Core Network Administrator II

GCI's Core Network Administrator II will provide expert-level support for local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and internet-based systems. Involve operational monitoring, proactive support, detailed analysis, and systems administration, ensuring the continued optimal performance of the organization's networks. Responsibilities include maintaining, securing, and configuring network systems and applications to safeguard against vulnerabilities and ensure seamless connectivity. Accountable for the configuration, troubleshooting, security, and performance optimization of data communications hardware and software components.

Requires close coordination, testing, troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintenance of the network infrastructure to ensure high availability and minimal downtime. Additionally, supports the company’s IP and core route/switch network environment, overseeing the operational integrity of core IP, MPLS, carrier Ethernet, and Data/IP network systems. Responsibilities extend to providing expert technical support for incident resolution, ranging from complete service outages to chronic intermittent issues that reduce network performance, all while ensuring compliance with established design criteria and quality objectives.

Focus Scope of work could be:

Focus on the foundational infrastructure supporting the organization's entire network, ensuring stability, security, and optimal performance.

• Oversee the software updates and patching of network components, ensuring the continuous security and functionality of systems.
• Test and validate the high availability of services and network infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Secure device access and address vulnerabilities by implementing and maintaining best practices for network security.
• Driving network optimization efforts to improve performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Facilitate regular device backups to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Provide physical equipment support for break/fix activities, ensuring timely resolution of hardware issues.
• Conduct project delivery Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), ensuring that implementations meet established standards and requirements.

• Analyze and monitor new software and firmware releases for network equipment and firewalls, preparing them for integration into the network.
• Conduct verification and testing of new software and patch implementations in a controlled lab environment prior to deployment.
• Plan, schedule, and execute the software and firmware upgrade/patch process, minimizing operational disruption.
• Review and analyze the effectiveness of implemented network and service redundancy designs, including planning and validating redundancy testing and analyzing test outcomes.
• Verify, modify, and update security configurations for network devices and firewalls, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve any discovered security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
• Drive the identification and implementation of network and equipment optimizations to ensure peak performance.
• Configure and manage device configuration backups, ensuring they are consistently up-to-date and accessible.
• Support the Situation Management Center by providing physical and on-site break/fix support as needed.
• Contribute to QA/QC processes for new project implementations, ensuring they meet organizational standards and technical specifications.

• In-depth knowledge of IP/MPLS routers and switches, including vendors such as Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, and others.
• Expertise in network firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco, Checkpoint) with a focus on configuration and security.
• Proficiency with Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), Meraki, and WAN Optimization (WAAS) technologies.
• Basic understanding of miscellaneous network supporting equipment such as console servers and network timing appliances.
• Fundamental understanding of DOCSIS (e.g. Harmonic, Arris/Commscope) and EPON systems (Vecima), with the ability to support and troubleshoot related infrastructure.
• Exp…