Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Network Technician
A Network Technician is a professional who designs, installs, and maintains computer networks, connections and cabling. They diagnose network failures and ensure network security and connectivity. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Network Technicians.
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Main Responsibilities of Network Technician
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Network Technician:
Achieve
Achieve performance targets established by leadership for applicable Key Performance Indicators.
Administer
Administer automated backups of critical corporate data.
Administer corporate domain including group policies, roles, permissions, network resources, etc..
Administer ITSM / Service Now network ticket queue.
Administer network asset tool to help assist in data integrity.
Administer network drawings and documentation tools.
Administer network workstations, including Windows and Linux-based systems.
Advise
Advise customer on appropriate actions.
Analyze
Analyze and resolve faults, ranging from major system crash to a forgotten password.
Answer
Answer technical and procedural questions from customers when needed.
Anticipate
Anticipate communication and networking problems and implement preventive measures.
Apply
Apply upgrades and security patches to the existing network architecture as required.
Assemble
Assemble and install relay racks, network cabinets, wall fields, and associated components.
Assist in
Assist in creating the yearly infrastructure and internal IT fiscal budget.
Assist in or lead the installation and / or distance support of networks and servers.
Assist in the planning and implementation of both customer and corporate telephony and IP services.
Assist with designing and implementation of home automation and network infrastructure.
Assist with network equipment RMA activities as needed.
Assist with other network personnel to maintain well organized network equipment storage areas.
Clean
Clean installation debris in each home after all service and installation visits.
Communicate
Communicate with staff and customers in a friendly and curious manner at all times.
Complete
Complete all assigned training in a timely manner.
Complete patching of circuits into switches.
Complete required training to support internal infrastructure that we also sell to customers.
Compose
Compose specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture.
Conduct
Conduct network topology and site surveys for new systems / requirements.
Conduct routine maintenance and inventory of company products and equipment.
Conduct system and database backups as necessary.
Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
Configure
Configure and test computer hardware, networking hardware / software and operating system software.
Configure and deploy workstations for new employees.
Connect
Connect ac and dc generators to maintain power at sites when required.
Control
Control and monitor e-mail use, Web navigation, and installed software.
Coordinate
Coordinate with other Technicians and departments as required to obtain maintain service levels.
Create
Create business case requests for new or additional hardware or software for infrastructure.
Create Layer 2 / Layer3 provisioning and configuration control board documentation.
Define
Define network policies and procedures.
Deploy
Deploy and maintain workstations and servers.
Design
Design and implement database reports using standard tools such as Crystal Reports.
Design and install well-functioning computer networks, connections and cabling.
Design and plan network communications systems.
Determine
Determine hardware and software requirements.
Determine work priorities from the Oracle queue and ensures adherence to all commit times.
Develop
Develop and cultivate good customer and vendor relationships.
Develop and maintain local networks in ways that optimize performance.
Develop written methods of procedure (MOPs) and system test or acceptance plans.
Diagnose
Diagnose install failures and identify necessary repairs.
Diagnose network failures and take appropriate steps to timely repair or restore services.
Do
Do regular data backups to protect the organization's information.
Employ
Employ appropriate troubleshooting techniques for network performance issues.
Enjoy
Enjoy sharing information, supporting others, and working on a team to achieve team goals.
Ensure
Ensure compliance with standard IT security rules and regulations.
Ensure network security and connectivity.
Ensure reliability of server backup, data restoration and data recovery.
Ensure security and privacy of networks and computer systems.
Ensure third party suppliers' comply with Ciena and customer requirements as applicable.
Ensure uninterrupted availability of production systems.
Evaluate
Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software and operating system software.
Evaluate network performance and find ways of improvement.
Evaluate, test and recommend appropriate technology.
Explain
Explain and provide detailed system capabilities and operational instructions to customers.
Identify
Identify computer or network equipment shortages and place orders.
Implement
Implement and maintain 5S principles throughout the work area.
Implement, support and maintenance of Managed Customer voice and IP services.
Inspect
Inspect LAN infrastructure and fix minor or major problems / bugs.
Install
Install and configure appropriate software and functions according to specifications.
Install and integrate new server hardware and applications.
Install and service authorized equipment in customers' homes and businesses.
Install and service CCTV and Access Control.
Install, maintain, troubleshoot and upgrade Web-server hardware and software.
Install and test advanced cross connects circuits (switched, multiplexed, etc.).
Install circuits requiring advanced fiber terminations.
Interface with
Interface with users and / or network vendors.
Keep
Keep an eye out for needed updates.
Load
Load computer tapes and disks and install software and printer paper and forms.
Locate
Locate sources of RF interference using a spectrum analyzer.
Maintain
Maintain and support IP Address Management (IPAM).
Maintain inventory of required parts and perform regular audits to ensure availability of parts.
Maintain logs related to network functions, as well as maintenance and prepare records for clients.
Maintain network devices to Client corporate standard configurations.
Maintain positive customer relations.
Maintain professionalism with regard to confidential company business.
Maintain 'up-to-date' site documentation.
Maintain up-to-date site documentation.
Make
Make decisions independently and execute those decisions.
Manage
Manage the implementation and operation of the company's network infrastructure.
Measure
Measure, install, and pull wires through conduits for all circuitry.
Meet
Meet attendance standards and complies with late / absence notification procedures.
Meet network SLA and performance measurements.
Modify
Modify Web pages, applets and scripts.
Monitor
Monitor and support critical network services such as (DNS, DHCP, SMTP, SNMP).
Monitor and take appropriate action from network alerts generated from management tools.
Monitor infrastructure performance for customers who have SLAs.
