Network Specialist

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Network Specialist independently delivers reliable network operations services by installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting campus network infrastructure, including wired and wireless network environments, to ensure consistent connectivity and availability. This role executes established operational services with sound judgment, adapting standard procedures to resolve routine and moderately complex issues that affect service quality and uptime. The position supports operational incidents, service requests, maintenance activities, lifecycle activities, and network changes through established ITSM and operational processes while coordinating effectively with field operations and adjacent IT teams. The position operates with limited supervision and is accountable for accurate execution, timely resolution of network issues, and adherence to VUIT operational and security standards, and effective customer communication.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is necessary
2-4 years of relevant experience is necessary
Working knowledge of configuring, deploying, maintaining, and supporting enterprise network devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points, in a production environment is necessary
Applied ability to independently troubleshoot network connectivity, hardware, and configuration issues using standard tools and documentation is necessary
Experience executing lifecycle activities and operational changes, and service restoration activities through ITSM and change management processes with attention to accuracy, risk, service continuity, and operational reliability is necessary
Capability to maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, source-of-truth systems, operational databases, and asset records to support operational continuity and team coordination is necessary
Ability to coordinate effectively with field teams and cross-functional IT partners to deliver timely, reliable service outcomes and support incident response and scheduled operational activities is necessary
Working understanding of network security principles, operational standards, and service reliability practices and their application in day-to-day support activities is necessary
Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher is preferred
Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CCNA, or equivalent network certifications are preferred

Responsibilities

Independently configure, deploy, and validate routers, switches, and wireless access points in alignment with approved designs and operational standards to ensure accurate, first-time service implementation.
Perform routine maintenance activities including performance validation, firmware updates, configuration review, and operational health checks to maintain network stability, security posture, and consistent service delivery.
Execute moves, adds, and changes with attention to post-implementation validation service restoration, and documentation accuracy to minimize rework and repeat issues.
Monitor network devices, alerts, and operational conditions to proactively identify and address service-impacting issues.
Coordinate installation, maintenance, and service activities with field operations, customers, and adjacent IT teams to support reliable operational outcomes.
Diagnose and resolve connectivity and configuration issues using established tools and procedures, adapting approaches to address common and moderately complex operational scenarios across campus network environments.
Restore network services within expected timelines, meeting service level targets and minimizing impact through effective troubleshooting, operational coordination, and appropriate escalation.
Document incidents, resolutions, and corrective actions clearly to support knowledge reuse, operational consistency, and accurate network management and ITSM records.
Prioritize and respond to operational incidents, service requests, and outage conditions based on impact, urgency, and established support procedures.
Coordinate with internal support teams, field operations, vendors, and customers during deployment, incident response, and service restoration activities as needed.
Coordinate and execute wired and wireless network lifecycle activities including upgrades, replacements, and decommissioning to maintain currency of network infrastructure and continuity of service.
Implement approved changes through ITSM and change management processes, validating outcomes and addressing post-change issues to ensure network stability.
Coordinate and schedule lifecycle and change activities with, customers, vendors, and adjacent IT teams to support effective execution, communication, and service continuity.
Perform post-implementation validation and operational testing following lifecycle and change activities to confirm service functionality, stability, and accurate documentation.
Maintain and update network diagrams, network management and source-of-truth systems, operational databases, procedures, asset inventories, and related documentation to support operational accuracy and cross-team coordination.
Ensure compliance with applicable security, safety, and operational standards during installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
Coordinate with field teams, vendors, customers, and adjacent IT groups to schedule work, manage dependencies, communicate impacts, and deliver consistent service outcomes.
Communicate service status, impacts, and resolutions clearly to customers and stakeholders to set expectations and improve the overall service experience.
Identify recurring operational issues and provide practical input to improve procedures, service reliability, and operational efficiency.
Contribute to a service-focused operational culture through reliable execution, collaboration, accountability, and attention to service quality.