Posting Opens May 10, 2023 Posting Closes May 25, 2023

The Akron Board of Education announces an opening for a Network Systems Coordinator, Job Code 076, Time Schedule 522 (261 days), Salary TBD. Collective Bargaining Unit – None. This is a School Employees Retirement System position.

Application must be made electronically through http://www.applitrack.com/akron/onlineapp/ .

Please upload a letter of interest, resume and a current copy of appropriate license in addition to completing the online application. The Superintendent reserves the right to either keep the position open until suitable applicants are found or to cancel and repost the position with such changes as may be deemed appropriate. For further information, please contact Howard Lawson, Director, Data & Accountability, 330-761-2718 or Human Resources, 330-761-2753.

SUMMARY:
The Network Systems Coordinator will manage and supervise the network, telecommunications and server-group employees. This employee will also be responsible for the entire network including design, server upgrades and the infrastructure’s daily maintenance. The position will also handle all technical requirements for state-mandated initiatives for online testing as well as dual enrollment requirements for online courses and various other network responsibilities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Supervises the network, telecommunications and server group employees;
• Maintains HP and Nutanix Servers. Installs and configures application software as requested. Manages day-to-day operations and maintenance of servers, including user accounts, hardware, software and license updates;
• Maintains and executes backup, disaster-recovery plans and procedures for HP and Nutanix servers, and any other equipment added as required by the district needs, and is responsible for all data backup and recovery;
• Maintains the electronic delivery (Send mail) and transfer SNMP) systems and ensures that mail can be delivered effectively and efficiently, both locally and remotely. Establish mechanisms to limit unsolicited emails;
• Designs, maintains, and supports network infrastructure and various services that monitor and support the network (such as DNS, DHCP, Cisco Prime and SCOM); providing day-to-day management and monitoring of switches, servers, wireless network access points, and router configurations;
• Assists with all document filings for e-rate reimbursement;
• Provides documentation of all systems, maintenance plans, disaster recovery plans, and day-to-day operations;
• Plans and identifies technology and operational needs, evaluates alternative solutions, and provides recommendations for both short-term and long-term systems;
• Oversees and performs functions that permit the district to act as its own Internet Service Provider (ISP) and as its own Data Acquisition Site (DAS) in order to comply with State mandated requirements for data submission;
• Provides technical guidance and direction to departmental staff on systems, methods, and procedures. Also provides technical assistance to school and office staff for specific projects. Is proactive in determining the upcoming needs and technologies advancements of the District;
• Performs feasibility studies, evaluations, research, and design for hardware, software, and communications networks. Makes recommendations regarding purchase of hardware, software, and peripherals. Works with vendors on system specifications, features and the coordination of installations of any major equipment. Works with other departments in determining network needs for their hardware and software purchases;
• Communicates with departmental staff, vendors, and users regarding current projects, problems, and issues. Prepares written correspondence, recommendations, system documentation, network configuration designs and drawings, etc. Communicates effectively with all levels and positions, as well as with technical experts regarding complex and abstract technical issues, designs, and scenarios;
• Works with the Director, Technology Services to make critical decisions that affect the District;
• Reports to the Director, Technology Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Two-year or four-year degree, Computer Science/Engineering Major, or five-ten years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge of local and wide area network (LAN, WAN) system configuration(s) and protocols;
• Knowledge of network architecture, configuration, protocols, and interconnectivity requirements for internal/external information transmission. Knowledge of network traffic and performance parameters to interpret variance and service impact to users. Demonstrated experience with IP data networks;
• Knowledge of web server software application and utilities, including Apache software.
• Experience with UNIX, Linux and Microsoft Windows server platforms
• Experience with Cisco routers and switches, video over IP, voice over IP and TCP/IP protocols, directory services, web-development tools;
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with network management tools and/or network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and protocols for Cisco products;
• Requires analytical skills, problem solving techniques, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology, systems, and environments, good judgment, common sense, and logic and reasoning skills, strong interpersonal and people skills, good communications skills for complex technical purposes and for relating to technical knowledge to non-technical people;
• Expert knowledge of Firewalls, VOIP, VMWARE, Router/Switch, Webex, CISCO Telepresence, Network Infrastructure, Microsoft Exchange, DNS Server, Replication, ALL System Security, Video.

Desired:

• Master’s degree, Computer Science/Engineering Major Maintains professional competency and keeps current with latest technological advances and developments;
• Certifications for MCSE, MCSE+I, CCNA, CCNA-Security.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read (including color documents) and comprehend technical documents, compose letters and respond to requests from personnel in their assigned buildings.
• Ability to document projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, all levels of administration, and schools for sharing information, coordinating projects and analyzing needs.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Basic math skills.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Troubleshooting problems requires excellent analytical skills.
• Must be able to identify the problems, run tests, and interpret the results.
• Ability to work with users to interpret their needs and diagnose any problems, offer alternative recommendations, and determine the best solution.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Ohio driver’s license.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work well with others in the school system, as well as a full understanding of all the different models of computers in the district.
• Ability to work with the Technology Director to provide assistance with establishing departmental and district wide procedures.
• Must also take an active role or a leadership role in district wide projects, as well as take an active role in training the lower level computer techs.
• This position requires an individual to possess strong analytical skills, problem-solving techniques, leadership, and communication skills; ability to learn and master new technology; good judgment, common sense, logic and reasoning skills; and the ability to identify areas of improvement in the department and the district.
• Maintains the highest level of professional competency and keeps current with technological advances and developments.
• Must make every effort to expand knowledge and skills as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Need to carry a beeper or cell phone to respond quickly to problems in school offices during working hours.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule for special projects.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see in color, lift, move and carry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• On call 24/7 technical support may be required.
• Requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift files, boxes, and other materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Required to move from building to building throughout the day.
• The job requires moving of equipment (heavy and light) within or between buildings, including multiple flights of steps as needed.

If you require any special services (such as interpreter, braille or large print, or wheelchair-accessible accommodations) covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, Section 102, please call the Department of Human Resources at 330-761-2949. If you are using a TTY/TTD, please call the Ohio Relay Service, 1-800-750-0750.

Akron Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes").

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.