Network Administrator - Department of Information Technology Services

UP Professional and Support DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICESNETWORK ADMINISTRATORPEROMNES POST LEVEL 7 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development. Job PurposeThe Network Administrator’s role is to ensure the stable operation of the University’s networks. This includes responsibility for various network operations such as planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, optimizing, and supporting network communication links. The role also involves providing technical operational support and implementing data network services by delivering second-level support to all University of Pretoria users. Additionally, the Network Administrator is responsible for the complete design of network expansions and the resolution of complex network problems.ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Network infrastructure administration and maintenance: Analyse the organization’s network and system requirements, review network design proposals to assess impact on cross-network or multiple network performance; Research and analyse the network devices, protocols, services, and standards to support network activities, and create technical support documentation for the University's network infrastructure; Evaluate and recommend security improvements and system upgrades on the network infrastructure; Modify the performance of network systems as and when required, and oversee potential upgrades, migrations, and repairs to improve system capabilities; Provide and verify asset information, and assist in network design, architecture, and implementation; Research and analyse the network devices, protocols, services, and standards to support network activities; Create technical support documentation for the university's network infrastructure; Evaluate and recommend security improvements and system upgrades on the network infrastructure, and monitor the network to ensure optimal performance; Troubleshoot problems with network devices, and perform updates when required; Install, configure, and maintain all network communications; Install the software, hardware, and other devices to meet the organization’s network requirements, and develop and monitor policies for the use of network resources; Support, maintain, and monitor the network hardware and software, and manage the planning, coordination, configuration, installation, and management of all networks and related client services within the University; Identify trends and implement preventative solutions, and participate in network architecture planning for both project and maintenance requirements; Perform network upgrade/s; Contribute to the development of troubleshooting processes and procedures; Technical inspections and implementations: Analyse and resolve network performance incidents or problems, and identify and communicate risks; Support, maintain, and monitor the network hardware and software, and replace faulty hardware; Manage the planning, coordination, configuration, installation, and management of all networks and related electronic services according to security and hardening standards according to UP or vendor specifications; Identify traffic and problem-related trends, and implement preventative solutions; Participate in network architecture planning for both project and maintenance requirements, and perform network upgrade/s; Contribute to the development of troubleshooting processes and procedures; Utilise basic network analysis tools to resolve routine network performance problems; Provide basic explanations of technical network-related procedures and processes clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences; Adhere to change management practices; IT Enterprise Service Management: Respond to incidents according to service level agreements (SLAs), and refer requests/incidents/problems to the correct channel in a timely manner; Compile and submit reports to the relevant manager; Update Enterprise Service Management platforms; Contribute to and maintain knowledge articles, and communicate timeously with the relevant stakeholders; Adhere to ITS policies and procedures, and respond to incidents according to service level agreements (SLAs); Building project management and administration: Provide advice and guidance to the program/project managers on the technical approach to meeting requirements that will provide optimal user benefit and network performance; Complete installation and commissioning of equipment as per project workstreams; Draft documentation for projects and submit it to the relevant manager; Keep documentation up to date, and provide vendors with relevant information; Vet, design, and implement any data centre, server room, and network room infrastructure projects; Build professional relationships with professional teams, e.g. consulting engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, the City of Tshwane, ICASA, etc. on building projects; Vendor support: Liaise with vendors to troubleshoot network incidents and problems; Support vendors as needed, e.g. fibre routes, cabling requirements, as well as project work; Report and escalate faults to vendors when needed; Configure and install network operating system protocols and equipment as per vendor and network design. Minimum Requirements A relevant Bachelor’s or BTech degree in an applicable field such as Computer Science, Informatics, or Information Technology; with: A total of four years’ experience in: Network engineering, network operations, and network performance analysis; Troubleshooting data network; Networking principles; Wireless networking technologies and applications; Optical fibre and UTP cabling; Valid driver’s licence; Relevant data network certification; ITIL Foundation certification; OR A National Higher Diploma in Electronics, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology; with: A total of six years’ experience in: Network engineering, network operations, and network performance analysis; Troubleshooting data network; Networking principles; Wireless networking technologies and applications; Optical fibre and UTP cabling; Valid driver’s licence; Relevant data network certification; ITIL Foundation certification. Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes) Knowledge of: Network hardware and design; Networking concepts; WiFi technologies and design; Physical infrastructure architecture; Knowledge of DDI; Enterprise Service Management; Cabling and fibre infrastructure; Technical competencies: Networking infrastructure; WiFi infrastructure; Data cabling infrastructure; DDI; Behavioural competencies: Capacity to compile, assimilate, organize, and store printed and electronic information; Ability to: Convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing to ensure that they understand the information and the message; Follow instructions through a standard work process; Actively participate as a member of a team to move toward the completion of goals; Act to achieve goals beyond what is required; Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, or customers by listening to the client/customer and understanding and responding to identified needs; Build and maintain ongoing, collaborative working relationships with co-workers to achieve the goals of the work unit; Deal with disappointment and/or rejection while still working effectively; Deal with high stress situations calmly and effectively; Stay with a job or plan until the desired objective is achieved or is no longer reasonably attainable; Develop strategies using new technology to enhance decision-making, and understanding the impact of technological change on the organization; Understand internal/external customer technologies and problem resolution techniques; Communicate effectively with customers by listening to symptom descriptions, analysing problems, responding effectively, and providing constructive feedback to the client on problem resolution; Generate innovative solutions in work situations by trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities; Identify problems, determine possible solutions, and actively work to resolve the issues. Added Advantages And Preferences An Honours Degree in an applicable field such as Computer Science, Informatics, or Information Technology, with A total of three years’ experience in: Managing the complex network infrastructure in a large enterprise environment; Network security design and implementations; Relevant WIFI networking certification. PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.In Applying For This Post, Please Attach A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact. CLOSING DATE: 05 November 2025No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.ENQUIRIES: Ms V Makhubele, Email: violet.makhubele@up.ac.za , Tel: (012) 420 6920 for application-related enquiries, and Mr R Botha, Email: rupert.botha@up.ac.za, Tel: (012) 420 8303 for enquiries relating to the post content.Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.