SKA Mid - Network Technician at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The SKA-Mid Network Technician will be responsible for installations and repairs of network systems. Their duties include responding to maintenance requests regarding system defects and other issues, troubleshooting problems with network systems by running tests and maintaining inventory for network hardware, as well as configuration and software stack profiles of various network components. This position works alongside the SKAO’s Network Architect, Computing Infrastructure Lead, other domain specialists, project managers, and SKA-Mid network engineers. They will also respond to calls and implement fixes and changes to the network according to organizational standards, processes and policies, as part of SKA-Mid Computing and Software Operations team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network administration Participate in the acquisition of the SKA-Mid networks, their respective components, and services Support the delivery of the array deliveries of the SKA Project in line with the Observatory objectivesPerform network and IT security establishment and maintenance duties

Minimum Qualification:

• Diploma / Advanced Certificate / NQF 6

Minimum Experience:

• 7-9 years

• BTECH in in Computer Engineering/ Information Technology, or equivalent with 7 years’ relevant working experience; or National Diploma in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent coupled with 9 years’ relevant working experience

Experience:

• BTECH in in Computer Engineering/ Information Technology, or equivalent with 7 years’ relevant working experience; or National Diploma in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent coupled with 9 years’ relevant working experience
• Network operations and service supportWorking with helpdesk as a support technicianMonitoring and responding proactively to network and IT issuesMonitoring, implementing and updating network security servicesWorking with virtual networks, namespace managementInterpreting and updating network designs

Knowledge:

• High performance computing environments, Software defined
• Networking systems, Zero trust networking principles,WAN networking technologies and services
• Automation,Cloud based security services,System Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and Syslog tools, Telemetry
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including gathering and distilling information and tailoring it appropriately for the target audience
• Knowledge and background with IT Service Management disciplines and Frameworks such as ITIL and Change Management

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/CompetenciesRelated Skills: • Teamwork and Collaboration: Cooperates with others to achieve organisational objectives and may share team resources in order to do this. Collaborates with other teams as well as industry colleagues.• Influence and Communication: Identifies critical stakeholders and influences them via an influential third party, for example through an established network, to gain support for sometimes contentious proposals/ideas. • Resource Management/Leadership: Provides leadership that fosters an environment that encourages new ideas and provides support for the development of emerging skills. Creates trust by displaying consistency, understanding, integrity and patience. Plans, seeks, allocates and monitors resources to achieve outcomes. • Judgement and Problem Solving: Anticipates and manages problems in ambiguous situations. Develops and selects an appropriate course of action and provides for contingencies. Evaluates, interprets and integrates complex bodies of information and draws logical conclusions, synthesises proposals and defends options with reasoned arguments. • Independence: Assesses the risk and opportunity of identified strategies, options and actions. Overcomes problems and setbacks in achieving goals. Invariably includes consideration of value-added future impact on the bottom line when determining the optimal and efficient use of resources. • Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in thinking and adapts to and manages the increasing rate of organisational change by adjusting strategies, goals and priorities. Extreme Importance (Essential): • Knowledge of various networking devices, appliances and elements, able to check health status (red/green lights, flashes) • Know how to troubleshoot, isolate problems and resolve level-1 incidents• Experience monitoring, reading and analyzing computer and network logs and related graphs. • CCNA Knowledge• Safely racking and stacking computing and networking equipment and elements• Installation and labeling of cables, cabling standards• Experience with IP address management, Routing and Switching• Telecommunications Servers • Networking Requirements of High performance computing environments, • Zero trust networking principles,• Long haul networking technologies.• Automation• Cloud based security services• Network Management Capability• System Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and Syslog toolsDesirable: • SDN - Software defined Networking systems, • WAN networking technologies. • Telemetry.• CISCO and other vendor-specific certification for warranty purposes Organisational ValuesThe SKA-Mid Network Technician will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instil those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South [URL Removed] values are:1. Diversity and Inclusion 2. Excellence3. Collaboration4. Creativity and Innovation5. SustainabilitySARAO’s values are:1. Passion for Excellence2. World-class service3. People-centered4. Respect5. Integrity and Ethics6. AccountabilityBoth SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring [URL Removed] NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) (wwww.nrf.ac.za) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) (www.sarao.ac.za) spearheads South Africa's activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) (www.skao.int) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally.