Core Network Administrator II

GCI's Core Network Administrator II 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.

Scope of Work:

• Core Network: 

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the software updates and patching of network components, ensuring the continuous security and functionality of systems.
• Test and validate the high availability of services and network infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Secure device access and address vulnerabilities by implementing and maintaining best practices for network security.
• Driving network optimization efforts to improve performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Facilitate regular device backups to ensure data integrity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Provide physical equipment support for break/fix activities, ensuring timely resolution of hardware issues.

• Conduct project delivery Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), ensuring that implementations meet established standards and requirements.

  Key Activities:

  • Analyze and monitor new software and firmware releases for network equipment and firewalls, preparing them for integration into the network.
  • Conduct verification and testing of new software and patch implementations in a controlled lab environment prior to deployment.
  • Plan, schedule, and execute the software and firmware upgrade/patch process, minimizing operational disruption.
  • Review and analyze the effectiveness of implemented network and service redundancy designs, including planning and validating redundancy testing and analyzing test outcomes.
  • Verify, modify, and update security configurations for network devices and firewalls, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
  • Identify, investigate, and resolve any discovered security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
  • Drive the identification and implementation of network and equipment optimizations to ensure peak performance.
  • Configure and manage device configuration backups, ensuring they are consistently up-to-date and accessible.
  • Support the Situation Management Center by providing physical and on-site break/fix support as needed.

  • Contribute to QA/QC processes for new project implementations, ensuring they meet organizational standards and technical specifications.

    
    
• Technical Knowledge & Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of IP/MPLS routers and switches, including vendors such as Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, and others.
  • Expertise in network firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco, Checkpoint) with a focus on configuration and security.
  • Proficiency with Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), Meraki, and WAN Optimization (WAAS) technologies.
  • Basic understanding of miscellaneous network supporting equipment such as console servers and network timing appliances.
  • Fundamental understanding of DOCSIS (e.g. Harmonic, Arris/Commscope) and EPON systems (Vecima),, with the ability to support and troubleshoot related infrastructure.
  • Expertise in physical connectivity, including troubleshooting Ethernet electrical and fiber optic connections.
  • Comprehensive understanding of IPv4 and IPv6, including address structures, IP protocols, and IP routing (e.g., IS-IS, OSPF, BGP), as well as the configuration and management of router and switch components.
  • Strong understanding of standard network service architectures, including MPLS VPNs, VPRNs, VRFs, IESs, VPLSs, and Pseudowire technologies.
  • Fundamental understanding of network timing protocols such as PTP, SYNC-E, and NTP.
  • Basic understanding of standard QoS (e.g. Pbit, TOS, DiffServ, EXP, etc.).
  • Proficient in network access control and security protocols, including Radius, LDAP, AAA, and TACACS+.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

• 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.

COMPETENCIES:

• 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 operational support for the company's core IP, MPLS, Carrier Ethernet, and Wireless/Data IP network systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and quality objectives. Functions at an intermediate level within the discipline and require a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications installation, modifications, and test procedures. Involves diagnosing and analyzing system issues and outages, while also preparing status reports that forecast network capacity and performance. Ensure that all network assets and facilities supporting network elements are maintained throughout their expected life cycle. Requires the ability to handle routine to moderately complex tasks under moderate supervision.

Essential Duties:

• Configuration and Troubleshooting: Configure and troubleshoot various routers and switches, ensuring optimal network performance and reliability.
• Cisco NCS Platform: Provide operational support and maintenance for Cisco NCS platforms, ensuring their integration and functionality within the network infrastructure.
• 802.11n Client Authentication: Support and manage the 802.11n client authentication and registration process, ensuring secure and efficient client connectivity.
• 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: *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. *
• A minimum of six (6) years’ combined work experience working with network platforms, testing, routers and/or switches” to include customer service, LAN/WAN Networking, Telecommunications, Wireless Data/IP networks, data communications or telephony topology systems. *

Preferred:

• Experience with Cherwell, Metasolv, Statseeker, Cacti, Grafana, Cisco Prime, and Cisco ISE.
• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

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.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO:  GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.