Independent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Arkansas

OzarksGo, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas a telecommunications subsidiary of Ozarks Electric Cooperative, offering all-fiber gigabit internet and premium television and telephone services to Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.

Ozarks provides its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, fully paid medical and dental coverage for both you and your dependents, a 401(k) plan with robust employer matching contributions. Additionally, we provide paid time off, nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

High school diploma required. Associate degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum five years of related experience in network engineering, network administration, or service provider networking with progressive responsibility for designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing enterprise or carrier-grade network infrastructure and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Must possess advanced knowledge of network engineering, network administration, and service provider technologies. A high-level understanding of the following skills and their application in an ISP environment is required:

• TCP/IP networking
• IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and routing
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking
• LAN and WAN architecture
• Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Ring network topologies
• Routing and switching technologies
• VLAN implementation and management
• VoIP technologies
• Server operating systems
• Fiber optic networking technologies, including DWDM and high-capacity transport systems
• 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps network interfaces
• Network security principles and best practices
• Firmware, software, and security patch management
• Network documentation and change management
• Scripting and automation for network administration
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills

MAJOR JOB TASKS:

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the network infrastructure supporting data, voice, and video services, including systems required for administrative operations.
• Maintain the security, reliability, and availability of network infrastructure and service provider applications.
• Design, implement, document, and maintain Layer 2 and Layer 3 LAN and WAN network connectivity.
• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade network hardware, software, firmware, and security patches.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation to improve operational efficiency and system integration.
• Evaluate requests for new network applications and technologies and provide recommendations regarding hardware, software, and implementation.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal users and subscribers as needed.
• Assist with training users and technical staff on network-related systems and technologies.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Troubleshoot network performance issues and implement corrective actions to maintain optimal system performance.
• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Complete any IT/Security training as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

The Network Engineer shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of OzarksGo.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Frequent contacts with the general public, subscribers, vendors, contractors, and other outside representatives wherein the manner of handling these contacts has a bearing on the organization's position and operation.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to operate all equipment normally found in an office and network operations environment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license without violations that would prohibit insurability.
• Must be able to write reports, business correspondence, technical documentation, and policy/procedure manuals and effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, vendors, and the general public.
• Must be able to analyze technical information, interpret network diagrams and documentation, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Normal office conditions with occasional work in telecommunications facilities, data centers, and remote network locations. Some irregular hours, after-hours maintenance, emergency response, and on-call responsibilities will be required. Continuously exposed to one or two elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking, and occasional pushing, carrying, or lifting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
• The physical activities and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

SUPERVISES:

• NONE

OzarksGo, LLC, is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer.