Network Architect

SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To understand the business requirements with advanced professional work researching and analyzing emerging technologies to design support implement and maintain the integrity scalability and stability of the City LAN/WAN data and telecommunications network systems. This involves architecting multiple secure networks to operate efficiently across the organization managing the installation monitoring maintenance support and optimization of all network hardware software and communication links; as well as the mentoring and training peers as required. This classification also participates in the planning and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure system provisioning and maintenance that is consistent with the Citys goals industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees at the architect level are distinguished from Network Administrators by their level of technical expertise and long-range impact of the assigned duties. Network Architect work includes directing technical planning and design activities including validation and verification of network strategies cost analysis risk assessment and compatibility. The Network Architect may serve as a technical expert and be called upon to research and resolve issues escalated by other technology support groups as well as recommend long-term strategic decisions to City technology. Positions at this level exercise more independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives priorities and deadlines and assists incumbents with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents. Incumbents plan and carry out the successive steps and handle problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions policies previous training or accepted practices in the occupation.

SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does not have direct supervisory responsibility but does have significant oversight of employees or projects that require delegation and direction over the work of others.

1. Perform network architecture and design to include all City of Duluth enterprise networked systems network fiber interconnect and other network operations.
2. Lead advanced technical project teams and contractors with engineering emphasis on routing/switching system buildouts and systems security and reliability. Plan assign direct and coordinate work efforts by developing project plans timetables and staff requirements.
3. Review and evaluate performance data to ensure sufficient network resources are available in support of current requirements; develop strategies for identifying and increasing resources when necessary.
4. Provide long-range strategic planning for new and innovative networking technologies including research and development of alternative architectures new infrastructure framework and engineering strategy while monitoring the impact of technological developments.
5. Formulate and define next generation infrastructure for the Citys data networks in support of the applications and security systems that support the Citys business mission information technology functions and services.
6. Develop criteria and oversee design and development of prototypical lab environments for the purpose of providing testing and training platforms of new networking technologies by network systems and operations staff.
7. Aid in the development implementation and maintenance of policies procedures and associated training plans for network administration and usage.
8. Interact negotiate and build positive relationships with vendors outsourcers and contractors to secure network products and services.
9. Ensure network connectivity of all systems workstations telephony equipment SCADA traffic signals vehicle technology operations City surveillance solutions and other network devices.
10. Manage all network hardware and equipment including routers switches wireless controllers firewalls and UPSs.
11. Recommend schedule and perform network improvements upgrades and repairs to include network improvement equipment on water towers streetlights cell towers roofs bridges and within construction sites in all weather conditions.
12. Participate in managing all network security solutions.
13. Act as an IT infrastructure team lead including the training and mentorship of Network Administrators.
14. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation supporting other employees in handling tasks interacting effectively and respectfully with others showing a desire to contribute to the team effort accepting assignments willingly and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
15. Coordinate with various City departments and other government agencies to develop methods of sharing resources minimizing duplication and simplifying procedures.
16. Provide training on new or modified procedures and policies to all affected parties.
17. In collaboration with the supervisor organize and direct the work activities project teams and determine work priorities assignments and work schedules.
18. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the supervisor and employees by maintaining two-way communication producing consistent results advocating for the team when appropriate and offering expertise to improve processes systems and the organization.
19. Other duties may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge skills and abilities required.

Education & Experience Requirements
A. Graduation from an accredited technical school or college/university with a degree in the field of computer science management information systems or related discipline and five (5) years of progressively responsible verifiable experience in technology system support including at least two (2) years of full-time experience in network design implementation and maintenance; OR
B. Eight (8) years of full-time verifiable experience in network design implementation and maintenance; OR
C. A combination of verifiable education and experience equaling eight (8) years which
demonstrates possession of the knowledge skills and abilities required for this position.

License Requirements
A. Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D drivers license or privilege.

