IT Network and Systems Specialist

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking talented candidates for an IT Network and System Specialist opportunity at our corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. WJE employs extraordinary people – talented individuals of outstanding character with a willingness to excel as members of the WJE team.

The IT Network and Systems Specialist’s role is to ensure the stable operation of the in-house, networked, critical resources. These resources include servers, network distribution switches, VoIP, video collaboration systems, NAS, and UPS devices. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all devices. The person will also analyze and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems in a timely and accurate fashion.

Responsibilities:

Strategy & Planning

• Aid in the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, procedures and associated training plans for critical resource administration, appropriate use, and disaster recovery
• Maintain current knowledge of plan executables, including procedural documentation
• Respond to emergency network outages in accordance with business continuity and disaster recovery plans
• Prepare and ensure accuracy of documentation, procedures manuals, and help materials for all critical operation resources
• Work with end users and department heads to identify and document required network service levels, especially during maintenance procedures. Work to meet service level agreements with end users
• Provide off-hour maintenance window procedures on equipment that is sensitive to normal daily operations

Acquisition & Deployment

• Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end user workstation critical operations devices
• Oversee new and existing critical operation equipment, hardware, and software upgrades
• Interact with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure critical operation equipment and services
• Deploy and maintain enterprise-class wireless networks, including access points, servers, switches, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), network attached storage (NAS), and other hardware
• Support development and implementation of critical resource projects and new technology installations
• Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry
• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services

Operational Management

• Manage servers, including backup servers and their associated operating systems and software
• Monitor and manage critical resource operation hardware and equipment, including servers, network distribution switches, voice, video systems, NAS, and UPS devices
• Administer critical resource operation equipment, hardware, and software upgrades
• Administer and maintain end user accounts, permissions, and access rights
• Perform system backups and recovery
• Recommend, schedule, and perform critical resource equipment improvements, upgrades, and repairs
• Develop and document procedures for maintaining and troubleshooting critical resource equipment
• Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end user workstation critical operations devices
• Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot end user workstation hardware, software, networked peripheral devices, cabling, and networking hardware and software products
• Prepare, maintain, and adhere to procedures for logging, reporting, and statistically monitoring critical operations equipment
• Liaise with, and provide training and support to, help desk support staff on critical operation equipment issues
• Provide guidance to junior members of the team as required

Requirements: 

• A college diploma or university degree in the field of computer science and/or 8-10 years equivalent work experience
• Working technical knowledge of Network and server operating systems, including Cisco IOS, Microsoft Server, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager
• Extensive application support experience with Cisco Webex Calling, Cisco Webex Collaboration, Dell iDRAC, HP iLo, APU UPS, Cisco Meraki, Rubrik Backup Systems, Microsoft DPM, APC UPS management, and PRTG monitoring
• Good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives
• Excellent hardware troubleshooting experience
• Excellent knowledge of telephony systems, especially Cisco Webex Calling
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Highly self-motivated and directed
• Keen attention to detail
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• On-call availability based on monitoring discoveries
• Overtime and off hours work as required

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability along with the ability to read and write well. Individuals must have the dexterity to perform basic office functions and operate office equipment such as a computer, printer, copier, telephone, and other office equipment. The position mainly involves working at a desk and requires the ability to remain for extended periods at a workstation and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components
• Occasional lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals