Network Architect

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as a range of technology and other services, to a network of agricultural lenders in the United States and Puerto Rico. Located on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., AgFirst is committed to providing a comfortable, inclusive work environment. We believe in investing in our employees so they can help lead our $42 billion company into the future. If you are looking to fuel your professional development and gain exposure in the field of Technology apply today!

The Network Architect is responsible for enterprise level network planning, design, implementation and optimization. Develops and maintain enterprise level strategies and direction for network systems and security solutions using current and emerging technologies. Responsible for the technical plans, system designs, and implementation of the network security systems. Identify and/or translate business analysis and requirements into secure network solutions or process designs. Plans and recommends network hardware, systems management software, network security hardware/software and architecture. Recommends network and network security design and architecture to ensure compliance. Configures and maintains routers, switches, firewalls and hubs for the network systems, which includes Corp Wi-Fi. Proactively identifies risks and evaluates solutions to mitigate these risks. Prepares, presents, and recommends new solutions for possible implementation with supporting documentation to support a business proposition. Monitors WAN, LAN and WLAN, network performance, ensures capacity planning is performed routinely, and is proactive in assessing and making recommendations for improvement. Performs troubleshooting procedures on WAN, LAN, WLAN, VoIP, and Wi-Fi networks as required, and designs procedures and resolution methods and scripts for improved proactive operations. Provides operational support to and for customer’s issues and maintain current issue/event status in Ticketing System in adherence to CSC Operational Level Agreement. May take on role of Project Leader for special enterprise-wide assignments.

Strong understanding of application protocols, content-aware routing services, with local and global load balancing and failover
Responsible for the F5 Administration
Network services: IPv6, NTP, DNS, DHCP
Inter-network routing: OSPF, BGP, SDN, MPLS, etc.
WAN acceleration and edge devices: (e.g., Riverbed)
Mobile computing: VPNs, Mobile Device Management, Wi-Fi, integrated communications
Designing networks for 100% uptime
Network monitoring: event aggregation, NetFlow, SNMP
Real-time and streaming services: market data, live video, IPTV, SIP, VoIP, FIX, turret
Develop strategic roadmap for global networks, datacenters, and core infrastructure services
Work with application teams to understand how network capabilities enable them to achieve their SLA
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and optimization
Duties & Responsibilities

Design, implement, maintain, monitor and administer the AgFirst switched networking system
Ensure switched infrastructure maintains 99.99% availability and respond to issues in a timely and effective manner
Utilize vendor support to evaluate current environment status and conformation to standards as compared to industry
Proactively provide architecture input on major initiatives in the IMD department
Ensure industry best practices and procedures are implemented and followed during technical system projects
Establish clear and decisive standards for IT Network Systems to be referenced by all Application and System development projects
Serve as technical resource on daily issues related to but not limited to, VOIP, Video Conference, Switched Network Systems and Security Perimeter Systems
Provide technical insight and mentoring to junior technicians within the team
Project support
Strong PM skills and able to navigate changes on project prioritization
Through research and technical groups, evaluate the current and future technologies that should be evaluated and/or adopted by AgFirst
Requirements

BS or BA in business, computer science, or communications
Minimum of 10 years in the network/communications field
The following certifications are preferred:
CCNP – Cisco Certified Network Professional – Current certification
CCDP – Cisco Certified Design Professional – Current certification
CCIE – Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert – or equivalent experience/knowledge
Strong technical and analytical skills
Ability to work and build relationships within a team-oriented environment
Strong organization and oral and written communication skills
Ability to prepare for and present to management on network and security initiatives
Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to lead mid-to-complex technical initiatives
Ability and desire to mentor staff and provide knowledge transfer
Background knowledge of current and emerging Network and Open Systems environments
Knowledge of personal computer programming, word processing, databases and spreadsheets
Background knowledge of future Network and Open Systems environments