Network Specialist

About NISC

NISC develops and implements enterprise-level and customer-facing software solutions for over 1,200+ energy cooperatives and communication organizations across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality-driven and valued-priced. We exist to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support.

We are an AI-forward company committed to being a technology leader in our industry. NISC has been ranked in ComputerWorld’s Best Places to Work for 23 years, and we are looking for qualified individuals to join our team.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Network Specialist to help design, implement, maintain and support NISC member networks. This position will be part of the Networking Infrastructure team that is responsible for designing and developing scalable, maintainable, and highly available network architectures for NISC member owners. Day-to-day responsibilities would include working with LAN/WAN infrastructure, firewall technologies and wireless technologies.

Work Schedule

• Hybrid (after an initial training period) from our Lake St. Louis, MO office location
• Hybrid Schedule: Minimum of working 3 days per week in the office and ability to work up to all 5 days a week in the office, as needed
• Required Days from an Office Location: Tuesday and Wednesday - the third required day will be up to the candidate and their supervisor to choose

Essential Duties

• Provide installation, support, and maintenance of general internal and Member network infrastructure
• Troubleshoot and resolve general network hardware and network related problems
• Provide superior customer support to internal and external customers
• Support customers in all aspects of networking including troubleshooting, training, and ongoing support
• Monitor availability, performance, and security of network systems
• Create cases and follow up on resolution
• Perform research of general technical problems, resolve issues, and verify changes or enhancements
• Deliver installation and support of Member networking infrastructure
• Participate in the staging, installation, configuration, and training for customer equipment both onsite and remotely
• Provide support to Members via NISC ACD (Automated Call Distribution), Service Center ticketing system and email
• Participate in creating and maintaining technical documentation, including inventories of hardware, software, and network mapping
• Participate in developing and delivering training
• Perform work duties outside of regular business hours, on an as needed basis, including a rotating after-hours on-call schedule, to meet internal and/or customer needs.

Leverage generative AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity, creativity, and problem-solving within the scope of the role.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 3+ years of related experience preferred
• Moderate level knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
• Moderate level knowledge of firewall technologies such as SonicWall or Palo Alto
• Moderate level knowledge of network technologies including Aruba Switching & Wireless
• Working level knowledge of setup and support of TCP/IP networks
• Basic level ability to demonstrate initiative and accountability.
• Basic verbal and written communication skills
• Basic level presentation and training skills
• Excellent telephone etiquette and an ability to deal effectively with Members/customers
• Moderate level research and problem-solving skills
• Moderate level ability to organize and prioritize
• Moderate level ability to be positive in the workplace.
• Moderate level ability to demonstrate professionalism.
• Moderate level ability to troubleshoot.
• Ability to travel as often as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the position

Education Preferred

Associate’s degree in a technology-related field.

Other Qualifications/Certifications Preferred

• Industry recognized certification such as SNSP or SNSA, CCNA, Linux, or Network+ preferred
• Experience with Network Switching infrastructure, Wireless infrastructure, and firewalls is desired

Minimum Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made. While performing this role, employees must be able to see and communicate effectively. They are regularly required to remain stationary, move about, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment.