Computer Network Architect

 

Computer Network Architect

Application instructions for this and all current OPB employment opportunities are available at OPB’s careers page.

 

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

 

The Opportunity

 

Are you a skilled IT professional with a growth mind set? Possess a keen ability to spot system vulnerabilities and be proactive about them? Do you know your way around Cisco back-end switches, firewall and have Meraki experience? This job may be perfect for you!

 

OPB is hiring a Computer Network Architect to join our robust IT team. This is a new position where you’ll get to make your mark! You’ll be integral to the long-term growth of OPB by improving network stability and merging older computing systems with independent networks.

 

You will join a team of 30 IT professionals. In your role as the Computer Network Architect, you will collaborate closely with the Senior Systems Administrator and our Information Security Administrator, as well as our RF Engineers.

 

We’re looking for someone who can identify problems and make the necessary architectural changes. We need a big picture thinker who can overlay strategy to improve redundancy.  Being solution oriented and thinking strategically are key in this position. A willingness to work as an agent for change and leveraging your interpersonal and communication skills will serve you in this role!

 

 

Position Details

The Computer Architect is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing OPB’s network technologies while ensuring security and availability of services. This position will be responsible for engaging both intra-departmental and interdepartmental stakeholders across the organization to develop network architecture and solutions based on business requirements. The Computer Architect will provide support in IT projects such as preparing project plans, managing the project timeline and budget; and ensuring adequate resources are available. They will implement network and security designs strategically and adhere to industry best practices. Ensuring all network design is future-leaning, scalable and extensible will be key in this position.

 

Responsibilities

60% Responsible for the daily activities of Information Technology operations to ensuring the unit provides efficient and effective technical support service.

Design, Implement and support network and telecoms solutions/technologies, including Cisco and HP networks, Microsoft server infrastructure, VMWare Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, domain administration, detection/prevention systems, remote access, security event monitoring, infrastructure and system hardening, patch deployment and vulnerability management
Optimize both day-to-day operations and implementation of strategic initiatives
Maintain appropriate documentation
Participate in PCI compliance and Cyber Security activities
Design, administer, and maintain the OPB network and systems, based on industry best practices.
Actively participate in skills enhancement opportunities
Be a resource and liaison between Information Technology (IT) and other departments
Maintain constant focus on security through strategic application of network technologies
Install and configure network hardware and software
Provide technical support for computer network issues
Engage with vendors to plan version upgrades and patching as needed
Upgrade systems with new releases and models
Coordinate software or hardware installation
Assist with troubleshooting issues when escalated
25% – In partnership, this position will lead the development and implementation processes for the organizations IT systems and department.

Develop expertise to train staff on utilize technologies as they emerge
Assess new technologies and best practices, and operationalize them at OPB
Assist with troubleshooting issues when escalated
Make decision to drive constant improvement using information gathered from network monitoring tools
Participate or lead network design and strategy sessions as appropriate
Assist to develop, revise, and maintain contingency plans for data security and disaster recovery.
15% – Ensuring Information Technology operations provides efficient and effective technical support service.

In conjunction IT staff, manage service requests and respond to incidents.
Provide support for escalated issues representing the top tier of support.
Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of work experience managing Cisco networking, including switches, routers, firewalls, remote access, and network monitoring tools
Experience architecting, documenting, and implementing complex networks in a high-availability environment
Experience developing, documenting, and implementing policies, standards, and operating procedures
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to identify, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks to meet critical project deadlines
Experience providing superior customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB
 

Preferred Qualifications

·       Cisco Networking Vendor Certifications

·       Familiarity with ITIL/IT Service Management best practices

·       Network Security Controls

·       CompTIA A+ Certification

·       PCI Experience

·       Windows Server System Administration

·       Experience with business continuity or disaster recovery strategies

·       Experience writing in shell or scripting languages Experience designing and administering telecom, network, and phone systems, including newer “born-in-the-cloud” solutions

·       2-year degree in Computer Science or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position

·       Experience administering telecoms network and phone systems, including newer “born-in-the-cloud” solutions

 

Additional Information

This position reports to the IT Director and is benefits eligible
OPB has set a hiring range of $97,000 – $107,000 for a candidate that meets the above described qualifications and years of experience. However, OPB wants to review applications from a variety of diverse candidates. So, if you have more years of experience, please allow us to review your materials. If you reach the offer stage, we may write an offer commensurate with your experience.
For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.
How to Apply

For application instructions, please visit OPB’s careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.

 

Your application materials are due by 8:59 PM Pacific Time on November 1, 2023.

 

OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.