Senior Data Centre and Network Operation Technician

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div><strong>Join Our Team: Senior Network Operations Technician (x2 positions)</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>We have x2 exciting opportunities available to join our IT Services Department as a Senior Network Operations Technician working mainly out of our Banbury Road Offices</div><br> <div><br> <br>IT Services plays a critical role in ensuring the University has robust, reliable, and high-performing IT infrastructure to support the diverse needs of teaching, research, and administration. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where every contribution is valued, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The Data Centre and Network Operations Team is responsible for the plant and equipment delivering enterprise-level data centre and network services to the University of Oxford</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>What We Offer</strong></div><br> <div>As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees&#8217; well-being and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:</div><br> <ul><br> <li>An excellent contributory pension scheme</li><br> <li>38 days of annual leave</li><br> <li>A comprehensive range of childcare services</li><br> <li>Family leave schemes</li><br> <li>Cycle loan scheme</li><br> <li>Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans</li><br> <li>Membership in a variety of social and sports clubs</li><br> </ul><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>About the Role</strong></div><br> <div>As a Senior Network Operations Technician, you will be a key member of our dedicated team responsible for managing, installing, and maintaining the University&#8217;s extensive network infrastructure and shared data centre facilities. This includes managing switches, routers, and fibre optic cabling systems that provide world-class connectivity across the University.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></div><br> <ul><br> <li><div><strong>Network and Data Centre Management:</strong></div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Perform configuration and installation of networking and data centre equipment, including switches and routers.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Conduct fibre optic patching and manage the associated cabling systems.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Ensure that all relevant documentation, including network diagrams, configuration files, and maintenance logs, is kept accurate and up to date.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div><strong>User Support and Communication:</strong></div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Act as a first point of contact for network-related issues, providing timely and effective support to university staff, and other stakeholders.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Communicate technical issues clearly and empathetically to users with varying levels of technical expertise.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Collaborate closely with the IT helpdesk to ensure swift resolution of incidents and service requests.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Educate users on best practices for network usage and guide them on resolving common connectivity issues.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div><strong>Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:</strong></div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Work closely with other members of the network team to plan and execute projects, ensuring minimal disruption to university operations.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Participate in team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, challenges, and opportunities for improving service delivery.</div><br> </li><br> <li><div>Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices to enhance the university's network infrastructure.</div><br> </li><br> </ul><br> <div><strong>Skills and Experience:</strong></div><br> <ul><br> <li>Strong technical expertise in network configuration, installation, and maintenance.</li><br> <li>Proficiency in managing fibre optic cabling systems.</li><br> <li>Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing network issues.</li><br> <li>Exceptional communication skills, particularly in translating technical jargon into user-friendly language.</li><br> <li>Experience in a helpdesk or user support role, with a focus on delivering high-quality customer service.</li><br> <li>Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.</li><br> </ul><br> <div><strong>About You</strong></div><br> <ul><br> <li>A good background knowledge of networking hardware and software and good interpersonal skills are essential prerequisites for applicants to this post. The role will suit a highly motivated individual with proven flexibility and initiative as well as a keen sense of diplomacy.</li><br> <li>Prior experience working with enterprise-class network equipment and fibre optic cabling systems is highly desirable, as is the ability to provide a good service to all members of the University. For less experienced candidates, we are open to considering an initial appointment at Grade 5 initially, with review to upskill to Grade 6.</li><br> </ul><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Application Process</strong></div><br> <div>You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The <strong>closing date</strong> for applications is noon on <strong>Tuesday 8 October at 12:00 noon.</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>Interviews</strong> will take place on the <strong>week commencing 14 October</strong> and will be face-to-face in Central Oxford (preferred) with the option for online if required.</div> </div>