Senior Network Communications Specialist

$118,503 - $152,352/Yr

House Of Representatives - Washington, DC

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

501-1,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Senior Network Communications Specialist position within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a critical role that provides operational support services and business solutions to the community of 10,000 House Members, Officers, and staff. The CAO organization consists of over 650 technical and administrative staff who work across various domains, including information technology, finance, budget management, human resources, payroll, childcare, food and vending, procurement, logistics, and administrative counsel. This position is located in Washington, DC, and is not eligible for telework. The incumbent will be responsible for systems administration and configuration management support for data network hardware and software components for the U.S. House of Representatives' data infrastructure. As a senior technical consultant, the incumbent will contribute to network systems analysis, integration, implementation, and maintenance projects. The role requires the ability to work with minimal supervision and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, particularly at the HS-11 level. The position does not involve supervisory responsibilities but may require travel between various facilities and the Capitol campus. Additionally, the incumbent may need to work shift hours to provide 24/7 technical support for the House's DNS and ISE infrastructure. Key responsibilities include maintaining the Infoblox grid, monitoring DNS server performance, implementing security measures, troubleshooting network access issues, and ensuring the security and integrity of the network management system (NMS) platform. The incumbent will also be expected to collaborate with other IT teams to ensure seamless integration and functioning of the overall network infrastructure. This role is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency and security of the House's data network systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems administration and configuration management support for data network hardware and software components.
• Maintain Infoblox grid OS/code and monitor DNS server performance.
• Ensure timely responses to DNS queries and keep DNS records up to date.
• Implement security measures to protect the DNS infrastructure from potential threats.
• Register new domain names and manage existing domain annual renewals.
• Identify and resolve DNS-related issues, including resolution failures and incorrect records.
• Create backups of DNS configurations and data for quick recovery.
• Troubleshoot network access issues and NAC-related problems for end-users and devices.
• Configure the NAC system to authenticate users and devices accessing the network.
• Design and enforce network access policies defining user access rights.
• Maintain accurate documentation of NMS configurations and procedures.
• Perform regular health checks and maintenance tasks on the NMS platform.
• Configure alerts and notifications within the NMS to identify network faults proactively.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in network communications and systems administration.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in managing and administering Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and network security concepts.
• Proficiency in managing DNS zones and records, including A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and SRV records.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to automate DNS-related tasks.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex network issues.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interaction with IT teams and end-users.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other IT professionals and participate in cross-functional projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with network monitoring tools, SNMP, and syslog.
• Proficiency in working with popular NMS platforms such as Managed Engine, Akips, and Alarmsone notification application.
• Knowledge of DNS AnyCast and Views.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Access to a range of benefits designed to support employees and their families.