"Network Specialist"

Job Description Summary

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) is the University of Pennsylvania's central IT organization, providing the core network, data, voice, video, and enterprise application infrastructure and services upon which Penn's numerous Schools and Centers build their unique tools and capabilities.

ISC's 300-plus employees work closely with the University's IT organizations in order to create, deliver and support products and services that help Schools and Centers operate efficiently and effectively. We strive to be easy to work with, and to serve as a trusted advisor to Penn's IT community, faculty, staff and students in support of an environment of discovery and progress.

ISC's focus on customer service and the high-quality, cost-effective, reliable implementation of modern IT solutions advances the mission of the University, as well as that of each individual School and Center. At Penn, technological freedom and departmental autonomy represent dearly held core values. ISC supports those ideas by providing foundational services and cogent counsel, empowering individuals and departments to employ their distinct strengths in support of their goals.

Learn more about us by visiting https://www.isc.upenn.edu/about or www.linkedin.com/company/penn-information-systems-computing/.

Join our team as a Network Specialist and play a key role in supporting and enhancing a dynamic enterprise network environment. In this hands-on position, you'll complete service requests such as port activations, wireless installations, IP phone deployments, and switch installations while troubleshooting wired, wireless, and voice connectivity issues. You'll collaborate on network upgrades and hardware lifecycle projects, gain exposure to enterprise-class infrastructure, and grow your technical expertise through ongoing training and professional development in a collaborative, customer-focused environment.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on maintenance and operational support for data, IP video, and IP telephony infrastructure
• Perform port activations and deactivations, conduct wireless surveys and testing, and install IP phones
• Deliver exceptional customer service through daily interaction with faculty, staff, and students across the University
• Take ownership of assigned issues through resolution or timely escalation, ensuring effective and prompt problem management
• Respond to emergency outages and service disruptions as needed
• Support network upgrades and campus events, which may require early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends
• Configure and install network switches; assist with router and wireless access point installations and upgrades
• Monitor network performance and perform troubleshooting using a variety of diagnostic tools
• Maintain proficiency with key systems, including Helix, asset management platforms, Nautobot, and Cisco Catalyst Center, through ongoing training and professional development
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and 0 to 1 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working with enterprise-grade networking equipment
• Experience with fiber and copper-based networks, including testing and media certification
• Foundational understanding of switching and routing concepts
• Ability to read and interpret floor plans and network maps.
• Experience installing and configuring networking equipment, applying testing methodologies, and troubleshooting Internet connectivity issues
• Demonstrated experience providing hands-on customer support and interacting effectively with customers
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including: The ability to explain and present technical issues and status updates to non-technical audiences. The ability to clearly document and communicate technical issues and resolutions to technical teams.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer applications and systems
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of campus activities, events, or upgrades

Preferred:

• Experience using IT ticketing software
• Hands-on experience with Juniper EX and/or Cisco Catalyst switches
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Network+, CCENT, CCNA, CWTS, JNCIA, JCNIS, ITIL Foundation)
• 1-2 years of experience working in a higher education environment
• Experience with CMDB platforms, asset management systems, Nautobot, and/or Cisco Catalyst Center

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Information Systems and Computing

Pay Range

$26.20 - $38.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.