other LAN Specialists.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The LAN Specialist, C exercises no direct supervision of staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a two year technical degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, LANs or related discipline. Other degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case by case basis. Working knowledge of a departmental LAN, and Novell. Knowledge of the installation process of LAN cards and software to IBM compatible, Windows based personal computers. Knowledge of various LAN cable's, cable configurations and cable installation process. Ability to terminate and connect various LAN cables. Knowledge of LAN cable and first level software/hardware diagnostic procedures. Must be in good physical health to install and move LAN cables, personal computers, servers and printers. Good organizational abilities, oral communications, and interpersonal skills are needed. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential. Some overtime and weekend work will be required from time to time.

Practical technical experience is not required in all the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. The LAN operating system is Novell NetWare. The LAN topology is token ring. PC operating systems include: Windows 2000/NT, and UNIX.

Many applications are PC based and require knowledge of several PC based applications. They include: MS Office, desktop publishing, and project management programs. Knowledge of similar programs may be substituted.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is an entry-level position within the MIS/Communications organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise and continued formal education. With additional education towards a four year degree in a related field, a successful one year of tenure on the job and the recommendation of the MIS/LAN manager, the position can be promoted to LAN Specialist, B with commensurate salary and grade increases.

Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial and technical promotions and provide incentives as the organizations LANs grow and become more complex. Some staff have demonstrated sufficient technical expertise to be promoted to other technical positions within the MIS/Communications organization.

DESC. NO.:              T5-1051
JOB TITLE:      LAN SPECIALIST, B

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

Network Control Technician; LAN Programmer; LAN Analyst; LAN Programmer/Analyst

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide mid level technical and administrative support for single and multiple type LAN topologies and network operating systems. Hardware consists of a mixture of IBM Windows/UNIX based computers, Apple and other types of personal computers and workstations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      This is a middle level technical position in the MIS/Communications division. The position is primarily responsible for the installation and maintenance of IBM/IBM compatible Windows/UNIX and Apple based personal computers and workstations, and their connection to the organizations multiple type LAN networks. Plus, advanced level diagnosis and repair of cable/terminator, PC, peripheral and network software related problems. Specific responsibilities include:

2.      Unpack, verify contents and configuration of new personal computers, advanced work stations, LAN peripherals and repeaters. Configure and set-up computers as client or server nodes based upon a client/server model on various organization LANs. This includes: arranging with the LAN Administrator for naming, address and security levels as is appropriate for the particular installation; load and initialize PC software (operating system, networking software, applications software,. . .); testing PC for network operations including access to printers, E-Mail and business applications; instructing user on the PC and its access to the network.

3.      Work with other LAN Specialists for the installation of LAN cables throughout the organizations premises. Work includes: the installation of backbone cable, risers and horizontal wiring; terminating of cable to wiring hubs and distribution panels, servers and peripherals (printers, fax machines) and data connectors. Cable types will include the use of fiber optics and the special splicing equipment required for the work.

4.      Perform mid level troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for PC, work stations, servers, peripherals and LAN related hardware and software problems on multiple types of personal computers, work stations, and servers. Provide backup support for help desk operations.

5.      Provide operating network programming support for: the addition of new system features; additional users and servers; LAN based messaging systems; printer set-ups, definitions and configurations.

6.      Schedule, organize and perform system back-up procedures on various LANs.

7.      Perform formal training and education classes for end users on network operations, applications and usage. Provide written and graphical input for network documentation and end user manuals. Maintain network documentation and integrity with computerized data base.

8.      Test, prototype and install new and upgraded LAN network operating systems and applications software.

9.      Part of the team responsible for the smooth installation of network and business applications and the continued integrity of the network with minimum interruption to the end user community.

10.  Supervise and coordinate work with outside vendors for the proper monitoring, maintenance and configuration of organization LANs.

