1E07
LOCAL AREA NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

This is computer network management work at the advanced performance level maintaining a computer system configured in a local area network (LAN) of personal computer workstations and supporting data communications hardware such as, file servers, printers and other related peripheral input/output devices, and may provide technical direction to lower level network technicians participating in such work. An employee in this class coordinates the provision of LAN services to end users, and monitors and maintains the network's operating and communications systems. Work includes interaction with vendors, contractors, consultants, programming personnel and the City's central computing agency for system problem resolution. Ensuring system security, disaster recovery and data systems integrity and availability is a significant aspect of the work. This class is differentiated from lower level classes in this series by the responsibility for management and maintenance of the hardware and software components of at least one local area network. Work is performed under the direction of an administrative or technical superior.

• The position must have primary responsibility for LAN management activities for a network consisting of interconnected personal computer workstations.
• The position must be responsible for configuration, installation and maintenance of the network's operating and hardware systems and hardware and software problem resolution.

• Applies LAN technology to address user needs; determines the department's information management needs for the acquisition of add-on hardware and software; reviews product comparisons and makes recommendations for the acquisition of software and hardware to support the network; prepares requests for the acquisition of hardware and software; confers with vendors to devise plans for installation projects; oversees the installation of hardware and software systems; provides assignments and technical direction to lower level network technicians engaged in hardware installation and hardware and software first echelon maintenance; performs application and operating system product installations; develops preliminary configuration for add-on hardware and software; monitors network performance; ensures response time is within acceptable limits; provides problem resolution for user problems from beginning to end; identifies and refers unusual or difficult network problems to the maintenance vendor; evaluates system software problems; determines with maintenance vendor, the best approach for service restoration and networking repairs; communicates with vendors, other outside specialists or the central computing agency for higher level problem resolution when necessary.
• Maintains the work stations, file servers, systems software and peripheral equipment in continuous working order; troubleshoots and tests systems in order to obtain optimum efficiency; insures network communications to other CPUs and LANs; tunes the system in order to balance the load running on the system and to obtain optimum system efficiency; insures network availability; develops and maintains a disaster recovery plan; backs up the system at regular intervals in order to prevent loss of data files; develops and implements strategies designed for system security; determines correct methods for attaining access; establishes levels of access for users; issues passwords and other security measures; updates security measures on a regular basis.
• Confers with users and programming staff to determine user system and application needs; determines user request feasibility; defers to programming personnel to analyze and develop user network application requests and modifications; reviews and approves final product; maintains the database for LAN; develops procedures to ensure accuracy of information in the database; documents all methods and procedures.
• Instructs network users in the capabilities and functions of the LAN system; trains users in procedures for accessing the network and utilizing its functions; updates users on new procedures and additional capabilities of the system; instructs users on the procedures for using new PC software and its applications; develops and maintains a management system of network utilization and system performance statistics.
• Projects future needs of the LAN for user planning strategies and information system development; stays abreast of changes and recent developments in network technology, protocols and procedures to support a LAN.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, practices and methods of integrating microcomputers into an organization for user information analysis, maintenance, and report generation
• the current uses and capabilities of microcomputers and microcomputer applications
• the theory of office automation and networking
• the principles, practices, and techniques used in connecting a LAN with other CPUs, and Intranet
• current technological development in the field of microcomputers and local area networks
• one or more operating systems used for networking microcomputer systems
• one or more communication configuration systems used in Local Area Networks
• the principles and techniques of database management
• the techniques used in network problem resolution
• the theory and practices of implementing and maintaining security procedures and protocols
SKILL IN:
• evaluating and analyzing microcomputer network problems
• producing effective problem resolution for network and application problems
• modifying system configuration to meet changing needs of the user
ABILITY TO:
• provide technical direction to lower level technicians
• become familiar with the functions and objectives of an assigned municipal government responsibility area
• coordinate and direct the activities involved in maintaining a Local Area Network
• plan and implement strategies for system security and integrity
• establish working relationships and communicate effectively with vendors, users and other associates
• instruct users in the operation of the computer equipment, the system's capabilities and the proper use of the software
• determine the right balance of performance and cost efficiency for the assigned network
• use tact and diplomacy when interacting with end users and administrators
• evaluate new technologies and conceptualize their potential for incorporation into the existing system
• think logically and sequentially
• speak and write effectively
• identifying security threats

EDUCATION
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Computer Science, Decision Science, Information Science or a closely related field.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Two years of experience performing network technical support work performing the full range of network support assignments from workstation hardware installation and maintenance to point of network access, installing, evaluating, troubleshooting, and maintaining network hardware and software for a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN).
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Two years of experience at the full performance level in network technical support performing the full range of network support assignments form workstation hardware installation and maintenance to point of network access, installing, evaluating, troubleshooting, and maintaining network hardware and software for Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN).

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the specific experience and completion of an associate’s degree in Computer Science, Decision Science , Information Science or a closely related field.

NOTES

1. Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), or Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) is acceptable in lieu of the general experience requirement OR two years of the educational requirement.
2. Documentation of curriculum content or course description of training from an accredited institution or training program must be provided.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Local Area Network Administrator, if required by work assignment.

NOTE

City employees in the following classes as of date of Ad Board approval for this revision only, qualify to compete for positions in the class provided they can present documentation of either 40 hours of training in LAN Administration or current possession of MCSE, MCSA, and CNE, CAN or CCNA certification. This provision will not apply to employees who are appointed to the below job classes after the date of Ad Board approval.

• Programmer Analyst 3
• Information Management Analyst 2
• Network Support Specialist
• Information Management Analyst 3

Designated Intermediate Class

• Systems Programmer

NOTE

Documentation of curriculum content or course description of training from an accredited institution or training program must be provided to be credited with 40 hours of training.