Core Network Administrator II

Job Description

GCI’s Core Network Administrator II will provide expert‑level support for local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and internet‑based systems. The role involves 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. The Administrator is accountable for the configuration, troubleshooting, security, and performance optimization of data communications hardware and software components.

• Maintain high availability of services and network infrastructure.
• Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot core IP, MPLS, carrier Ethernet, and data/IP network systems.
• Implement and maintain network security best practices, including vulnerability management and configuration updates.
• Test and validate network software and firmware releases in controlled lab environments before deployment.
• Plan, schedule, and execute software and firmware upgrade/patch processes with minimal operational disruption.
• Analyze and verify the effectiveness of network redundancy designs.
• Configure and manage device configuration backups, ensuring they are up‑to‑date and accessible.
• Provide physical equipment support and break/fix activities.
• Participate in QA/QC processes for new project implementations.
• Communicate status and performance data to stakeholders and support incident resolution up to critical outages.

• IP/MPLS routers and switches (Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, Brocade).
• Network firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco, Checkpoint).
• Wireless LAN Controllers (Meraki, WLCs) and WAN optimization (WAAS).
• Physical connectivity:
  Ethernet electrical and fiber‑optic connections.
• IPv4 and IPv6 address structures, routing protocols (IS‑IS, OSPF, BGP, BGP‑e, and MPLS VPNs).
• Standard network service architectures (VPRN, VRF, VPLS, pseudo wire).
• Network timing protocols (PTP, SYNC‑E, NTP) and QoS fundamentals.
• Authentication and security protocols (Radius, LDAP, AAA, TACACS+).
• Basic understanding of DOCSIS, EPON, and miscellaneous network supporting equipment.

• Lead project work focused on expanding and supporting network platforms.
• Develop and implement comprehensive change management plans.
• Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Manage network resources, ensure optimal allocation and utilization.
• Review network facilities utilization and performance.
• Develop and audit comprehensive network and systems documentation.
• Track inventory and maintenance of network equipment.
• Guide and support junior technicians and Tier I teams.
• Perform daily operational checks and preventive maintenance.
• Compile and analyze traffic and performance reports.
• Execute system software and hardware upgrades in collaboration with engineering.
• Collaborate with engineers and business groups to resolve customer‑impacting issues.
• Track repair parts and materials.
• Support LAN, WAN, and Internet systems management.
• Continually monitor network availability and site performance.
• Assume responsibility for network security administration.

• Accountability: ownership of actions and results.
• Collaboration:
  
  effective teamwork under challenging circumstances.
• Communication: professional expression of ideas.
• Compliance: adherence to internal controls and ethics.
• Customer Focus: commitment to service excellence.
• Reliability: timely attendance and follow‑through.
• Results: initiative, sound decision making, and problem solving.
• Technical proficiency: MS Office, network management tools, and documentation.
• Ongoing skill development to improve MTTR and network optimization.

• Operational support of core IP, MPLS, carrier Ethernet, and wireless/data IP network systems.
• Diagnose and analyze system issues and outages; prepare status reports forecasting network capacity.
• Maintain all network assets throughout their life cycle.
• Re…