Network Specialist x2
Location: National (South Africa)
Employer: SANRAL
Type of Contract: Permanent
Experience: Relevant Certifications and Experience in Networking
Position Objective
The Network Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining SANRAL’s network infrastructure. The role ensures high availability, security, and performance, involving proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization to support business operations and ICT modernization initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: A Diploma in Information Technology (NQF Level 6).
- Certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Advantageous
- ITIL Foundation Certification.
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).
- Extensive experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Strong knowledge of routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) and switching technologies.
Technical Competencies
- Knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.
- Ability to prioritize and manage calls for implementation and expectations.
- Awareness of the latest technological trends and ability to suggest improvements to the current network framework.
Key Responsibilities
Management of Systems in Accordance with ITIL Methodologies
- Respond to incidents and requests logged on the Helpdesk and ensure timely resolution of network-related issues.
- Work with regional teams to ensure smooth LAN and WAN operations across all SANRAL locations.
- Adhere to ITIL best practices, including Change Management, Incident Management, and Problem Management.
Operations
- Manage, configure, and troubleshoot LAN, WAN, and VLAN networks.
- Oversee Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
- Implement network optimization strategies, including Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping.
- Perform firmware updates, patching, and lifecycle management for network devices.
- Enforce network security policies and firewall rules.
- Maintain VPNs, IPSec tunnels, and remote access solutions.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and other cybersecurity regulations.
- Monitor network traffic for security anomalies and breaches, using tools like Cisco Prime, SolarWinds, and Wireshark.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for network incidents and apply corrective measures.
- Provide support for VoIP, video conferencing, and enterprise applications.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery
- Design and maintain redundant network architectures to ensure high availability.
- Implement and manage failover mechanisms (HSRP, VRRP, BGP, OSPF) for network resilience.
- Support disaster recovery planning (DRP) and business continuity strategies.
- Regularly test network failover and conduct security audits.
Stakeholder Collaboration, Support, and Reporting
- Collaborate with internal ICT teams and external service providers for network upgrades.
- Assist in contract management for network service providers and ISPs.
- Provide technical support for enterprise users and train ICT support teams.
- Provide detailed network performance reports.
Employment Reference Checks
Employment reference checks are required as part of SANRAL’s recruitment process. Applicants must complete a consent form to authorize SANRAL to process and verify the provided information.
Employment Equity
Appointments will be made in accordance with SANRAL’s Employment Equity plan. SANRAL reserves the right not to fill the position.
Closing Date
Applications close on 14 March 2025.
Feedback will be provided to shortlisted candidates only.