Monitor security incident and event management system.
Operate
Operate network test equipment (layer 1-3).
Operate test equipment and provide remote guidance on operation to field personnel.
Perform
Perform as first responder to ITSM and Service Now problem tickets.
Perform bandwidth management functions (routing, QoS, other prioritization).Perform cutovers and upgrades on the network as directed by work orders.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Perform fiber optic cable installation and terminations of all types.
Perform minor mechanical / civil repairs on sites when required.
Perform network closet clean-up, switch port optimization, and survey work as needed.
Perform network / telecom / CCTV / access control cable installation.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Perform other project related duties and assignments as instructed by supervisor.
Perform overhead and underground layout and rough-in.
Perform routine maintenance on workstations, servers and network equipment.
Perform routine network maintenance i.e. network servers, firewalls, routers and switches.
Perform routine network start up and close down and maintain control records.
Perform setup, commissioning and maintenance on dc power systems.
Perform shell scripting or other basic scripting tasks.
Perform standard repairs and tests of components or equipment that can be repaired in-house.
Perform troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve problems (repair or replace parts, debugging etc.).
Plan
Plan and formulate engineering program.
Plan, install, commission and maintain on site lab.
Post
Post and record daily account of time spent performing client transactions.
Pre-configure
Pre-configure devices prior to deployment.
Prepare
Prepare / coordinate work orders and equipment requests to resolve network issues.
Prepare existing / proposed site diagrams in Visio.
Prepare test results for customer acceptance.
Promote
Promote and sell additional equipment and services to customers during each visit.
Provide
Provide after hours, on-call support as needed.
Provide assistance in administration of voice network.
Provide configuration and / or technical support for devices or applications.
Provide information on a timely basis and in a usable form to others who need to act on it.
Provide input for training plans in line with the overall Network operations strategy.
Provide level three support to staff.
Provide on-site technical assistance to operational units worldwide.
Provide problem-solving services to network users.
Provide remote and onsite technical support.
Provide support to internal CSE, and Customer Service Departments.
Provide technical training to end users.Rack
Rack and stack customer equipment.
Raise
Raise faults / suspected bugs to responsible engineering teams.
Read
Read installation plans (Visio Drawings / Spreadsheets) and implements installation accordingly.
Receive
Receive support escalations from level two when escalated to tier three support.
Recognize
Recognize and identify technical errors either in engineering documentation or nodal data fill.
Repair
Repair local and remote office workstations.
Research
Research and apply meta-data to Websites and register Websites with search engines.
Research issues using available resources.
Resolve
Resolve and mitigate and / or escalate (if required) all network related service outages.
Resolve any issues relating to layer 1 and 2 of the hardware or network.
Resolve problems reported by end user.
Respond to
Respond to requests in a conscientious and timely fashion.
Respond to inquiries and requests for assistance.
Respond to requests for help and information from Website visitors and Website designers.
Review
Review, analyzes and reports on security, backup and activity logs.
Schedule
Schedule site network outages to allow for installation of new equipment.
Seek
Seek solutions to problems and escalates as required.
Set up
Set up and test a variety of systems and hardware components prior to field deployment.
Set up local area networks and connections to the Internet.
Set up user accounts, permissions and passwords.
Set up workstations with computers and necessary peripheral devices (routers, printers etc.).
Specify
Specify system requirements and design solutions.
Supervise
Supervise technical staff.
Support
Support and administer third-party applications.
Support and maintenance of Managed Customer voice and IP services.
Support customer satisfaction through timely and precise order execution.
Support customers primarily off-site with occasional on-site assistance to senior technicians.
Support during off-hours and weekends may be required for maintenance windows and break / fix.
Support external Customer Service organizations.
Support network break / fix actions to restore service to customers.
Support various third party and custom software.
Take
Take a problem-solving approach when faced with challenging or difficult situations.
Take initial Tier 1 calls from customers and / or help desk.
Take personal ownership in organization's success.
Task
Task and conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
Terminate
Terminate all types of copper cable including coaxial, multi-pair and Category 3 through 6.
Test
Test and configure software and maintain and repair hardware and peripheral devices.
Test and evaluate the performance of existing hardware and optimize their configuration.
Test hand-offs, RSSI, transmit level on mobiles, dropped calls and investigate any changes.
Test new network configurations prior to implementation.
Travel
Travel to remote offices to install, configure and troubleshoot the hardware.
Travel to assigned destination to trouble shoot any cabling, switch, router or IP phone issues.
Travel to perform network maintenance, repair, and new installation as required.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and install desktop computers, smartphones, VOIP phones, and printers.
Troubleshoot and repair hardware / software issues on PCs, Macs, servers.
Troubleshoot and repair network malfunctions, connections to printers, other peripherals.
Troubleshoot and support Mac OS environment.
Troubleshoot and resolve problems in structured cabling systems.
Troubleshoot event logs and events.
Understand
Understand that the success of individuals is measured by the success of their teams.
Update
Update and maintain AutoCAD and Visio drawings.
Update and maintain documentation on network configuration.
Upgrade
Upgrade network hardware and software components as required.
Use
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
Work with
Work under immediate supervision and usually reports to Network Engineer or Sr. Network Engineer.
Work with audio video equipment installation (wall mounted LCDs, office music systems).
Work with other teams (firewall / infrastructure support) that assist deployment effort.
Work with site personnel to ensure all applications and network connectivity is working correctly.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Network Technician:
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Network Technician:
Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Problem-solving attitude
Attention to detail
Personal suitability
Analytical ability
Team player
Organizational capacity
Self-motivated
Leadership
Repetitive tasks
Troubleshooting skills
