Purpose of the Role

• Secure and maintain the organisation’s computer systems and network.
• Maintain a reliable, secure, and efficient data communications environment.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Plan and Set Up Network Infrastructure
2. Maintain High-Availability Network Infrastructure
3. Conduct Research on Modern Networking Best Practices
4. Perform General Administrative and Documentation Functions

Key Tasks by KPA

1. Plan and Set Up Network Infrastructure

• Identify network requirements and design appropriate solutions.
• Implement, configure, and maintain LAN infrastructure.
• Implement, configure, and maintain WAN infrastructure.
• Assist System Administrators with necessary network configurations.
• Plan for and report on network capacity across the organisation.
• Negotiate and coordinate reciprocal network support and access with third-party vendors.
• Perform risk mitigation activities, contribute to team knowledge sharing, monitor network traffic, and update the incident response plan.

2. Maintain High-Availability Network Infrastructure

• Create and manage user accounts, permissions, and passwords in Active Directory.
• Install and configure network equipment and address hardware/software issues.
• Install and integrate new server hardware and applications.
• Support and manage third-party network and firewall applications.
• Maintain all computer networks including:
  • Software
  • Virtual hosts
  • VPNs
  • Routers
  • Physical hardware
• Optimise network performance in line with business needs.
• Monitor and respond to network security alerts and connectivity incidents.
• Monitor network performance (availability, utilisation, throughput, latency) and test for vulnerabilities.
• Update antivirus and security tools to ensure data protection.
• Diagnose and identify root causes of network and security issues.
• Research and resolve network performance issues promptly.
• Provide accurate solutions to issues escalated from 1st-line support.
• Provide remote infrastructure support and troubleshooting within agreed SLAs.
• Monitor and respond to new capacity threshold alerts.

3. Research on Latest Networking Practices

• Identify and review relevant software updates, patches, and firmware releases.
• Research and provide recommendations on improvements to server system operations.
• Stay updated on networking best practices, tools, and methodologies.

4. General Administrative Functions

• Assist in defining network policies and procedures.
• Communicate network issues clearly to other IT teams, supervisors, and management.
• Resolve escalated software and hardware configuration issues.
• Track systems nearing end-of-life and recommend replacements.
• Document existing systems and create detailed plans for implementing new systems.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal customers.

Other Requirements

• Assist System Administrators with cross-functional tasks.
• Liaise professionally with third-party providers.
• Advise the Maintenance team on UPS and systems-related failures.
• Occasional night-time driving and after-hours work.

Physical Requirements

• Must be capable of lifting loads of 20 kg or more.
• Must be able to work at heights and in confined spaces.

Working Hours

• Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00
• Occasional after-hours call-outs (including weekends and public holidays)
• Participation in scheduled standby and call-out shifts.

Work Location

• Primarily based in Benoni
• Work at Affinity data centres and other sites when required.

Essential Qualifications (Must-Have)

• Matric
• A+ Certificate
• N+ Certificate
  OR
• An equivalent NQF Level 7 networking certification (e.g. CCNA, ACSA)

Desirable Qualifications (Nice-to-Have)

• LPIC-1
• MCSE
• MCIPT
• JNCIA
• Palo Alto Cybersecurity Apprentice

Essential Experience (Must-Have)

• Proven experience as a Network Administrator.
• Experience designing and implementing routing and switching in large, multi-vendor networks (Aruba, Cisco, Juniper).
• Direct experience in network security (Juniper, Fortigate, Palo Alto).
• Hands-on experience with Aruba and Juniper routing/switching.
• Practical experience with wireless networks (e.g., UniFi).
• Experience with firewalls, VPN implementation, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.

Desirable Experience (Nice-to-Have)

• Hands-on experience with Windows Server 2016–2019.
• Experience with Linux servers and Microsoft infrastructure.
• Experience with VMware ESXi and distributed switching.
• Practical experience with BGP, MPLS, and OSPF.
• Experience with SentinelOne and Gytpol.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of backup and recovery tools.
• Deep understanding of internet protocols, services, and standards.
• Strong understanding of network automation, telemetry, and SDN.
• Strong knowledge of network security standards and best practices.
• Solid understanding of physical cabling types.
• Knowledge of best practices for server infrastructure management and monitoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex hardware, network, and performance issues.
• Ability to configure server hardware.
• Strong scripting skills.
• Solid ability to configure and maintain networking stacks.