Core Network Administrator III

GCI's Core Network Administrator III 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:

Scope of Work:

• Core Network: 

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

• Platform Growth & Support: Lead project work focused on expanding and supporting network platforms, ensuring scalability and futureproofing.
• Change Management: Develop and implement comprehensive change management plans to ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruptions during updates and changes.
• Configuration & Troubleshooting: Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot Nokia, Cisco, Brocade, and Juniper IP/MPLS routers and switches, ARRIS Cable Modem Termination Systems, and Palo Alto Networks firewalls, ensuring efficient network performance.
• Independent & Team Collaboration: Work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision, taking primary responsibility for supporting multiple network platforms and ensuring operational success.
• Network Resource Management: Efficiently manage network resources, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization to meet business and operational needs.
• Facilities Utilization & Performance: Regularly review network facilities utilization and performance, ensuring resources are aligned with demand and efficiency goals.
• Documentation Creation & Auditing: Develop and audit comprehensive network and systems documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal standards.
• Inventory Tracking & Maintenance: Oversee inventory tracking and maintenance, providing regular reports to ensure network elements are aligned with their expected lifecycle and performance standards.
• Support for Junior Technicians: Provide guidance and support to junior technicians and Tier I teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Operational Checks & Preventative Maintenance: Perform daily operational checks and preventative maintenance on all associated equipment to prevent issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Statistical Reporting & Analysis: Compile and generate detailed traffic and performance reports, including bandwidth usage, while identifying and addressing bottlenecks in associated IP links.
• System Upgrades: Take responsibility for executing system software and hardware upgrades in collaboration with the engineering team, ensuring the network remains up-to-date and efficient.
• Cross Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and various company business groups to resolve issues affecting customers, ensuring adherence to network SLAs and customer satisfaction.
• Parts & Materials Management: Track repair parts and materials according to established procedures, ensuring timely availability and accurate inventory management.
• LAN, WAN, & Internet Systems Management: Install, configure, and provide ongoing support for the company’s LAN, WAN, and internet systems, or specific segments of the network.
• Network Availability Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance to ensure availability for all system users, performing necessary maintenance to support uninterrupted service.
• Site Performance Monitoring: Monitor and test site performance to ensure optimal operation without interruptions, addressing issues promptly to maintain service quality.
• Network Modeling, Analysis, & Coordination: Support in-network modeling, analysis, and planning efforts, ensuring seamless integration between network hardware and software.
• Network Security Administration: Administer and implement network security measures, ensuring the protection of data and compliance with industry best practices.

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. 
  • Must be able to handle moderate levels of stress while demonstrating excellent interpersonal and professional interaction skills with customers and other employees.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate excellent administrative and organizational skills, able to effectively document procedures and technical processes.
  • Experience with Metasolv, Statseeker, Grafana and Cisco Prime.
  • Experience managing large network platforms.
  • Demonstrated working experience in the use of Visio.
  • Understanding of standard wide area concepts such as routing, multicasting, broadcasting, duplex and half duplex, reliability and testing, high availability, security and standards.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into databases or equivalent.
• Ongoing skill development is required to help achieve the best MTTR (Mean time to repair) and assist in network optimization

Additional Job Requirements:

Provide advanced operational support for the company’s core IP, MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, and Wireless/Data IP network systems, ensuring alignment with design specifications and quality standards. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications installation, modifications, and test procedures. The ability to identify, analyze, and resolve system issues and outages is essential. Additionally, prepare status reports that forecast network capacity and performance, ensuring all network assets and supporting facilities are maintained throughout their expected life cycle. The role entails performing both routine and complex assignments with limited supervision, ensuring optimal network functionality.

Essential Duties:

• Configuration and Troubleshooting: Configure and troubleshoot various routers and switches, ensuring network performance, stability, and reliability.
• Cisco NCS Platform: Manage and maintain Cisco NCS platforms, ensuring seamless operation and integration within the network environment.
• 802.11n Client Authentication: Oversee the 802.11n client authentication and registration process, ensuring secure and efficient client connectivity.
• Internet Protocols: Support and troubleshoot Internet Protocol (IP) functionality, ensuring proper network communication and protocol compliance.
• Design Communication: Communicate network reference designs effectively using standard office tools such as Visio and other software, ensuring clear and concise documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ongoing Skill Development: Actively engage in continuous professional development to improve technical proficiency, reduce MTTR (Mean Time to Repair), and contribute to network optimization efforts.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Required: Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associates degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, networking, or related field. *
• Minimum ten (10) years’ combined work experience working with network platforms, testing, routers and/or switches” to include customer service, LAN/WAN Networking, Telecommunications, Wireless Data/IP network, data communications or telephony topology systems. *

Preferred:

• Experience with Cherwell, Metasolv, Statseeker, Cacti, Grafana, Cisco Prime, and Cisco ISE configuration and operation.
• Experience with SNMP based network management systems, configuration and operation.
• Experience with IP networking automation and scripting.
• Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC's).
• Telecommunications experience. 
• Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. 
  • Cisco CCNA, Nokia NRS-I, Juniper JNCIA or equivalent
  • Cisco CCNP, Nokia NRS-II, Juniper JNCIP or equivalent, SCTE DEP
  • Cisco CCIE, Nokia SRA, Juniper JNCIE or equivalent, SCTE IPEP

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: 

• This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

Office/Remote: 

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.