SYSTEMS CONSULTANT (COMPUTER NETWORKS) 03631

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for the coordination of local area networks in school districts served by the Central New York Regional Information Center. The coordination includes design, delivery, installation and support of new networks or upgrades and integration of new equipment into existing networks. The employee recommends equipment such as computers, peripherals, servers and other items that will be utilizing the network. This position is distinct from the programming, analytical or technical support classifications of systems consultants in that there is no involvement in the development of the computer systems, its language, specifications, applications operations or design. The major emphasis of the position is the design of local area networks and the proposals which will include detailed description of the recommended configuration, components and the equipment and peripherals which will be using the networks. General supervision is received from an administrative superior, with work being reviewed through conferences and consultation on specific problems. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in disseminating district requirements and providing technical solutions utilizing industry standards. Technical supervision may be exercised over a number of technical hardware support personnel, local area network technicians, PC software support specialist, clerical and other related staff involved in the installation and support of computer networks and peripherals. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Designs new, or integrates existing, local and wide area networks for component school districts in both the administrative and instructional areas.

Meets with School District Officials to determine hardware and/or software needs for local area computer networks and wide area networks.

Meets with hardware or software vendors for training and follow up.

Determines compatibility of hardware or software within the local and wide area network.

Prepares formal proposals as per district requirements and reviews and alters as needed.

Prepares hardware and/or software orders based upon accepted proposal.

Serves as the liaison to vendors providing services, equipment or software for the proposal.

Coordinates all aspects of hardware and applicable software installation including but not limited to: needs assessment, proposal preparation and presentation, orders, cable installation, track vendor delivery schedule, site installation of hardware and software, testing of all hardware and software components within the network.

May supervise the work activity of a number of subordinate technical personnel in both hardware and software areas by scheduling/assigning work, evaluating performance and making appropriate recommendations to administrative superiors.

Maintains awareness and knowledge of technological changes and trends in both hardware and software fields.

Prepares status reports on pending work.

 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of the design, function, capability of Ethernet computer networks and components.

Good knowledge of industry standards for computer network design.

Good knowledge of the integration of local and wide area network components.

Good knowledge of microcomputer hardware, software, networking capacity and capability and peripherals.

Ability to communicate the systems service goals and objectives to individuals and groups to stimulate their interest and participation.

Ability to organize and present thoughts and procedures in a clear, concise and thorough manner.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high moral.

Ability to gather and analyze information and draw logical conclusions.

Ability to lead discussions and make formal presentations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school district personnel and information staff.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree and two (2) years of full time paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the support of local and/or wide area computer networks which must have included responsibility for the use, function and installation of communications software and/or hardware in support of the networks; or,

 

B. Six (6) years of full time paraprofessional or professional level work experience as described in (A) above; or

 

3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

 

1/2014

Revised