Job Description

The Network Specialist independently delivers reliable network operations services by installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting campus network infrastructure, including wired and wireless network environments, to ensure consistent connectivity and availability. This role executes established operational services with sound judgment, adapting standard procedures to resolve routine and moderately complex issues that affect service quality and uptime. The position supports operational incidents, service requests, maintenance activities, lifecycle activities, and network changes through established ITSM and operational processes while coordinating effectively with field operations and adjacent IT teams. The position operates with limited supervision and is accountable for accurate execution, timely resolution of network issues, and adherence to VUIT operational and security standards, and effective customer communication.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Network Service Delivery

• Independently configure, deploy, and validate routers, switches, and wireless access points in alignment with approved designs and operational standards to ensure accurate, first-time service implementation.
• Perform routine maintenance activities including performance validation, firmware updates, configuration review, and operational health checks to maintain network stability, security posture, and consistent service delivery.
• Execute moves, adds, and changes with attention to post-implementation validation service restoration, and documentation accuracy to minimize rework and repeat issues.
• Monitor network devices, alerts, and operational conditions to proactively identify and address service-impacting issues.
• Coordinate installation, maintenance, and service activities with field operations, customers, and adjacent IT teams to support reliable operational outcomes.
• Diagnose and resolve connectivity and configuration issues using established tools and procedures, adapting approaches to address common and moderately complex operational scenarios across campus network environments.
• Restore network services within expected timelines, meeting service level targets and minimizing impact through effective troubleshooting, operational coordination, and appropriate escalation.
• Document incidents, resolutions, and corrective actions clearly to support knowledge reuse, operational consistency, and accurate network management and ITSM records.
• Prioritize and respond to operational incidents, service requests, and outage conditions based on impact, urgency, and established support procedures.
• Coordinate with internal support teams, field operations, vendors, and customers during deployment, incident response, and service restoration activities as needed.
• Coordinate and execute wired and wireless network lifecycle activities including upgrades, replacements, and decommissioning to maintain currency of network infrastructure and continuity of service.
• Implement approved changes through ITSM and change management processes, validating outcomes and addressing post-change issues to ensure network stability.
• Coordinate and schedule lifecycle and change activities with, customers, vendors, and adjacent IT teams to support effective execution, communication, and service continuity.
• Perform post-implementation validation and operational testing following lifecycle and change activities to confirm service functionality, stability, and accurate documentation.
• Maintain and update network diagrams, network management and source-of-truth systems, operational databases, procedures, asset inventories, and related documentation to support operational accuracy and cross-team coordination.
• Ensure compliance with applicable security, safety, and operational standards during installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Coordinate with field teams, vendors, customers, and adjacent IT groups to schedule work, manage dependencies, communicate impacts, and deliver consistent service outcomes.
• Communicate service status, impacts, and resolutions clearly to customers and stakeholders to set expectations and improve the overall service experience.
• Identify recurring operational issues and provide practical input to improve procedures, service reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to a service-focused operational culture through reliable execution, collaboration, accountability, and attention to service quality.

Issue Resolution and Operational Support

Lifecycle and Change Management Execution

Documentation, Compliance, and Coordination

Customer Communication and Service Quality

Working Conditions and Operational Requirements:

On-Site Requirement:

This position is required to work primarily on campus to support operational needs, provide in‑person services, and collaborate with colleagues. Employees are expected to be on site during their scheduled work hours unless otherwise approved by their supervisor. Occasional flexibility may be granted based on departmental needs and institutional policy.

On-call Responsibilities:

The position includes rotating on-call duties for after-hours incident response and requests.

Driving Required:

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not include direct supervisory responsibility but may provide informal guidance or mentorship to colleagues as needed. The role reports administratively and functionally to the Network Operations Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED is necessary

• Associate degree or higher is preferred

• Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and CCNA, or equivalent network certifications are preferred

Experience and Skills

• 2-4 years of relevant experience is necessary

• Working knowledge of configuring, deploying, maintaining, and supporting enterprise network devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points, in a production environment is necessary

• Applied ability to independently troubleshoot network connectivity, hardware, and configuration issues using standard tools and documentation is necessary

• Experience executing lifecycle activities and operational changes, and service restoration activities through ITSM and change management processes with attention to accuracy, risk, service continuity, and operational reliability is necessary

• Capability to maintain accurate network documentation, diagrams, source-of-truth systems, operational databases, and asset records to support operational continuity and team coordination is necessary

• Ability to coordinate effectively with field teams and cross-functional IT partners to deliver timely, reliable service outcomes and support incident response and scheduled operational activities is necessary

• Working understanding of network security principles, operational standards, and service reliability practices and their application in day-to-day support activities is necessary

• Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:

• Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand.

• Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.

• Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos.

• Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.

• Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.

• Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university.

• Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.

• Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.