Network Operations Engineer

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Sheffield, ENGLAND
Job Type: FullTime

Overview

You will be part of our multiskilled Network Operations team with a focus on supporting the day to day operations and modernisation of the University network.  This includes wired and wireless networking, UPS provision and networking services.

You will have an in depth knowledge of data networks, both wired and wireless with experience of supporting Cisco based networking infrastructure within an organisation.  Previous experience with Cisco management platforms such as Prime or DNA/Catalyst Centre would be advantageous. You will have a passion for technology and a desire to develop your skills further. An effective communicator, you will use this skill to ensure the delivery of excellent customer service.   You will enjoy working as part of a team and value the knowledge sharing this brings while also being capable of taking ownership and progressing your own areas of work.  

Within Network Services we are expanding our team to support a multi-year programme of network transformation across the University estate.This will be an exciting period within the team with opportunities to learn, develop and get hands on with enterprise networking technologies.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Configure, install and maintain IT networking (wired and wireless) infrastructure across the University building estate.
  • Monitor networking infrastructure and performance, undertaking proactive maintenance where required to support continuation of service and service improvement.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve faults and service affecting incidents across the wired and wireless network.   
  • Provide support for hardware and software system problems on IT network equipment; install and update system configurations; configure network services software and other application software. 
  • Plan and undertake the installation of network equipment, liaising with stakeholders on new developments and changes to existing installations to ensure services are available and/or maintained as required.
  • Coordinate and support operational network delivery projects to deploy changes to campus networking infrastructure, for example network refresh and modernisation work streams within buildings or new University estate developments. Including collaboration with third party wireless design partners to deliver wireless network improvements across the building estate.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation for the team and knowledge base articles to support end user stakeholders, ensuring that content is clear and accurate.
  • Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff, students and visitors across the University in relation to any ongoing work, ensuring the delivery of excellent customer service.
  • Provide an interface between the Network Services and Frontline Support teams giving clear advice on service affecting issues and their resolution
  • Collate and analyse incident and fault report data to assist in the identification, classification and resolution of Problem tickets.  Produce related support documentation for end users and other stakeholders to facilitate the continual improvement of services and excellence in the delivery of IT network services.  
  • Act as a key contact and authority within the team for a given technical specialism within Network Operations (e.g. Wireless, SDN, UPS management, switch and IOS upgrades). Provide support and guidance to other team members undertaking knowledge transfer to ensure best practices are implemented and adhered to.
  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.


Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at


Have a good general education to A Level (or equivalent) level with excellent numeracy and literacy skills

Essential

Application


Experience of supporting a Cisco based networking infrastructure including the configuration, implementation and administration of access switches and wireless access points

Essential

Application & Interview


A demonstrable ability to terminate, test and troubleshoot copper network cabling infrastructure. Similar skills for optical fibre cabling are beneficial but not essential

Essential

Application & Interview


Knowledge of appropriate health and safety working procedures and criteria

Essential

Application


Experience of coordinating operational projects to deploy changes to networking infrastructure prioritising and delegating work to others and offering appropriate support

Essential

Application & Interview


Excellent interpersonal and communication skills allowing frontline interactions with customers and to undertake technical discussions and knowledge transfer with fellow team members

Essential

Application & Interview


Ability to manage conflicting demands as part of a multi-skilled team, communicating effectively with colleagues, customers and others to meet challenging business critical deadlines

Essential

Application & Interview


Ability to quickly recognise, analyse and solve problems making recommendations for alternative courses of action from a range of evaluated options where appropriate

Essential

Application & Interview


The ability to update knowledge of relevant subject areas and keep abreast of technological developments

Essential

Application & Interview


Knowledge and experience of scripting languages and automation tools (e.g. Python)

Desirable

Application & Interview


A clean driving licence

Desirable

Application


The ability to work outside of normal business hours to support maintenance and project tasks

Desirable

Application


Further Information


Grade

6


Duration

Fixed-term for 36 months


Line manager

Network Operations Manager


Direct reports

No direct reports


Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/about (opens in new window)


For informal enquiries about this job contact Gary Helliwell, Network Operations Manager: on [email protected] or on 0114 222 3079


Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of a technical test, informal discussion with the team and panel interview. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [email protected]

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

  • A minimum of 38days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
  • A range of generous family-friendly policies
    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
    • support for those going through the menopause
    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).


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