Network Manager

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Manage the work and projects of a team of network administrators.  The team develops, plans, directs, designs, coordinates, and administers the overall strategic goals of the Amarillo Independent School District’s network system (a large network of 20,000 plus LAN/WAN/WLAN nodes Wired and Wireless Infrastructure).  The position evaluates and recommends to the Chief Technology Officer the technologies and cost estimates to implement the district network infrastructure to meet district educational goals and objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree

OR

Associate's Degree/60 credit hours  AND equivalent work experience- minimum of 8 years network experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Extensive knowledge of networking protocols; networking standards and practices, LAN, WLAN and WAN products

Extensive experience working with LAN and WAN vendors

Experience with optical WAN networking using DWDM technologies

Extensive experience in problem solving in complex network environments as evidenced by one or more of the following certifications:  Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) with preference given to Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE)

Strong communication skills, written and verbal

Professional interpersonal skills necessary to work with school personnel

Excellent organizational and problem solving skills and initiative with multitask orientation

Successful experience in working as part of a group      

Work Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Regular attendance is an essential function

Minimum Experience:

10 or more years of advanced networking experience preferably working with Texas School Districts

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Administer and direct systems and services related to district networks for the purpose of ensuring availability of services to authorized users.
2. Assess hardware requirements for District/Campus LAN requirements and make recommendations for purchase. 
3. Responsible for the implementation, configuration and ongoing support of network hardware/firmware.
4. Coordinate department activities, staff assignments, computer operations and data network activities for the purpose of providing services to other divisions, outside agencies, and organizations while meeting department objectives.
5. Participate or lead effort in development of bid specifications for required purchases (e.g. routers, switches, wireless systems, security equipment, related software and a variety of parts, supplies, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining availability of required items and completing jobs efficiently.
6. Design networks, physical and logical network infrastructures, server connectivity, etc. (e.g. Internet, Intranet, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective and efficient operations.
7. Maintain network operations, network hardware, and/or software applications for the purpose of ensuring efficient operations.
8. Monitor networking systems, related hardware and supporting software (e.g. throughput, switches, patch panels, racks, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that resources and technology are available and utilized effectively.
9. Manage, direct, and participate in projects to repair network-related failures (e.g. computers, peripherals, network equipment, configuration files, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining computer and network equipment in a safe and functional condition.
10. Document the network topology in order to quickly access information needed to make purchases and diagnose problems.
11. Train participating district and related site staff (e.g. Internet access/resources, multiplatform applications, etc.) on the operation and maintenance of networking systems.
12. Implement and maintain network security so that business, student data, and communications are secure.
13. Maintain an inventory of all telecommunication equipment according to state law and district board policy.
14. Coordinate activities or participate in activities with software/hardware providers for the purpose of providing and/or gathering information and coordinating district network projects.
15. Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Office of Technology and Amarillo Independent School District.
16. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
17. Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
18. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.