Knowledge Requirements
A. Extensive hands-on technical knowledge of network systems protocols and standards such as TCP/IP OSPF 802.1x SIP etc.
B. Strong knowledge of network management performance security and analysis tools.
C. Extensive hardware software and network connection troubleshooting knowledge.
D. Extensive knowledge of firewalls intrusion detection systems and other network security measures.
E. Knowledge of applicable government data privacy practices laws CJIS Security and PCI compliancy requirements.
F. Knowledge of the organizations goals and objectives.
G. Knowledge of problem-solving and conflict-resolution techniques.
H. Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
I. Knowledge of or the ability to learn City policies and procedures.
J. Knowledge of federal state and local laws statutes regulations codes and standards related to the area of responsibility.
K. Knowledge of effective leadership and personnel practices.

Skill Requirements
A. Skill at installing/configuring firewalls switches routers bridges and other networking infrastructure.
B. Skill at working in a multi-site switched and routed environment.
C. Skill with LAN WAN WLAN and WWAN design and implementation.
D. Skill with network capacity planning network security principles and general network management best practices.
E. Skill and experience with network capacity planning network security principles and general network management best practices.
F. Skill at leading in a team-oriented collaborative environment.
G. Skill in the operation of office equipment including but not limited to general computer systems job required software applications the internet and modern office equipment.
H. Skill in managing ones own time and the time of others.
I. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
J. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions conclusions or approaches to problems.

Ability Requirements
A. Ability to conduct research into networking issues and products.
B. Ability to analyze and problem-solve complicated network trouble.
C. Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
D. Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
E. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
F. Ability to design oversee monitor and maintain network operations including high-availability and resilient network architectures.
G. Ability to evaluate and make recommendations on network-related hardware and application software packages.
H. Ability to effectively communicate on a one-to-one basis and with groups to obtain or provide information related to user needs.
I. Ability to be self-motivated and a strong team leader while prioritizing and executing tasks in a high-pressure environment.
J. Ability to plan direct assign supervise and evaluate project teams and task forces.
K. Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment that welcomes diversity ensures cooperation and promotes respect by sharing expertise with team members fostering safe work practices and developing trusting work relationships.
L. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
M. Ability to recognize analyze and solve a variety of problems.
N. Ability to organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
O. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
P. Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
Q. Ability to train and lead others.
R. Ability to interpret and apply laws contracts regulations policies and procedures.
S. Ability to enforce safety rules and regulations.
T. Ability to maintain confidential information.
U. Ability to demonstrate dependability responsibility and consistency in job performance.
V. Ability to attend work as scheduled and/or required.
W. Ability to be available for standby and/or callback.

Physical Demands
The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough uneven or rocky surfaces; recurring bending crouching stooping stretching reaching or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as record boxes. The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as above.

Work Environment
The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress requiring a range of safety and other precautions (e.g. working at great heights under extreme outdoor weather conditions or in similar situations in which conditions cannot be controlled).


If available for this job classification detailed Physical Demands can be viewed here: Process Information

Education & Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point)

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin sex marital status familial status age sexual orientation status with regard to public assistance disability genetic information veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Alternative Exam Process(does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional temporary or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through .

Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.

Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional temporary or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically the notice should be sent by email to .

VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment provisional seasonal temporary or part-time non-union selections

To apply for Veterans Preference the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.

• Scan and combine all documents into one file before uploading it to the Attachments section of the application.
• Submitting this information is optional but preference points cannot be awarded without it.
• Points are only awarded if the applicant passes all exams and submits all required documents to Human Resources.

OPEN SELECTIONS

Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 (Member-4 copy) showing honorable discharge.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 (Member-4 copy) showing honorable discharge;
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater dated within the past 12 months.

Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 (Member-4 copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater dated within the past 12 months.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must currently be married to the veteran;
• The veteran must meet the minimum qualifications for the position but be unable to use the preference because of a service-connected disability. The applicant must explain this in their response to the related question in the Agency Questions section of the application.

Spouse of Deceased Veteran

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• Death certificate;
• DD214 or DD215 (Member-4 copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater.

Eligibility:

• The applicant must not have remarried;
• The veteran must have died during active duty or as a result of an injury received during active duty.

PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS

Points are only awarded to Disabled Veterans score one time on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.

Disabled Veteran

Required Documents:

• DD214 or DD215 (Member-4 copy) showing honorable discharge;
• USDVA Disability Rating Decision showing a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater dated within the past 12 months.

Please refer toMinnesota Statute 197.455for additional information about Veterans Preference.