Cloud Communications - Network Engineer

Position Summary:  The Network Engineer’s role is to ensure the stability and integrity of in-house voice, data, video, and wireless network services. This is achieved by planning, designing, and developing local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) across the organization. In addition, the Network Engineer will participate with the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links. This individual will also analyze and resolve network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end user training where required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Essential Tasks:

Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with executive management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term network capacity needs.
• Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Design and deploy company LANs, WANs, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, hubs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware.
• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry.
• Oversee new and existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.
• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.

Operational Management

• Configure networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot problem areas as needed.
• Ensure network connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephony equipment, fax machines, and other network appliances.
• Manage servers, including database, e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software.
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports.
• Participate in managing all network security solutions.
• Perform server and security audits, and system backups and recovery.
• Manage and/or provide guidance to junior members of the team.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to conduct research into networking issues and products as required.
• Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
• Ability and desire to collaborate with people
• Strong organization and time management skills, with attention to detail
• Computer skills including agency management system and Windows Office products
• Team player with a collaborative attitude
• Respectful work style towards both internal and external stakeholders
• Highly motivated, self-starter who works independently to accomplish established agency goals
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Accountable for actions and delivers on commitments
• Commitment to continuous learning

Experience and Education:

• College degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and/or minimum of 7 years equivalent work experience.
• Certifications in network related field preferred.

Systems Experience:

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Proven experience and success with LAN, WAN, WLAN, and WWAN design and implementation.
• Proven experience with network capacity planning, network security principles, and general network management best practices.
• Strong, hands-on technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems.
• Excellent knowledge of telephony systems, including.
• Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols, and Internet standards, including TCP/IP, LAN, WAN, DHCP, BCP, RADIUS, VPN, DNS, NAT, 802.11x, etc.
• Excellent hardware troubleshooting experience.
• Extensive application support experience.
• Competence with testing tools and procedures for voice and data circuits.
• Good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions:

• On-call availability 24/7. Typical on-call afterhours are low or scheduled.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.
• Occasional inspection of cables in floors and ceilings.
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.
• Personal vehicle necessary for local travel
• Have the ability to travel to other locations within the U.S.A.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Repeated use of sight to read documents and computer screens
• Repeated use of hearing and speech to communicate on telephone and in person
• Repetitive hand movements, such as keyboarding, writing, 10-key
• Walking, bending, sitting, reaching and stretching in all directions

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc., and our partners, will not accept unsolicited potential placements from any source other than directly from the candidate or a vendor partner under MSA with Higginbotham. Please do not contact or send unsolicited potential placements to our team members.