Telecommunications/Network Technologist II

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS/NETWORK TECHNICIAN:

• Configures, installs, tests, troubleshoots, repairs and monitors operation of LAN hardware/software including desktop computers, data/voice/video communication systems, including peripheral devices, wiring and cabling to ensure connectivity and functionality.
• Identifies and resolves network and telecommunication system malfunctions including connectivity and functionality for mainframe and remote access and other connections/interfaces; start/restart network after disruptions or failures using computer diagnostic tools and software; run system backups; resolves desktop computer problems.
• Provides customer service through central service desk/help desk function to resolve or ensure resolution of problem diagnosis/assessment and repairs.  Maintains database of user problems and resolution.
• Performs routine network systems administration to include, but not limited to: addition/deletion of users and hardware/software, defining access rights, implementing and ensuring compliance with security procedures and policies, purchasing hardware/software through state contracts, planning and implementing desktop computer migration and maintaining inventory control systems. Advises and trains users on the operation and capabilities of hardware and application software.
• Plans, schedules, installs and tests software updates and hardware upgrades; conducts needs analysis of equipment, software, network security, budget, disaster recovery concerns, training and equipment resources to plan and recommend network changes in ways that meet program goals.  Coordinates network expansion with agency technical staff, consultants, contractual vendors or Department of Technology and Information (DTI).

TELECOMMUNICATIONS/NETWORK TECHNOLOGIST

• Plans, designs and implements new/upgraded data networks to include determination of telecommunications needed such as: types of transmission lines, required speed of lines. Performs or reviews measurements to determine needed bandwidth, location and number of circuits (SMDS) and hardware capacity.  Forecast business application needs. Determines and plans: route of multiple protocols, traffic schedules, deployment of upgrades and new installations, etc. Supervises the installation/maintenance of switch rooms, networks, interface and multiplexing equipment, port connections, transmission lines and other telecommunications equipment.
• Projects future business needs and develops strategic business plan for expansion and installation of data network and telecommunications infrastructure using state of the art, leading edge multi-technology disciplines. Make recommendations for short and long term telecommunications capacity, configuration and other planning to meet agency business needs.
• Researches and investigates emerging and leading edge technologies; assesses applicability to business demands and problems and works with the State Office of Telecommunications Management for major network redesigns.  Researches and defines agency network design requirements including security, cost/benefit, operational parameters, integration with existing systems and resource utilization.  Assesses network impact, load balances and performs other tuning work to ensure efficient and effective utilization of network resources. 
• Plans and implements redundancy. Plans and provides migration methodology to future or next generation network technologies in ways that meet business needs.
• Develop tactical and strategic planning strategies for data networks to ensure network capacity meets current and future requirements. Uses appropriate tools such as network application programs that produce traffic utilization reports, etc.
• Investigates, analyzes, designs, recommends and implements upgrades using an evaluation of the feasibility, compatibility, performance, and cost effectiveness of potential system configurations and vendors.
• Develops the network infrastructure plan. Assesses current network to determine hardware and software requirements, designs routine technical specifications for procurement of new equipment, develops cost estimates for construction and renovation projects. Evaluates potential designs for feasibility and cost effectiveness; presents project plans and recommendations to management as required to ensure business needs are met.
• Oversees and coordinates the work of technical staff in the absence of technical supervision or on a project basis or as assigned by management.

Note:  This classification can support only the large scale, most complex data networks and some of the agencies employing mid-range data networks.