ZDNet Definition for: Salary Survey Jobs Infrastructure

Following are the infrastructure job descriptions for the Kforce 2008 Salary Survey.

Infrastructure


Communications Operator
OTHER TITLES: Network Support, Telecommunications Support, Network Operator
EXPERIENCE: 1-5 years

JOB DESCRIPTION: Monitors and maintains communications equipment and connections, which may include troubleshooting communications hardware, software and transmission problems.

Data Center Manager
OTHER TITLES: Manager of Computer Operations
EXPERIENCE: 8+ years
EDUCATION: BS/BA Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Oversees the support and ongoing operation of server and mainframe equipment, computer and peripheral operations, data entry, data control, job scheduling and quality control. Supports multiple business locations by typically "housing" their applications within the corporate data center.

Hardware Engineer
OTHER TITLES: Analog Engineer, Digital Design Engineer
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BS/BA Electrical or Computer Engineering Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Experienced with CAD tools for schematic capture, simulation and FPGA design experience with VHDL. Embedded hardware development experience with embedded microprocessor/micro controller design and development experience, "C" language required, Assembly language desired, familiarity with software development tools, environments, and debuggers and PCB layout experience. Design experience with digital and/or analog board design or ASIC design experience using Verilog or Synopsys tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and able to produce clear and concise technical documentation. Engineering laboratory equipment experience (e.g. logic analyzer, oscilloscope, and spectrum analyzer, multi-meters).

Hardware/Software Technician
OTHER TITLES: Desktop Support, Network Support, Help Desk Support
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+

JOB DESCRIPTION: Implements and supports PC applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, e-mail and other desktop applications. Evaluates, installs and supports PCs and various printers, graphics and storage peripherals, and potentially trains new users. Can troubleshot hardware to the board level. Supports the help desk environment fielding desktop application questions.

Help Desk Analyst/Desktop Support
OTHER TITLES: Help Desk Support, Technical Support, Call Center Support
EXPERIENCE: 1-5 years
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: Microsoft or Novell Certification Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides first-level or end-user/customer telephone support for computer systems, which may include software, hardware or telecommunication systems. Troubleshoots hardware and software problems, assists users with desktop applications and provides user training. Utilizes applications such as Tivoli to track user requests from trouble-ticket generation through problem resolution. Will escalate a problem to other network or system support personnel when the problem is not easily identified and corrected.

Network Administrator
OTHER TITLES: Network Administrator, Novell Administrator
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BS Preferred
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: Certified Network Administrator, i.e., MCSE, MCP, MCSA, CNE, CNA Highly Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Installs and maintains local area network hardware and software. Adds new users to the network and specifies their directory structures and system access, troubleshoots network usage and peripheral issues, supports help desk analysts, resolves LAN connectivity issues and maintains LAN and internet connections. Requires expertise with MS-Windows NT/2000/XP, Novell Netware, and other network operating systems other than Unix.

Network Engineer
OTHER TITLES: LAN Administrator, Novell Administrator, WAN Administrator, Data Communications Analyst
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BSCS Highly Preferred
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: CNE, MCSE, or CCNA Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Analyzes business needs and designs, installs and supports network solutions on one or multiple platforms in a LAN or WAN architecture. Utilizes expertise in creating network and enterprise-wide solutions and is generally server and workstation-based in focus. May also involve WAN connectivity through routers, hubs and switches. Generally does not include daily LAN administration duties, other than in smaller network environments. May also manage a team of technicians and network administrators, and is the last level of support for troubleshooting network usage and equipment issues.

Network Security Analyst
OTHER TITLES: Network Security Specialist
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BS/BA Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Manages and supports all aspects of network security. Responsible for evaluating network architecture and hardware/software configurations for security vulnerabilities, assisting network engineers and application developers in creating secure systems and monitoring intranet, extranet, and internet systems for security threats. Designs security infrastructure (HW/SW, policies, procedures), performs vulnerability assessments, evaluates network infrastructure, conducts investigations and performs intrusion detection monitoring. May use a variety of tools from vendors including ISS, Net Ranger, Real Secure, KSE, SNORT or NetRecon.

