Identification Section BENCHMARK EVALUATION Position Title: Supervisor s Title: Department: Branch/Unit: Network Solutions Specialist Network Solutions Architect Highways and Public Works Information and Communications Technology General Summary This position provides senior technical expertise to support, maintain and further develop the corporate integrated network infrastructure. Organizational Structure Deputy Minister Executive Assistant Director, French Language Services Director, Human Resources Director, Supply Services Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services Assistant Deputy Minister, Property Management Assistant Deputy Minister, Transportation Assistant Deputy Minister, Information and Communications Technology Deputy Chief Information Officer Manager, Corporate Information Management Manager, Development Services Director, Technology Infrastructure and Operations Manager, Telecom Services Manager, Data and Application Support Manager, Network Services Systems Programmer Network Support Supervisor Network Infrastructure Architect Network Security Architect Network Solutions Architect Network Solutions Specialist Benchmark
Principal Responsibilities 1. Designs, builds, integrates and maintains a variety of essential IT solutions (e.g. YNet Active Directory infrastructure and Exchange server infrastructure); acts as senior technical expert in the production of tactical plans, diagrams and specifications; participates in life cycle planning for the government s core operating environment (e.g. servers, printers, desktop hardware, desktop solutions); acts as project leader to coordinate and oversee work activities related to the installation, configuration and testing of various IT tools, devices and software during implementation phase of solution infrastructure improvement and upgrade projects. 2. Conducts assigned research projects (independently or as part of a team) to investigate, evaluate and select new technology solutions and products. This includes identifying potential products for evaluation, determining evaluation criteria and conducting evaluation tests, assessing functional requirements and features, feasibility and cost benefit factors, potential impacts / risks, technical conformity / compatibility / integration within the existing architecture and environment, providing technical input for final selection and performing preliminary assessment of new and emerging products and technologies to determine relevance for the government. 3. Provides technical input to the review and updating of strategic corporate IT solution policies, standards, procedures and guidelines for desktops, printers, servers and core service applications; ensures IT solution projects adhere to established criteria and techniques associated with integration of products within the network. 4. Contributes to the development and maintenance of an overall, integrated solution architecture for Network Services component of the government s corporate business continuity plan, e.g. tests and recommends alternatives to ensure proper protection and contingency recovery of core network services, develops and conducts business continuity tests and documents and communicates the results to departmental systems user groups. 5. Evaluates the impact of changes to existing solutions and/or the overall solutions infrastructure; reviews plans to introduce new or modified products / solutions and assesses technology to determine fit within existing solution architecture and to ensure that performance and availability of core applications / services are not compromised; monitors and manages server CPU (central processing unit) and resource utilization to identify necessary changes; performs testing prior to implementation of solution / product.
6. Contributes to the successful implementation of integrated products for core network service components, as well as for desktop hardware and software, the servers, operation systems and functional / service applications (non-desktop) which includes assisting the supervisor in planning and scheduling the various tasks and activities involved, acting as project leader of internal and external teams during various evolution / transition phases and managing the performance of contractors to ensure services are in accordance with contract terms and conditions. 7. Monitors, detects, diagnoses and resolves server / service / solutions problems and incidents; performs solution and system data recovery activities to ensure continuation of critical core network services to government departments; participates in periodic threat and risk assessments and network / server / service audits and any required remediation or modification efforts. 8. Performs day to day operational activities, e.g. ensures the systems management software is running smoothly and that inventories are accurate and licences are in compliance, maintains network performance statistics, acts as the key technical contact for network administrators and other staff. Working Conditions The majority of the work takes place in a normal office environment, with occasional travel (2 trips per year) throughout the Yukon to visit project sites and assess solution requirements, oversee implementation of new technologies or troubleshoot major problems.
Group Allocation Rationale Network Solutions Specialist Requires formal training in computer science and considerable IT experience to provide technical expertise in the maintenance of the corporate integrated network infrastructure. Evaluation Knowledge Mental Accountability Job Working Total and Skills Demands Shape Conditions Points E1N Low (160) D3i (53) D1S High (70) +2 0 283 Evaluation Rationale Knowledge and Skills: E full competence required in theory and implementation of network solutions to support and participate in the planning of the corporate architecture including comprehension of systems (e.g. systems management software, email), technologies (e.g. networks, internet) and protocols (e.g. VoIP); ability to research and test products; good project management and strong communication skills 1 no managerial requirements N has regular contact with clients to identify their needs and discuss solutions, with vendors to resolve issues and oversee contract work, with project resources to lead and coordinate activities and with IT staff to advise on technical issues and problem resolution Low breadth of knowledge is focussed on one area of information technology, i.e. network solutions Mental Demands: D within the limits of a wide range of available solutions and the government s network architecture, researches and tests a variety of products and forms recommendations for implementation 3 addresses problems, deficiencies and enhancements for a large number of users and a variety of equipment (including laptops, desktops, PDA s, servers, storage devices) and business needs through an analysis of requirements against functionality of products
i (high) prepares evaluations of new products and forms recommendations of network solutions; contributes to the development of and ensures adherence to corporate policies and guidelines Accountability: D works independently to research and evaluate products / solutions, monitor network services, oversee projects, resolve problems; participates in corporate network architecture design 1 indeterminate direct dollar impact S supports the overall cohesiveness and stability of the corporate IT solutions infrastructure and the branch s ability to effectively manage and support network-based IT services government-wide High position has a strong impact on the functionality, longevity and cost of corporate applications and influence on departmental and corporate expenditures; heavy reliance on position in management decision-making regarding the adoption / acquisition of new technologies / products / solutions, tactical plans for infrastructure improvement and life cycle replacement projects and development of new standards Working Conditions: Normal office environment.