Network Specialist VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck
When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Performs highly advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) network work. Work involves directing and leading activities associated with a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet and intranet systems, or other data networks; planning, designing, and integrating data telecommunications networks; designing, installing, and monitoring networks; monitoring and analyzing existing hardware and software; developing policies and procedures; preparing budget recommendations; and evaluating potential network enhancements.
May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of LAN/WAN topologies, Wireless Access Controller and IP addressing processes, procedures, requirements, and functionality.
• Knowledge of network routers, switches, capacity management, and monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of firewalls and associated security infrastructure.
• Knowledge of network systems, technical services, and end-user computing.
• Knowledge of hardware/software asset management practices.
• Knowledge of networking and its components, including voice and data equipment and services.
• Knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Visio, Project.
• Knowledge of Project Management practices and methods.
• Knowledge of policies and industry practices, including network maintenance, system authentication, asset management, disaster recovery, and contract oversight.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
• Skill in negotiation, including contracts, system performance, and resource requirements.
• Skill in communicating complex technical information to general audiences, both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to lead technical staff, including coordinating and monitoring their work, effectively communicating changes, providing constructive performance feedback, and demonstrating performance improvements.
• Ability to understand the DFPS organization, including program and support areas, especially critical points of contact for site moves, technology announcements, and cultural change tasks.
• Ability to manage, maintain and train others on a two-factor authentication system.
• Ability to manage agency resources and time, using sound judgment regarding business priorities and practices.
• Ability to meet project schedules with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform packet capture analysis for troubleshooting.
• Ability to provide quality and timely customer service.
• Ability to develop strategic and technology plans and analyze procedures or processes using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.
• At least one of the below Cisco certifications, and one Palo Alto certification: Cisco Certified Network Associate Cisco Certified Network Professional Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Five (5) years IT experience working in large enterprise environments.
• Five (5) years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining a large multi-site enterprise network infrastructure.
• Experience in planning, recommending, and managing IT Enterprise architecture.
• At least one Previous or current Cisco certification.
• At least one previous or current Palo Alto certification.

Responsibilities

• Directs and/or conducts major studies regarding system usage, makes recommendations for improvements, and determines network system requirements.
• Leads and directs the planning, documenting and coordination of work activities and projects for the upgrade of networks, recovering network environments, routine maintenance, and implementation of access controls on various systems.
• Oversees and provides technical input to management on the strategic direction, planning, operations, and maintenance of all systems related to data and voice networks and telephone systems by coordinating within the agency, other agencies, district and vendor personnel to ensure all DFPS’ telecommunications and networking needs are met.
• Directs and/or performs tuning and capacity planning activities to enhance the performance of the network resources.
• Directs, oversees, and coordinates planning, and work activities associated with local area networks or wide area networks, including ordering and disconnecting data circuits, configuring Wireless Networks, configuring routers and switches, and coordinating installations for all agency offices to ensure 24 x 7 support.
• Performs on-call 24x7 work to respond to emergencies and other outages by various communication methods and by coordinating team resources.
• Performs and coordinates occasional after hours and weekend on-site work.
• Reviews network system plans for completeness and accuracy and plans and schedules network studies and system implementations.
• Leads and directs the coordination of site planning with cross-program agency staff, other agencies, and third-party vendors to determine requirements, order, and schedule installations of data circuits, routers, data and voice cabling, associated LAN room equipment, and telecommunications environments.
• Analyzes existing network and system procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversees and assigns work activities in managing and analyzing two-factor VPN authentication systems, agency data, and voice networks to ensure quality and efficiency of agency resources.
• Analyzes and defines agency disaster recovery responsibilities and procedures.
• Leads and assigns work activities to plan and document disaster recovery procedures; directs and leads implementation plans during disasters and ensures the safety of personnel, data, and assets using established industry standards.
• Performs research and analysis in the preparation of information technology planning and justification requests for agency leadership.
• Identifies process improvements and makes recommendations to management to improve operational efficiencies.
• Develops policies and procedures designed to ensure the integrity of local area network or wide area network environments.
• Directs and guides staff in policies and procedures for management of assets under the control of Information Technology, including LAN rooms; the support, maintenance and redistribution of faulty equipment, network and system equipment, and performs record-keeping reconciliation.
• Provides oversight to ensure that related network documentation is completed and accurate, including history of work performed.
• Integrates local area network or wide area network requirements into the agency’s information resources and business plans.
• Leads, oversees, and directs work activities in the planning and integration of LAN or WAN requirements into the agency’s information resources and business plans.
• Determines operational, technical, and support requirements for the location, installation, operation, and maintenance of data communications and agency network systems, and supporting technologies.
• Provides primary agency support of the isolated secured network segment for CPS Investigators to access the secured Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) network.
• Directs and oversees planning and implementation of site moves, including assigning staff work activities and coordinating and overseeing facilities planners and contractors for network infrastructure installation and management.
• Leads, conducts and assigns research and analysis to compile cost estimates and projects to assist leadership with the preparation of budget recommendations for the department.
• Evaluates network technologies for potential acquisition and directs the evaluation of various hardware and software resources to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential benefits to the agency.
• Leads and conducts assessments of future information requirements to develop long-range, comprehensive Local Area Network/Wide Area Network plans, cost estimations and budget recommendations.
• Monitors and defines the requirements of the overall security of the enterprise network.
• Directs and oversees the work of vendors/contractors (for both data and voice services) with whom the agency has outsourced services, including approving invoices, negotiating timeframes, change orders, service levels and costs.
• Oversees and monitors vendor performance and compliance with contracted services, policies and procedures and provides reports to IT leadership, as needed.
• Monitors and implements hardware and software solutions to help mitigate a wide variety of network attacks.
• Directs and oversees compliance with security policies and practices by all staff; conducts investigations and reports security violations to DFPS Information Security or agency leadership, as needed.
• Leads efforts to educate staff in appropriate system usage; assists in identification and prevention of network intrusion and misuse of network access.
• Prepares budget recommendations for network facilities, analyzes user support statistics, and implements appropriate measures.
• Provides technical expertise to state office, district, and regional staff to ensure voice and data services are available to support DFPS operations throughout the state.
• Leads, assigns work activities and conducts research and analysis to cost and document effects of legislative initiatives on IT systems and processes.
• Participates in division’s legislative analysis and fiscal note processes.
• May supervise the work of others.
• Leads and mentors Networking staff in understanding DFPS IT processes for project work, maintenance activities and understanding documentation.
• Coordinates and monitors work activities and assignments and provides coaching to Networking staff to address standards, work expectations and provide performance feedback, as requested.
• Acts as back-up to Network Operations Manager in their absence.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed