1D55

PAY RANGE: EP17

 

NETWORK SUPPORT SPECIALIST

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

 

          This is full performance technical support computing work performing desktop and computing equipment network development, troubleshooting, and maintenance.  An employee in this class performs the full scope of desktop and computing equipment networking tasks for a network, ranging from computing equipment hardware and software installation and maintenance to the point of successful network software access. Work includes configuring and performing diagnostic techniques on computing equipment to determine software or hardware related problems.  Work in this class differs from the next lower level in that the employee is expected to perform the full scope of desktop and computing equipment networking tasks independently as well as diagnose user problems and provide problem resolution of computing equipment with limited supervision. Providing user support related to network access, use of network or network problem resolution and ensuring that application software on file servers is current are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general direction of a technical superior.

 

ALLOCATING FACTORS:   (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

 

1.       Positions in this class must perform full performance level technical network support computing work.

2.       Positions in this class must perform the full range of desktop and computing equipment hardware and software tasks independently.

3.       Positions in this class must perform the work in departments that have one or more Local Area Networks (LAN).

4.       Positions located within the Police Department requires rotating shift work on weekends and holidays throughout the calendar year, and must be able to successfully pass criminal background and fingerprint screenings.

 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

 

          Receives personal computers and network computing equipment from the vendor; verifies that all components are available and are installed correctly; verifies that add-in circuit boards are installed and meet ordering specifications; installs add-in circuit boards as required; prepares computing equipment by installing system files, configuration files and the operating systems; installs the necessary application software on computing equipment and customizes for various implementations; installs work station network software and tests software by attaching computing equipment to the network; installs computing equipment at user site and instructs users in such areas as network access and problem reporting; reviews with user the newly installed software and application upgrade by providing software level, version numbers, serial numbers, available documentation and help desk support; receives calls from users to determine error situations and technical problems; informs users of the correct procedure or organization to handle questions; determines if a failure is hardware or software related; maintains cluster controller software and back-ups under the direction of a technical superior; maintains cluster controller software for attached computing equipment, if appropriate.

          Ensures applications software resident on file server is current; monitors literature from the vendor for any corrections of abnormal operating situations; uses diagnostic equipment to determine faults in both hardware and software on computing equipment; recommends procedures for users to access the system. 

          Performs full and incremental backups as required by the organization; performs file uploads and downloads to other organizations as required; restores files from either full or incremental backups; configures computing equipment attached to the network by creating addresses, port configurations, device information, and security; performs diagnostics on computing equipment to determine if a problem is hardware or software related; provides user support as necessary concerning problems, access, and use of the network; contacts appropriate vendor for hardware maintenance; configures and customizes computing equipment  prior to attaching to the network by checking devices to ensure that there are no memory conflicts with memory resident software; provides user support as necessary concerning problems, access and use of the network.

          Performs work in confined spaces; pulls electrical cables and runs cable through ceilings and floors; carries heavy computing equipment and test equipment such as monitors.

          Performs related work as required.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

·       City technology standards and network computing equipment

•         operation, capabilities, and relationship of PC Server and computing equipment and attached peripherals in both stand-alone and network environments

•         current developments in the area of computer application software and hardware related to stand-alone PC's, network computing equipment, and servers

·                   server OS concepts, port configuration, and network components, including topologies, router configuration, fiber/cable familiarity, and firewall concepts

·                Directory Services, such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Active Directory, Novell Directory Services (NDS), LDAP, etc. and the associated theories and concepts

·                methods, materials, tools, and practices used in the installation and maintenance of software and hardware installed in the computing equipment and file server environment

·                relevant PC/server and computing equipment based operating systems such as, Windows, Macintosh OS

•         the techniques, methods, and practices used in obtaining maximum utilization of computing equipment and peripherals

·                current developments in the area of computing equipment and related application software and hardware

·                the techniques and methods used to modify configurations to meet changing needs of users

•         the operation and capabilities of devices required to link computing equipment to a network

•         host based operating systems and commands used to access and effectively maintain systems

•         the methods and practices used in troubleshooting network software and hardware malfunctions

•         techniques in computing equipment problem identification and resolution

•         theory and practices of implementing and maintaining network security procedures and protocols with computing equipment

•         the applicability of application development tools in a client server or LAN environment.

 

SKILL IN:

 

·       applying best practices in network development, troubleshooting, and maintenance

·       identifying and resolving network problems independently

·       configuring, installing and troubleshooting network computing equipment

 

ABILITY TO:

 

•         train personnel in data processing procedures, information technology procedures, operations techniques and network access

•         establish and maintain working relationships with departmental associates and vendors

•         evaluate computing equipment and make recommendations to management based on cost, efficiency and compatibility with existing systems

•         troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions and perform necessary minor maintenance and repair tasks to make computing equipment functional

•         read and interpret manufacturer's manuals

•         configure network operating systems at the computing equipment and network access point

•         learn to install and configure network operating systems used in a local area network (LAN) at the file server

•         learn to apply the theory and practices of installing, implementing and maintaining network file server security procedures and protocols

•         evaluate and analyze network related problems for computing equipment, peripheral and communications hardware problems

•         modify network computing equipment and other peripheral devices to meet changing needs of users

•         operate interactive computing equipment, including entering and retrieving data

•         perform strenuous physical duties such as pulling cable, carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, running wire through ceilings and working in confined spaces

·                configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment

·                configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals

 

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/24.)

 

OPTION 1:

 

EDUCATION:

 

          Completion of an Associate Degree or 60 credits in computer science, information science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university or technical institution

 

NOTE:  Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

 

OR

 

          Current certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certified Novell Administrator (CAN), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), or Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).

 

AND

 

EXPERIENCE:

         

          Two years of experience performing technical support computer work at the entry level, or personal computer networking experience performing the full range of network support assignments from computing equipment hardware installation and maintenance to point of network access, installing, evaluating, troubleshooting and maintaining network computing equipment hardware and software and related peripheral equipment operational for the computing equipment component of a network.

 

 

 

OR

 

OPTION 2:

 

EDUCATION:

 

          Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, information science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

 

NOTE:  Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

 

AND

EXPERIENCE:

 

          One year of experience performing technical support computer work at the entry level, or personal computer networking experience performing the full range of network support assignments from computing equipment hardware installation and maintenance to point of network access, installing, evaluating, troubleshooting and maintaining network computing equipment hardware and software and related peripheral equipment operational for the computing equipment component of a network.

 

OR

 

          One year of experience as an Information Technology Trainee or equivalent experience assisting in the analysis, design, implementation, operation and technical support of one or more Information Technology functions.

 

City of Philadelphia classes that typically meet the experience requirements:

 

Network Support Associate (1D54)

Information Technology Trainee (1E70)

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

          Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

          Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during tenure of employment as a Network Support Specialist, if required by work assignment.

 

Class Established - 5/95

Spec. Revision:

CSC -  1/04

Ad. Board - 5/04

Spec Revision:
CSC-6/16

Ad. Board-7/16

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 7/23

Ad. Board – 8/23

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 4/24

Ad. Board – 5/24

 

                                                                                                

JA