Network Analyst I

Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906. Today, Ritter Communications serves 92 communities and more than 45,000 customers across Arkansas, northeast Texas, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee. The company has grown steadily over the years, expanding rapidly and is now the largest privately-held regional broadband fiber, telecom, video and cloud services provider in the Mid-South. Ritter invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer focused experience.

General Summary:

The Network Analyst is a member of the Ritter Network Operations Center (NOC) team responsible for providing overall operational support for the company’s data, voice, and transport network. Success in this role is highly reliant on the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and networks, learn new technologies and processes quickly, and to work both independently and in a team environment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors network systems including server applications, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, storage devices, and other network equipment;
• Documents and reports all network incidents and outages according to policy;
• Provides remote technical support to technicians for data networks and server applications, IP routing setup and troubleshooting various customer service issues;
• Provides escalation support to Enterprise Technical Assistance Center (TAC) staff;
• Activates voice and data services across copper, fiber and Ethernet platforms;
• Participates in a team environment; providing valuable input and suggestions;
• Interacts with Engineering, Field Operations, TAC, and on occasion end-customers;
• Participates in a 24x7x365 (3) shift rotation;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of telecommunications products and services;
• Foundational understanding of computers and networks;
• Demonstrated understanding of LAN/WAN protocols and technologies including Ethernet, VLAN, TCP/IP,

Routing, Switching, and ACL;

• Demonstrated understanding of the OSI layer;
• Knowledge of common networking tools and troubleshooting methodologies including Telnet, SSH, ping, traceroutes, and Wireshark;
• Skill in scripting and front/back-end development highly preferred;
• Skill in commonly used software such as Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point;

• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information;
• Ability to follow policies and procedures;
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage multiple high-impact projects
• Ability to be detail oriented while keeping the bigger picture in mind;
• Ability to work well individually and in a team environment;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar technical field is preferred. 5 years of relevant experience required. Cisco CCNA, Nokia NRS, CompTIA, or similar certifications preferred.

Physical/Cognitive Demands and Work Environment:

The physical and cognitive demands and work environment described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The associated tasks are representative of those that would be applicable but are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the job.

• Vision – adequate vision is required constantly for written communication, driving to meetings at various work locations, visually inspecting equipment etc.;

• Hearing – adequate hearing is required constantly for verbal communication with vendors, co-workers, and customers;

• Mobility – must constantly be able to sit, stand, and walk; also must be able to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl;

• Dexterity – must constantly be able to use hands/fingers to handle or feel and constantly reach with hands and arms for written communication/keyboarding;

• Strength – must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. frequently and up to 25 lbs. occasionally;

• Cognitive Ability – Must demonstrate sufficient ability to comprehend, remember, reason, analyze, and verbalize to communicate, process information, evaluate and solve problems, plan, etc. This is a safety and security sensitive position and employees must be able to perform the job without impairment;

• Work Environment – primarily works in an office environment with the minimal exposure of disagreeable conditions;

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location