Position Purpose:
Reporting to the Electrical General Foreman, Operational Technology (OT) Network Specialist, the Network Specialist is responsible for the site operation, performance, reliability, availability and security of Operational Technology and SCADA/PLC LAN networks (underground and surface). The role provides insight to the security and integrity of data, data systems and data networks across the organization. This position provides network design principles and standards in the architecture of all OT technologies. It also interfaces with the Information Technology (IT) department to provide guidance on project activities and provides direction and support for the integration of IT/OT networks
The role provides oversight and management of all reporting, capacity planning, and business case input to foster technology improvements in support of capital and operational expenditures.
Responsibilities, Skills and Abilities:
- Oversees the day to day operation and stability of the entire OT network for both underground and surface networks
- Administers and manages the installation, configuration, and day to day planning and monitoring of all OT network infrastructure, operating systems, integrated applications and peripherals with support from network operations
- Maintain up to date drawings and documentation for all aspects of the OT networks including IT interfaces
- Administers and manages the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all the associated network devices including switches and PTP links.
- Designs and configures all OT network devices including switches, routers and firewalls (Does not include SCADA/HMI or PLC programming)
- Actively works with IT Security to develop, implement and enforce cyber security policies and procedures (Antivirus, Windows Updates, AAA Authentication, IDS)
- Woks with IT to administer DMZ and data flow between the Operations and Information network as well as outside networks when implementing SaaS
- Designs and configures all OT hardware devices including servers and workstations and applying updates and patches
- Administers Operations backup and recovery implementation (hardware and application software) including restoration and back up of network devices on Operations LAN
- Leads and troubleshoots all hardware and software related incidents as per defined SLA’s and vendor commitments
- Manages all vendors and service providers coordinating purchasing of all service products, and metric reporting
- Provides guidance and coaching to electrical and instrumentation support team in all appropriate related day-to-day OT network operation activities
- Creates and implements policies, procedures, and standards across all OT infrastructure platforms and ensures compliance with IT/OT policies and procedures to support corporate objectives
- Collaborates with business stakeholders, technology partners, vendors and support staff to select new solutions/technologies that meet business needs and align to the IT/OT architectural plan
- Ensures compliance with IT/OT audit functions related to network operations
- Responsible for all automation initiatives to streamline all processes and recovery procedures to improve service delivery and overall operational efficiency
- Participates as a subject matter expert for all Disaster Recovery activities
- Ensures compliance to legislative, regulatory and Health & Safety policies, procedures and standards
- May be required participate in on-call 7x24 support for key network systems.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- (Fiber splicing and the ability to work in conjunction with the electrical/instrumentation team to implement, repair and manage the network physical plant including fiber, copper and radio links.”)
- Energetic and enthusiastic team player committed to the overall success of OT/IT and business organization
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to provide practical and/or innovative solutions to complex technical issues
- Strong written and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical information in an organized and concise way
- Ability to promote continuous improvement through innovation and technology
- Ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple projects and initiatives within established timelines
Skills/Qualifications & Specialized Knowledge
Education
- Degree or College Diploma in Computer Science/Information
- Systems/Networking or recognized equivalent
- CCNA/Comptia Network+/IMINS or other associated professional networking designation(s) and knowledge an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of operating systems and server usage, installation, configuration and maintenance and other major applications. Primarily a Windows server environment, some Linux experience beneficial.
- Demonstrated knowledge of personal computer and server hardware installation and configuration
- Knowledge of OT Technology and Infrastructure peripherals
- SCADA – Detailed knowledge of real time operating systems an asset.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite of desktop products, applications, and operating systems
- Extensive knowledge of PC’s, communications networks, and peripherals
- Compliance and implementation of Management of Change and Incident Management
Experience
- Mining environment not necessary but considered an asset
- 5 years’ experience in large OT infrastructure organization, design, implementation, and maintenance
- Strong infrastructure experience across vendor platforms and communication systems
- Experience installing and configuring SCADA servers and SCADA client hardware.
- Experience providing end-user support for SCADA with application specific issues. Experience testing patches and system updates.
- Experience in disaster recovery implementation and execution
