Network Support

Table of Contents

Job Name

Network Support

Job Description

Network support staff work with the users of an enterprise network to maintain and improve a business network. IT support staff are generally responsible for the maintenance of network hardware, infrastructure, operating platforms and generic end-user software, however they are generally less concerned with the maintenance of tailor-made end-user software.  They provide critical integrated, secure and effective information and communications systems and services.  (AFP 11June 2007)

Network support staff can be based in a particular location or as a roaming technician within an organisation.  They may be required to provide customer support to the users and owners of network systems through various mediums ranging from telephone Helpdesks through to attending customer or client premises to provide physical assistance.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing on-site support to large scale enterprise networks, by supplying advice, services, and work-products to business areas seeking to improve or enhance their business processes (ICT Careers Portal, 2007)
• Providing remote assistance to small and medium sized entities
• Ensuring a prompt and reliable help desk service through electronic of voice means as required (ICT Careers Portal, 2007)
• Adapting and streamlining new and existing networking technology with the aim of maintaining the currency of information technology processes and technical knowledge (ICT Careers Portal, 2007) (DEWR, 2007)
• Maintaining general network functions and hardware
• Supporting the achievement of outputs within the strategic direction of the organisation
• Maintaining secure, effective information systems and networks (nationally and internationally) to deliver information at the right time and in the right format to serve operational and management requirements

Job Requirements

• Expertise in supporting and troubleshooting popular desktop operating systems (Windows, OS X, popular Linux distributions)
• An excellent understanding of various server operating systems (Windows Server 200x and UNIX based solutions) and network management utilities
• A working knowledge of database, web and storage server applications in both open-source and closed source arenas
• Experience in the administration and support of network technologies, voice communications and cabling systems  particularly from leading industry vendors (DEWR, 2007)
• Excellent interpersonal and customer support skills (DEWR, 2007)
• Familiarity with commercial secure computing applications
• A comprehensive knowledge of HTTP, SMTP, DNS, Routing, Switching, Unix Operating Systems, Firewalls, Log/Event Correlation Engines and Scripting
• The ability to design, install, configure and troubleshoot network related problems at the highest level
• Must have the ability to organise your work, make sound decisions and achieve outcomes (AFP 11 June 2007) (ICT Careers Portal, 2007)
• Formal qualifications in ICT (information, communications or technology) from a recognised tertiary institution or extensive demonstrated equivalent skills and experience
• Successful applicants must undergo a security clearance

Advantageous Attributes

• Microsoft MCSE certification
• Tertiary industry qualifications
• Brand specific networking knowledge (Cisco, HP Procurve)
• Virtual Private Networking experience
• A degree in IT or Software Engineering (ICT Careers Portal, 2007)
• Previous experience in the Network Support industry
• Experience with TCP/IP networking

Salary Ranges

• $60,000 - $75,000
• up to $76,640 (Band 5 APS, DEWR)
• $70,465 - $77,746 (Band 6 Technical AFP)
• $85,000 - $95,000 (Senior Server Engineers) 

Industry Employers

• IT Services Company based in Castle Hill
• Fingerprint Consulting Services
• Hewlett-Packard
• IBM
• DELL
• M&T Resources
• Australian Federal Police
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Job Listings

http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=62&PageNumber=1&JobID=10108361& 

http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=69&PageNumber=1&JobID=10131898& 

http://it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=74&PageNumber=1&JobID=10108361& 

http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/sydney/it-telecommunications/network-engineering/5285855+network+support+engineer.aspx 
http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/canberra-act/it-telecommunications/network-systems-administration/5232228+network+security+support.aspx?style=enhanced

http://www.afp.gov.au/job_listing/role_descriptions/information_services_team_member_network_services.html

http://mycareer.com.au/jobs/canberra-act/it-telecommunications/network-systems-administration/5294588+senior+server+engineer.aspx?style=enhanced\\

The Canberra Times - 9 June 2007 (AFP Jobs) - Team Member Information Services 

ICT Careers Portal (2007), Network Support. Retrieved 18 August, 2007 from https://www.acs.org.au/ictcareers/careers/descriptions/netwksp.htm

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (2007), Network Support Officer. Retrieved 18 August, 2007 from http://dewr.nga.net.au/mjs_customer_data/dewr/job_files/1743/PM1743.rtf

Differences and Similarities Observed

It seems that the base skills requirement for Network Support is generally uniform, and that specialisations seem to be foregone in favour of a greater general skills base. However one large difference is that some employers require a formal qualification while others only find it advantageous. More broadly though, employers seem to be looking for previous experience in troubleshooting and maintenance over an applicant with one or more specialised industry qualifications or a string of acronyms after one's name.  

Other References used

mycareer.com.au 

www.seek.com.au/jobsearch

www.google.com.au/jobsearch

www.google.com.au

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