Network Technician
OTHER TITLES: Router/Switch Technician, Router Configuration Specialist, Network Support
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: CCNA, CCNP or Router Configuration Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Installs and maintains LAN/WAN/MAN hardware and software technologies. Configures and install routers and switches in accordance with company standards. Works in conjunction with Network Engineers to support company wide communication needs. Troubleshoots network usage and peripheral issues, supports help desk analysts, resolves connectivity issues, and maintains data and telecommunication connections. Requires expertise with varied products such as Cisco and Nortel, and hardware firewall solutions. Significant experience with Protocols and pipeline management a must.

Operations Support/Systems Operator
OPERATIONS SUPPORT / SYSTEMS OPERATOR
OTHER TITLES: Computer Operator, Network Operator, Data Center Support
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+

JOB DESCRIPTION: Performs system backups and report distribution, monitors production runs, print runs, and computer jobs and contacts designated programming team members when production jobs have an error. May also monitor communications equipment and perform limited troubleshooting and problem resolution. Provides first-line support for any computer operational problems.

Specialty Network Engineer
OTHER TITLES: CCIE
EXPERIENCE: 6+ years
EDUCATION: BSEE, BSCS Preferred
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: CCIE, CCNP, CNE, MCSE

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for providing complex networking solutions that include highly secure and dynamic networks on an enterprise basis. Analyzes business needs; designs, installs, and supports network solutions on one or multiple platforms in a LAN/WAN/MAN or Web Architecture. Utilizes expertise in creating network and enterprise-wide solutions. May manage a team of Network Engineers and is the last level of support for troubleshooting network usage and equipment issues.

Technical Support Analyst
EXPERIENCE: 3+ years
EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides technical support and troubleshooting to customers for a software or hardware product. Advises customers on product features. Documents design and maintenance problems. Requires strong written and verbal communications skills, ability to communicate complex ideas to customers at their own level of understanding and ability to analyze, isolate, duplicate and resolve problems. Technical skills will vary according to the specific job requirement or product being supported.

Telecommunications Engineer
OTHER TITLES: Telecommunications Engineer
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BS/BA Highly Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Oversees the deployment and enhancement of telecommunications-related hardware and services. Requires excellent problem solving and diagnostic skills. Utilizes knowledge of telecommunications including frame relay, ATM, T1, Fraction T1, T3, SONET, ISDN or analog services. Will also have experience working with various telecommunication providers and understands the complexities of broadband services, provisioning circuits and other telco-provided services, and diagnosing telecommunications problems to their sources.

Unix Systems Administrator
OTHER TITLES: Unix Administrator, Server Administrator
EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BSCS Preferred
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING: Vendor Specific i.e., HP-UX, AIX, SCO

JOB DESCRIPTION: Installs, configures and maintains an organization's operating systems. Analyzes and resolves problems associated with server hardware Unix, applications software. Detects, diagnoses, and reports Unix related problems on servers. Manages all user accounts, applications, and hardware associated with Unix-based servers, mainframe or mid-range systems, or other similar systems. Duties include installing and maintaining (from a server or system perspective) operating systems, database management systems, programming tools, compilers, and system utilities. Monitors and tunes systems software, peripherals, and networks for optimal performance. Also installs new user accounts, creates batch administration scripts, and runs system backups and disaster recovery operations.

Voice Analyst
OTHER TITLES: PBX Support, Telephone Analyst
YEARS EXPERIENCE: Junior 1-2/Mid-Level 3-5/Senior 6+
EDUCATION: BS/BA Preferred

JOB DESCRIPTION: Designs voice networks, integrates telephone hardware and network services. Supports systems development in telephone-intensive applications, such as IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and call centers. Experience in traffic engineering and carrier management and understanding of network hardware, plus familiarity with PBX (Public Business Exchange) and ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) systems planning.

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.