11.  Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN, WAN and PC industries, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater profitability, flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the MIS/LAN Manager. Receives direct supervision and work instructions from immediate supervisor. May work as part of a project team and receive directions from the team project leader. May receive instructions and guidelines from departmental managers who use LANs for operational purposes.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The LAN Specialist, B may exercise some direct supervision of lower level LAN Specialists as a project leader. Also may exercise supervision of other less experienced LAN Specialist, B staff while on routine job assignments. Will supervise work of outside vendors when on the organizations premises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a four year college degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline. Other degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case by case basis. At least one year working experience and knowledge of complex departmental LANs, either Novell, Banyan, AppleTalk or other major recognized LAN operating system. One years' experience and knowledge of the installation process of LAN cards, advanced work stations, LAN servers/routers/gateways and software to IBM compatible, Windows/UNIX based and Apple personal computers. Working knowledge of at least one high level programming language, i.e., "C", Pascal, Fortran. Knowledge and one years' experience working with various LAN cables, cable configurations and cable installation processes. Demonstrated experience to terminate and connect various LAN cables. Knowledge and one years' experience working with various LAN operating networks, network management software, LAN cable topologies and mid level software and hardware diagnostic procedures. Must be in good physical health to install and move LAN cables, personal computers, servers and printers. Good organizational abilities, oral communications, and interpersonal skills are required. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential. Some overtime will be required from time to time.

Practical technical experience is required in most of the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. The LAN operating systems are Novell NetWare and AppleTalk. LAN topologies may vary from department to department within the organization. PC operating systems include: Windows 2000/NT, UNIX and System 7.

Many applications are PC based and require knowledge of several PC based applications. They include: MS Office, desktop publishing, and project management programs. Knowledge of similar programs may be substituted.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a middle level technical/administrative position within the MIS/Communications organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise and continued formal education. With additional education towards an advanced degree in a related field, a successful two years of tenure on the job and the recommendation of the MIS/LAN Manager, the position can be promoted to a LAN Specialist, A with commensurate salary and grade increases.

Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial and technical promotions and provide incentives as the organizations LANs grow and become more complex. Some staff have demonstrated sufficient technical or managerial expertise to be promoted to other technical/administrative positions within the MIS/Communications organization.

DESC. NO.:              T5-1052
JOB TITLE:      LAN SPECIALIST, A

LAST UPDATE:      August 31, 2001                        
 

ALTERNATE TITLES:

LAN Programmer; LAN Engineer; Network Engineer; LAN Programmer/Administrator; LAN Manager

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide senior level administrative, technical, programming and engineering support for: single and multiple type LAN/WAN topologies: various network operating systems; and wide-area networks. Hardware consists of a heterogeneous mixture of IBM, Windows and UNIX based PCs, Apple, Sun, DEC, HP and other types of personal computers, advanced workstations and minicomputers.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.      This is a senior level technical and administrative position in the MIS/Communications division. The position is primarily responsible for the design, engineering, installation and maintenance of the organizations heterogeneous LANs and WANs based on personal computers, advanced work stations and minicomputers. Plus, advanced level diagnosis and repair of network servers, routers, gateways, and network software related problems. Specific responsibilities include:

2.      Verify contents and configuration of new servers, routers, gateways and advanced work stations. Configure, program and set-up servers, routers, and gateways based upon the organizations client/server LAN/WAN model. This includes: coordinating with the LAN Administrator for naming, address and security levels as is appropriate for the particular installation; load and initialize software (operating system, networking software, shared applications software, security and virus protection,. . .); test servers, routers, gateways for network operations including: reliability; access to printers, LAN based fax, servers and other networks, E-Mail and business applications.

3.      Working with other LAN Specialists: specify cable type (UTP, fiber, coax,. . .); design the layout and topology for the installation of LAN cables throughout the organizations premises.

4.      Perform advanced level troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair/fixes for hardware and software LAN and WAN related problems on multiple types of personal computers, work stations, servers, routers, gateways and network shared peripherals.

5.      Provide advanced operating network programming support for the addition of new system features, additional users, servers, gateways and routers, LAN based messaging systems, printer set-ups, definitions and configurations, LAN based imaging networks, and disaster recovery.

6.      Design, document, install and program network software for the smooth and reliable function of system back-up procedures. Ensure that back-up procedures are performed regularly and reliably.

7.      Monitor, track and report on LAN/WAN traffic patterns and capacity. Perform traffic simulation procedures. Develop plans and alternatives for growth and expansion of LANs and WANs as traffic and capacity dictate.

