Senior Network Operations Technician
We are thrilled to announce two exciting openings within our IT Services Department for the role of Senior Network Operations Technician, based primarily at our Banbury Road offices. This is an outstanding opportunity to join the team that manages the technology infrastructure underpinning one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the University of Oxford.
About the Data Centre and Network Operations Team
The Data Centre and Network Operations Team is a crucial part of the University's IT Services, tasked with maintaining and optimizing the hardware, software, and network systems that ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity across the entire University. This includes managing enterprise-level data centres and an expansive network infrastructure, which supports the research, teaching, and administrative needs of over 24,000 students and staff.
What We Offer
We are committed to providing an enriching and supportive work environment, with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to help you grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:
Generous Contributory Pension Scheme: We offer one of the most competitive pension schemes in the sector, ensuring your financial security for the future.
38 Days Annual Leave: Enjoy a healthy balance between your professional and personal life with 38 days of paid annual leave (including public holidays).
Childcare Services: A wide range of childcare services is available to support you, including day nurseries, play schemes, and family leave options.
Flexible Family Leave Schemes: We understand that life can be unpredictable, and our flexible family leave schemes are designed to offer support when you need it most.
Cycle Loan Scheme: Make your commute more sustainable with our cycle loan scheme, offering loans for the purchase of bicycles and cycling accessories.
Discounted Bus and Season Ticket Loans: Reduce the cost of travel with our discounts on public transportation and interest-free loans for season tickets.
Social and Sports Clubs: As part of the University community, you’ll have access to an array of social and sports clubs to help you unwind and connect with colleagues across the institution.
The Role of Senior Network Operations Technician
As a Senior Network Operations Technician, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the University’s network and data centre infrastructure. You will work within a collaborative and dynamic team, handling a wide range of responsibilities that are vital to maintaining world-class connectivity across the University’s departments, libraries, research centres, and student residences.
Key Responsibilities
The role involves hands-on technical work, troubleshooting, user support, and project collaboration. Your responsibilities will be divided into three core areas: network and data centre management, user support and communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
1. Network and Data Centre Management:
Installation and Configuration: You will manage the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware, including routers, switches, and other data centre equipment, ensuring optimal performance.
Fibre Optic Patching: Handle the intricate fibre optic cabling systems, performing patching and ensuring that all connections are functioning efficiently.
Documentation: Maintain accurate records, including network diagrams, configuration files, and maintenance logs. Ensuring that documentation is up to date is essential for streamlining troubleshooting and future upgrades.
2. User Support and Communication:
First Point of Contact: Act as the primary point of contact for any network-related issues, providing rapid and effective resolution to maintain service availability. You’ll work closely with University staff, students, and external stakeholders, addressing their technical concerns with professionalism and clarity.
Technical Communication: One of the key aspects of this role is your ability to communicate complex technical issues in simple, user-friendly terms. This will involve translating technical jargon into accessible language for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
User Education: In addition to resolving issues, you will be responsible for educating users on best practices for network usage and troubleshooting common connectivity problems.
3. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:
Teamwork: You will work in close collaboration with other team members to ensure the smooth delivery of network services. This will include participating in project planning, execution, and evaluation to minimize any disruption to the University's operations.
Project Meetings: Participate in regular team meetings, discussing ongoing projects, identifying challenges, and exploring opportunities for improvement.
Stay Updated: The technology landscape evolves rapidly, and part of your role will be to stay current with the latest trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. This knowledge will be crucial as you contribute to continuously improving the University’s network infrastructure.
Skills and Experience Required
To excel in this role, you will need a strong combination of technical skills, problem-solving ability, and communication expertise. The following skills and experiences are essential:
Network Configuration and Installation: A solid technical background in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network equipment (e.g., routers, switches) is crucial for this role.
Fibre Optic Systems: Experience with fibre optic cabling systems, including patching, troubleshooting, and maintenance, is highly desirable.
Problem-Solving: You should be a proactive problem solver, capable of diagnosing and addressing network issues quickly and efficiently.
Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills are necessary, particularly the ability to explain complex technical concepts in clear, non-technical language.
User Support: Prior experience in a helpdesk or user support role, ideally within a large organization, will be beneficial. Your focus should be on providing high-quality customer service.
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in networking technologies. You should be flexible, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. The role requires a keen sense of diplomacy, as you’ll be working with a diverse range of people, including students, academics, and administrative staff, all with varying levels of technical understanding.
While prior experience with enterprise-class networking hardware and fibre optic systems is highly desirable, we are also open to less experienced candidates who demonstrate potential. If you’re less experienced, you may initially be offered a Grade 5 appointment, with the opportunity to progress to Grade 6 as you develop your skills and knowledge in the role.
Application Process
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and contributing to the technological backbone of a world-leading institution, we encourage you to apply.
Closing Date: The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 8 October at 12:00 noon.
Interview Process: Interviews will take place during the week commencing 14 October. The preferred method for interviews is face-to-face, at our offices in Central Oxford.
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop your career within one of the world’s most prestigious universities. We welcome applications from enthusiastic individuals who are eager to take on a challenging but rewarding role in network operations. Join us in maintaining the technology that supports the University of Oxford's global mission in education, research, and innovation.
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