Network Analyst

The Network Analyst plays a crucial operational role in maintaining Acadian's enterprise IT infrastructure. Focusing on proactive monitoring, performance analysis, and incident triage, this role ensures the reliability of our 24/7 mission-critical Cisco network solutions supporting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and all Acadian subsidiary companies.

The Analyst serves as the primary responder for network alerts, performs foundational troubleshooting, executes routine configuration changes, and escalates complex architectural issues to the Senior Engineering team. As this individual completes their initial training milestones, they will transition into a Network Administrator role, taking on greater responsibility for network security, routing deployments, and foundational Infrastructure as Code (IaC) automation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a general description of the essential duties and requirements common to positions of this type and may be subject to change. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Network Monitoring & Analysis: Proactively monitor enterprise LAN/WAN/WLAN environments using network management systems (e.g., SolarWinds, Cisco ThousandEyes) to ensure 24/7 life-and-safety uptime.
2. Incident Triage & Troubleshooting: Serve as the initial point of contact for network performance degradation. Troubleshoot tier-1 and tier-2 routing, switching, and wireless issues, performing packet capture analysis before escalating complex outages to Senior Engineers.
3. Routine Configuration (MACDs): Execute standard Moves, Adds, Changes, and Disconnects (MACDs). Configure switch ports, manage VLAN assignments, and apply standard access-control lists (ACLs) in accordance with established operating runbooks.
4. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate enterprise network topology diagrams, manage IP Address Management (IPAM) databases, and generate network health, bandwidth, and utilization reports for IT leadership.
5. Hardware Lifecycle & Maintenance: Assist in the physical deployment, racking, stacking, and cabling of Cisco Catalyst switches, routers, and wireless access points. Execute scheduled firmware upgrades and patching under the guidance of senior staff.
6. Automation Support: Utilize Python, Ansible, or Terraform scripts to deploy standard configurations and gather network data, gaining hands-on exposure to declarative IT operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience: Minimum of 0 to 2 years of demonstrated experience in IT network operations, a Network Operations Center (NOC) environment, or general network administration.

2. Certifications: Current and valid CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification.

3. Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred.

4. Technical Expertise:

   • Solid foundational understanding of Cisco switching, wireless solutions, and routing fundamentals (OSPF, static routing).
   • Experience using network monitoring, alerting, and ticketing systems.
   • Basic exposure to firewall concepts and network security practices.
   • Familiarity with basic scripting (e.g., Python) or a strong desire to learn modern network automation.

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS & SOFT SKILLS:

1. Must possess strong analytical skills and the ability to strictly follow documented runbooks and standard operating procedures during high-pressure outages.
2. Work Hours: Primarily standard business hours (approximately 40 per week), with flexibility required and participation in an on-call rotation to support a 24/7 mission-critical environment and address urgent operational needs.
3. Location: This position can be remote. However, preference may be given to candidates located within reasonable driving distance to one of our major offices in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Monroe, or New Orleans (LA); Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas (TX); Atlanta (GA), or Memphis or Nashville (TN) to facilitate occasional team collaboration or site visits if needed.
4. Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.