Network Architect - Expert
 
Summary:
Work involves oversight and technical direction of system-wide issues requiring advanced levels of understanding of network theory and the specific enterprise network architecture; establishing overall strategic network standards and priorities; providing the highest level of technical guidance and direction in the design and implementation of networking solutions; analyzing the optimization of network system performance; overseeing the strategic interface of network systems configuration; using and incorporating broad technical knowledge of the diverse business areas within the enterprise in the assessment of network engineering technologies, computing systems hardware and software protocols. Additionally, positions provide high-level technical advice and guidance to managers and technical resources on which network technologies can be utilized to meet current and future organizational needs.
 
Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities
 

• Assigns and coordinates individual and staff activities, prioritizing assignments to meet assigned deadlines and allocating funds and resources.
• Depending upon assignment may perform supervisory duties.
• Establishes overall network standards and priorities; analyzes the optimization of network system performance.
• Monitors the day-to-day office activities, prioritizing assignments to meet assigned deadlines and allocating funds and resources.
• Oversees the design, evaluation, selection, implementation and support of major networks; reviews and evaluates network performance, risk and financial analysis feasibility studies.
• Oversees the strategic interface of network systems configuration; strategically plans new configurations for operation into the network, using knowledge of the characteristics of the systems being added to the network and the specifications for network interfaces to insure effective integration and optimal network performance.
• Provides complete assessments of the technical characteristics of the proposals and alternatives considered to optimize network performance.
• Serves as coach and/or mentor to introduce new approaches and to facilitate performance.
• Serves as the lead technical expert for the organization in the strategic oversight and planning for network engineering projects and programs.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze, evaluate, design and recommend network and cabling infrastructure architecture. Ability to develop and prepare complex technical documents, reports and proposals.
• Ability to effectively diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining network systems configurations.
• Ability to effectively monitor program/project development.
• Ability to explain protocols, technical procedures and processes clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to translate technical terminology in terms understandable to management and technical staff and resources.
• Considerable knowledge of Project Management concepts and principles.
• Considerable knowledge of bandwidth application requirements, routing through network devices or Public Network Extensions.
• Considerable knowledge of network operating systems.
• Project planning and management skills, including scope of work, time estimation, and resource assignment.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills; ability to create original concepts/theories for various projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills to resolve problems in a professional manner, lead working groups, negotiate and create consensus.
• Thorough knowledge of new network architectures and implementation of networked computer systems emphasizing multiple platform environments.
• Thorough knowledge of the TCP IP protocol suite, IP subnets and masking, and routing protocols.

 
 Minimum Education

• General equivalency guidelines for education, certifications, and experience are provided below; however, these guidelines do not immediately qualify someone at a particular level. Skill levels for an individual are based upon a combination of education, training, and experience, e.g. someone may have 20 years of professional experience; however they may only be qualified as Full Performance based upon the expertise needed to perform the work within that category.
• General professional years of experience may be substituted for specialized years of experience at a ratio of three (3) years of general experience within an occupation for one (1) year of specialized experience.
• Relevant certifications will be considered equivalent to three (3) months of specialized experience.
• An Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to eighteen (18) months specialized experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to three (3) years specialized experience (total equivalency is not cumulative when combined with an Associate’s degree).
• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of five (5) years when combined with a Bachelor’s).
• A Doctorate in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or a scientific or technical discipline related to the specific skill will be considered equivalent to two (2) years specialized experience (up to a total of seven (7) years when combined with a Master’s and a Bachelor’s).

 
Minimum Experience
 
Expert:

• Typically someone that is a recognized expert or certified practitioner with a particular computer language, system or technology that can not only deliver capabilities, but can mentor and train others.
• Generally requires eleven (11) years of experience specific to the skill and relevant training or certifications.
• Expertise, training and actual work experience with the specific computer language, systems, and/or technology is significantly more important than the number of years of experience. This is especially true with emerging technologies.