What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT SPECIALIST position at The Helmsman Group LLC?
Job Title: IT Specialist
Job Type: (Remote)
Job SummaryThe IT Specialist — Network Administration is responsible for supporting, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting the organization's network infrastructure. This position ensures reliable, secure, and efficient network connectivity across corporate locations, users, applications, servers, and cloud environments.
The IT Specialist works with network engineers, systems administrators, cybersecurity teams, vendors, and business users to maintain network availability, resolve connectivity issues, implement network changes, and support infrastructure projects.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstall, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure and connectivity.
Administer and support routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, VPNs, and other network devices.
Monitor network performance, availability, bandwidth utilization, and connectivity.
Troubleshoot LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and other network-related issues.
Respond to network incidents and service requests and ensure timely resolution.
Configure and maintain network devices according to organizational standards and security requirements.
Perform network device upgrades, firmware updates, configuration changes, and maintenance activities.
Monitor network health and identify potential performance, capacity, and availability issues.
Maintain accurate network diagrams, device inventories, IP address documentation, and configuration records.
Assist with network design, implementation, expansion, and infrastructure improvement projects.
Support remote offices, branch locations, and remote users with network connectivity.
Configure and troubleshoot secure remote-access solutions and VPN connections.
Administer and troubleshoot wireless networks, including access points, controllers, authentication, and coverage issues.
Assist with firewall configuration, access control rules, and network security policies.
Work with cybersecurity teams to investigate and resolve network security incidents.
Monitor network logs and alerts and investigate unusual network activity.
Perform network performance and connectivity testing using appropriate monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Manage IP addressing, subnetting, DHCP scopes, DNS configurations, and network documentation.
Coordinate with internet service providers, telecommunications providers, and network equipment vendors.
Support cloud networking environments and connectivity between on-premises and cloud infrastructure.
Participate in network disaster recovery, business continuity, and backup connectivity planning.
Maintain network configurations and ensure appropriate backup and recovery procedures are followed.
Document network incidents, troubleshooting steps, changes, and resolutions.
Participate in change management and ensure network changes are properly tested, documented, and approved.
Provide technical guidance and support to help desk and desktop support teams.
Assist with network capacity planning and recommendations for infrastructure improvements.
Ensure network operations comply with organizational IT policies, security standards, and applicable requirements.
Associate or bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Administration, or a related field.
2–5 years of experience in network administration, network support, infrastructure support, or a related IT role.
Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, switching, and VPNs.
Experience configuring and troubleshooting network switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
Strong understanding of LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, and remote-access technologies.
Experience with network security principles and access controls.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Ability to respond effectively to network incidents and service interruptions.
Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification.
CompTIA Network or Security certification.
Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco, Aruba, or similar networking certifications.
Experience with Cisco IOS or other network operating systems.
Experience with enterprise firewalls and VPN technologies.
Experience with network monitoring platforms such as SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, Datadog, or similar tools.
Experience with cloud networking in AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
Knowledge of network automation and scripting using Python or PowerShell.
Experience with SD-WAN, SASE, or modern enterprise networking technologies.
ITIL Foundation certification or knowledge of IT service management practices.
Network Administration
Network Monitoring
LAN / WAN
TCP/IP
DNS / DHCP
Routing & Switching
VLAN Configuration
Wireless Networking
VPN Administration
Firewall Administration
Network Security
IP Address Management
Network Troubleshooting
Network Performance Monitoring
Cisco Networking
Cloud Networking
SD-WAN
Network Documentation
Incident Management
Change Management
Network Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex connectivity, performance, and network availability issues.
Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of networking technologies, protocols, devices, and infrastructure.
Network Security: Ability to implement and maintain secure network configurations and access controls.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify root causes of network issues and develop effective solutions.
Monitoring & Performance: Ability to proactively monitor network performance and identify potential problems before they affect users.
Documentation: Ability to maintain accurate network diagrams, configurations, inventories, and technical records.
Communication: Ability to explain technical network issues clearly to users, IT teams, vendors, and management.
Incident Response: Ability to respond quickly and effectively to network outages, security events, and service disruptions.