Responsibilities for this position are as follow:   Network Infrastructure Support * Installation and Configuration: Deploy, set up, and configure network hardware including switches, firewalls, wireless devices, and VoIP systems. * Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance tasks on network infrastructure to ensure optimal performance. * Upgrades and Expansion: Assess, plan, and implement network upgrades or expansions as per organizational requirements. * Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations and changes.   Security Management * Firewall Management: Configure and manage Palo Alto firewalls to ensure network security. * Access Control: Administer TACACS/Radius and Active Directory solutions for identity and access control management. * Threat Mitigation: Monitor and respond to security threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of network data. * Data Protection: Oversee data protection and backup strategies for both on-premises and cloud systems.   System Maintenance and Troubleshooting * High-Level Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex network issues efficiently. * System Updates: Implement system updates, patches, and fixes to maintain network health. * Performance Optimization: Identify and address network performance bottlenecks.   Research and Implementation * Technology Evaluation: Research new network products, services, and technologies for potential implementation. * Testing: Evaluate and test new network solutions before deployment. * Recommendations: Provide recommendations for network improvements based on research findings.   User Support and Coverage * Assist User Support Roles: Offer high-level support to User Support Analysts and Technicians when needed. * Task Coverage: Step in to handle tasks typically performed by User Support positions during their absence or as necessary.   Other * Provide support to the IT Manager/Facility Director on various administrative tasks or special projects as needed. ABOUT NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS): The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves the needs of the most vulnerable of North Carolinians and, in order to accomplish this, we hire only the most dedicated and caring individuals. Finding qualified clinical professionals to treat and care for our clients is a continual challenge as demand for services grows and the availability of providers struggles to keep pace. We are seeking a motivated individual who is up for this challenge and is dedicated to our mission of providing North Carolinians with the very best in clinical care.   COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:T he state of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits by clicking on this link: NC OSHR: Benefits To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:   * Demonstrated knowledge of telecommunications network concepts, protocols, transport systems, and communications hardware and software. * Experience with network and/or telephony equipment. * Demonstrated ability to evaluate vendor equipment and diagnose and resolve network operations problems. * Working knowledge of telecommunications network software and hardware and the full range of network system requirements. * Working knowledge of a variety of network operational problem determination procedures and techniques    Physical Requirements Ability to lift 50 lbs. of equipment as necessary Bachelor's degree in computer science or an IT related field from an appropriately accredited institution OR Associate degree in computer science, or a related technical field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of networking related experience OR High School or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and four years of networking related experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience. North Carolina State Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities are subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks.  The use of tobacco products of any kind, including vapor products, is prohibited from our campuses.  All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.   Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone.  To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  You will receive either a call to schedule an interview or an e-mail notifying you when the job has been filled.   For technical issues with your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.  If there are any questions about this posting, other than your application status, please contact HR at  (252) 206-2483