Network Technician

This role would suit an experienced network technician with a strong telecommunications networking background. The technician will be working in the operations group focused on implementing and maintaining AARNet’s IP, MPLS, switched and optical networks and assisting with the delivery of new services. The role will predominantly involve fault diagnostics and restoration, planned works management and the support and maintenance of the AARNet Network. The position will also involve some service commissioning and spares management. The role will require an independent self-sufficient worker with the ability to think on their feet and solve problems and issues as they arise. The candidate will need to be on call, from time to time, to support AARNet’s network after hours and be willing to travel around Australia at times with limited notice.

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education.

As Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users — researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums — across Australia.

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don’t settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, why not come and join us?

https://www.aarnet.edu.au/

The Role

This role would suit an experienced network technician with a strong telecommunications networking background. The technician will be working in the operations group focused on implementing and maintaining AARNet’s IP, MPLS, switched and optical networks and assisting with the delivery of new services.

The role will predominantly involve fault diagnostics and restoration, planned works management and the support and maintenance of the AARNet Network. The position will also involve some service commissioning and spares management.

The role will require an independent self-sufficient worker with the ability to think on their feet and solve problems and issues as they arise.

The candidate will need to be on call, from time to time, to support AARNet’s network after hours and may be required to undertake regional and interstate travel at short notice.

Responsibilities

Fault Diagnostics & Service Restoration

· Individually and as part of a team, diagnose and resolve a range of network faults on metro area and long-haul transmission systems.

· Undertake maintenance and replacement of a range of active and passive telecommunications field equipment.

· Assist in the preparation of fault analysis and reports, and in identifying areas of improvement for faster resolution of future network issues.

· Support activities which ensure satisfaction with Service Level Agreements.

· Liaise with customers, external suppliers, providers, or network partners as required.

· Participate in software version upgrades across a range of network equipment.

Documentation

· Complete internal service documentation and update relevant systems.

· Document new and existing network installations, configuration, and related information/data and test results.

Hardware Management

· Decommission old hardware and services.

· Upgrade existing hardware as part of normal operation.

· Assist with ongoing sparing requirements as identified.

· Organise the replacement and return of faulty hardware under warranty or service contract.

· Attend datacenters, remote sites, and customer premises to replace or install new equipment.

Operate and maintain the network.

· Support, assist, and advise AARNet customers, AARNet’s Network Operations Centre, and other internal staff with network faults, design, planning, and implementation.

Service Testing & Commissioning

· Install, commission and test new services.

· Configure network switches, routers, and other network devices.

· Execute testing and commissioning plans and procedures.

Expertise, experience & qualifications

· Previous experience as a network or telecommunications technician is desirable.

· Diploma in Telecommunications / Electronics or a related field, or relevant industry experience.

· At least 2 years’ experience operating networking equipment in a commercial or telecommunications environment.

· Previous exposure to ethernet switching, IP routing, or transmission technology fundamentals.

· Working knowledge of optical fiber networks.

· Exposure to, or experience with, optical test equipment such as OTDR’s and power meters is highly desirable.

· Experience with operational processes and procedures including documentation and ticket systems, ITIL change management, and planned installations and maintenance.

· Experience working with CWDM and DWDM passive and active systems is favorably regarded.

· Australian Citizenship and ability to meet governmental criteria for baseline security clearance.

· Basic familiarity with Linux or Mac OS terminal navigation.

· Ability to obtain state-based Working with Vulnerable People registration.

· Full Australian Drivers Licence

· Ability to complete First Aid Certificate and Remote First Aid training.

Important skills

· Strong written and oral communication skills

· Logical approach to fault finding, trouble shooting and timely service restoration

· Adaptability to work within a variety of environments and on unexpected faults

· Able to work both autonomously and in conjunction with the wider network support team

PERFORMANCE GOALS:

At AARNet, all employees are responsible for:

· Actively promoting safe work practices in the workplace during all activities consistent with AARNet’s policies and comply with all WH&S legislation, policies and procedures.

· Actively contributing to a safe and supportive working environment that is inclusive of all staff through celebrating their nationality, cultural background, LGBTI status, abilities, gender and age.

· Compliance with all workplace directions and processes.

· Compliance with the applicable contract of employment; and

· Maintaining a standard of performance that is acceptable to AARNet.

Additionally, individual performance KPIs will be put in place upon the appointment of the employee to the role