NETWORK SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN I
NETWORK SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN II
(An Unclassified, At-Will Position)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision (Network Systems Technician I) or general supervision (Network Systems Technician II), provides liaison and technical assistance to system users for computer and network related problems; consults with department representative to determine hardware/software requirements and develops specifications; sets up, configures and provides support for desktop computer equipment including hardware, software and peripheral equipment; upgrades existing hardware and software; and provides technical assistance in support of networked systems.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Network Systems Technician I: This is the entry level class in the Network Systems Technician series. This class performs the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including setting up and configuring desktop computers and performing routine maintenance on the network system. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Network Systems Technician II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Network Systems Technician II: This is the full journey level class in the Network Systems Technician series performing the full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Network Systems Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned as well as having responsibility for maintaining a network in an assigned area including ensuring connectivity with the City network, maintaining the network servers, routers, hubs and switches and identifying and resolving computer and network problems. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Network Systems Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Network Systems Technician I level and require completion of a recognized certification program or additional specialized course work and training that provides a comparable level of knowledge.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties form those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provides technical assistance to system users for computer and networked systems equipment including hardware, software and peripheral equipment; responds to requests for assistance on desktop and computer related problems including hardware, software, peripheral printers and related equipment; determines severity of problem and resolves or refers to higher-level information systems staff.
• Performs a variety of duties in the installation, testing, configuration and troubleshooting of hardware and software applications and equipment on networked systems; provides support in the installation and set up of computers, servers and networks by installing cabling and wiring for systems and peripheral equipment; troubleshoots and maintains networked components including routers, hubs, bridges, and switches.
• Performs repairs on computer systems and peripheral equipment including printers, modems, scanners and related devices; coordinates major equipment repairs; locates vendors and ships parts as needed; arranges for vendor to perform on-site repairs.
• Conducts system and database back-ups as necessary; files back up tapes and maintains tape library.
• Provides assistance to information systems staff in the evaluation, selection, acquisition and implementation of computer hardware and software; provides technical support in testing, monitoring and reviewing new software, hardware and other system enhancements.
• Monitors computer systems, networks and applications for response time, problem prevention, performance and resource utilization.
• Performs network administration duties such as monitoring or adding applications, users and devices, modifying user profiles, re-setting passwords and file maintenance; monitors storage utilization; documents all network changes and revisions.
• Conducts training sessions with desktop users; provides information on system and application functions; communicates user access rights.
• Stays abreast of new information technology trends and innovations; reads appropriate literature and attends training as necessary.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Theories and applications of computer science.
• Computer systems, programming, and networking.
• Personal computer hardware and software components.
• Methods and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of software applications.
• Operational characteristics of local and wide area network systems.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer system hardware and software problems.
• Principles and practices of technical network administration.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Operational characteristics of various computer software packages.
• Operational characteristics of a variety of communication equipment and devices.
• Computer logic and mathematics.
• Principle languages used in information systems programs.
• Basic record keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Respond to and identify user computer related problems.
• Install and configure desktop computer systems and peripheral equipment.
• Troubleshoot a variety of desktop systems hardware and software.
• Perform technical maintenance on local and wide area networked systems.
• Test and repair network cabling problems.
• Communicate technical information to a wide variety of users.
• Perform minor repairs on computer equipment.
• Analyze and define problems and conceptualize practical computer solutions.
• Develop and revise information systems programs.
• Lead and coordinate the activities of a computer user group.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Network Systems Technician I/II

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in information systems, computer science or a related field.

Network Systems Technician I

Experience: One year experience of information systems and programming experience in a networked environment. Additional education or training in an appropriate discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the work experience.

License or Certificate: A+, CompTia, or Microsoft Certified Professional certifications preferred.

Network Systems Technician II

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties comparable to a Network Systems Technician I with the City of Escondido. Additional education or training in an appropriate discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the work experience.

License or Certificate: Certified Cisco Network Associate or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Other specialized course work and training that provides a comparable level of knowledge may be qualifying.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. Exposure to temperature swings from cool, controlled environment in computer room to non-air-conditioned office space during summer months; mechanical hazards of moving equipment parts; electrical hazards of electronic equipment; explosive hazards of batteries and power supplies; possible radiation hazards from CRTs, printers and copy machines; dust of excessive paper products; potentially toxic substances of cleaning chemicals. Work is performed indoors in office environment. Work schedule is an 80 hour biweekly period, with unscheduled breaks. Overtime or flexible hours may be required infrequently due to emergencies or for system maintenance. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks, with variable pace and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting, downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; pinch grasp, finger pressure, and fine-finger dexterity to hold and/or manipulate writing utensils and operate computer keyboards. Approximately 70-80 percent of time involves computer keyboard operation. FREQUENT pushing/pulling, twisting at waist. OCCASIONAL walking, bending and stooping, reaching at and above shoulder level, upward flexion of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to one city block. INFREQUENT standing, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling; lifting objects weighing 11-25 lbs. from below waist to shoulder level and transporting distances up to 50 feet; lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. from below waist to waist level and transporting distances up to 10 feet, with or without assistance; moderate wrist torque to operate knobs and dials; power grasp to hold equipment.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Revised: June 2011
JP/Department

Date: May 2004
Revised by MH/Department