Network Operations Technician (Field Services)

Columbia University Information Technology; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Information Technology is seeking a Network Operations Technician to maintain and enhance the central LAN serving over 30,000 users across the NYC metro area. This role collaborates with customers, peer technical groups, and support organizations to ensure reliable network operations.

Responsibilities include configuring Cisco switches/routers, handling work-orders, fiber patching, wireless AP deployments, and documentation. On-call and after-hours work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 3+ years related IT experience with data and telephony network systems.
• Strong knowledge of structured cabling, power distribution and UPS systems.
• Experience with Cisco IOS, VLANs, STP, HSRP, SNMP, and Radius authentication.
• Familiarity with Visio, MS Office, and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Assembles, configures and deploys Cisco switches/routers and related hardware using Cisco IOS.
• Reviews and implements work-orders for network configurations.
• Patches fiber for switch uplinks and campus backbone.
• Wireless AP installation, surveys and repairs.
• Documents hardware locations and updates internal wiki/systems.
• Provides network field support for Manhattanville Campus.
• Responds to alerts and participates in Change Advisory Board meetings.
• Assists users and vendors as needed; supports EMOT and on-call rotations.

Skills

Networking concepts

TCP/IP

Subnetting

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Cisco IOS

Visio

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

RingCentral

ServiceNow

Job description

Reporting to the Director, Network Field Services; the Network Operations Technician will work closely with customers, peer technical groups and other support organizations / groups in order to maintain a central local area network for over 30,000 users as well as multiple off-site locations throughout the New York City Metropolitan Area.

The hours for this role are Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm.

Responsibilities:

• Assembles, configures and deploys Cisco switches / routers and associated hardware using Cisco IOS.
• Reviews, analyzes, responds to and implements work-orders from the Network Engineering group for network configurations.
• Patches of fiber for switch uplinks to campus backbone, utilizing multi-mode 62.5/50 and single mode fiber.
• Wireless access point installation, coverage surveys and repair.
• Documentation of hardware locations / access using Visio, PDF files, etc. and updating our internal wiki.
• Hands-on deployment of APC / Liebert Uninterruptible Power Supplies, and set-up of remote monitoring.
• Troubleshoots 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet and fiber connections with diagnostic devices.
• Provides Manhattanville Campus Network Field Support.
• Assesses client needs (including MBBI, School of the Arts, Columbia Business School, University Events Management, CU Facilities and Department of Public Safety, Manhattanville Development Group).
• Complete assigned tasks on time, in budget, and to expected standards.
• Researching and evaluating specific devices and technologies.
• Assists with documentation of basic / moderately complex hardware and services requirements.
• Completes infrastructure deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle upgrades.
• Monitors automated reports and responds to alerts for multiple hardware and software issues.
• Submits network change requests and participates in the weekly Change Advisory Board Meetings.
• Acts as a technical resource in assisting users with equipment and data; supports help desk in the exchange of information and advice; implements solutions or notifies outside vendors as required.
• Assist with field installation training for new student technicians.
• Provides support for the Emergency Management Operations Team (EMOT)
• Participates in a periodic after-hours on-call rotation.
• As part of the Essential Personnel, provide onsite support during emergencies (snowstorms, hurricanes etc.).
• Weekend and off-hour work may be necessary on occasion.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years related experience.
• 3+ years related work experience in IT working with the following data and telephony network systems:
• Structured cabling systems.
• Power distribution and UPS systems.
• Wireless LAN systems.
• Network technology components.
• IP Network Protocols and common network configurations & troubleshooting.
• Proficient understanding of cabling infrastructure and differences between CAT 3, CAT 5/5E, CAT 6 and CAT 6A cabling.
• Familiar with Applications including Visio, Cisco IOS, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiar with HSRP, Spanning Tree, VLAN configuration changes, SNMP monitoring and Radius authentication concepts.
• Experience with network technology components.
• Experience with Network protocols like TCP/IP and UDP and subnetting..
• Knowledge of fiber optic networks, POTS, VOIP, DR procedures.
• Ability to handle moderate to heavy network supplies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including teamwork/collaboration, analytical thinking, communication and influencing skills, and technical expertise.
• Ability to work with changing priorities and with multiple projects.
• Ability to be precise and attentive to detail is essential.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work weekend and off-hour work on occasion.
• Flexibility to participate in a periodic weekly 24x7 on-call rotation that may require working days and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cisco Switches, Routers and Operating Systems (IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS).
• Proficient with spreadsheets.
• Experience interpreting construction drawings and documents
• CCNA Certification or equivalent experience preferred.
• Applications including Visio, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat.
• RingCentral.
• Service Now.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.