8.      Organize and perform formal training and education classes for end users and MIS/Communications division staff on organizations network operations, applications and usage. Provide input for network documentation and end user manuals. Oversee the maintenance of network documentation and user manual integrity.

9.      Select, test, prototype and install new and upgraded LAN/WAN network operating systems and applications software and hardware.

10.  Provide technical leadership as a member of the team responsible for the smooth installation of network and business applications and the continued integrity of the organizations networks with minimum interruption to the end user community.

11.  Responsible for the function, supervision and coordination with outside vendors for the proper design, monitoring, maintenance and configuration of LANs and WANs.

12.  Direct the installation, training and file management of new groupware software (Lotus Notes).

13.  Because of the rapidly changing nature of the LAN, WAN and PC industries, a continuous watch on new technologies and developments must be maintained. This vigilance is maintained through the use of trade journals, user groups, associations and technical meetings. The organization encourages active participation in these areas. The purpose of these activities is to identify new technologies (hardware and software) that will provide greater, profitability, flexibility, dependability and efficiency for network users and work groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Position reports directly to the MIS/LAN Manager. Receives general direction, special projects and work instructions from immediate supervisor. May work as part of a project team and perform as the team project leader. May receive instructions and guidelines from departmental managers who use LANs/WANs for operational purposes. Some direction comes from the organizations strategic plans for incorporating LAN and WAN technology into the corporate structure.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The LAN Specialist, A will exercise direct supervision of lower level LAN Specialists, either directly as a supervisor or as a project leader for specific time frames and projects. Also may exercise supervision of other less experienced LAN Specialist, A staff while on routine job assignments or special projects. May exercise supervision over other MIS staff when projects call for joint working efforts. Coordinates work of outside vendors and supervises their performance when on the organizations premises.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB SKILLS:

Minimum education requirements are a four year college degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline. An advanced degree is helpful. Other degrees will be considered with the appropriate background and experience. Equivalent education and work experience may be substituted in lieu of education as determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis. Minimum four years working experience performing design, programming and installation with large heterogeneous LANs and WANs, including Novell, Banyan and AppleTalk. Detailed experience and knowledge of the installation process of LAN cards, advanced work stations, LAN servers/routers/gateways, LAN based E-Mail, groupware, and fax systems and software for IBM compatible, Windows/UNIX based, and Apple, Sun and DEC personal computers. Excellent working knowledge of at least one high level programming language, i.e., "C", Pascal, Fortran. Knowledge and experience working with various LAN cable's (fiber optic cable experience would be very helpful), cable configurations and cable installation processes. In depth experience and knowledge working with various LAN operating networks (Novel NetWare at a minimum), LAN cable topologies and high level software and hardware diagnostic procedures. Excellent organizational abilities, oral and written communications, and interpersonal skills are required. Ability to operate and communicate effectively while under pressure is essential. May be on-call at various times for critical business periods.

Technical competence and knowledge of TCP/IP, OSI Protocols, frame relay and X.25 are necessary. Experience with access control (LAN security) and disaster recovery planning would be helpful as would experience with groupware such as Lotus Notes.

Practical technical experience is required in most of the areas noted, a technical understanding of the technologies and their applications is necessary. The LAN operating systems vary from Novell NetWare to Banyan Vines. LAN topologies also may vary from department to department within the organization. PC and minicomputer operating systems include: Windows, UNIX, Apple and VMS.

Many applications are PC based and require knowledge of several PC based applications. They include: MS Office, desktop publishing, and project management programs. Knowledge of similar programs may be substituted.

Other technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

This is a senior level technical and administrative position within the MIS/Communications organization. Opportunities exist to extend technical expertise and continued formal education. With additional education towards an advanced degree in a related field, successful tenure on the job and the recommendation of the MIS/LAN Manager, the position can be promoted to other senior level technical or managerial positions with commensurate salary and grade increases. Position may be considered for MIS/LAN Manager when position is vacant.

Reorganizations and growth of department also allow for financial and technical promotions and provide incentives as the organizations LANs and WANs grow and become more complex. Some staff have demonstrated sufficient technical and managerial expertise to be promoted to other technical and managerial positions within the MIS/Communications department in addition to the organizations other departments.