Quartz 4

Network Specialist

4 min read

Network Specialist - Job Description & Qualification Tasks

Primary Responsibility: To engineer and support the robust and secure IP network infrastructure for Building Automation Systems (BAS), ensuring seamless integration with client IT environments and reliable remote access.

Prerequisites:

  • Completion of Field Specialist role with supervisor sign-off
  • Completion of Bridge Training modules
  • Minimum 18-24 months experience as Field Specialist
  • OSHA 40-Hour Construction Safety Certification (maintained)

Estimated Time in Role Before Promotion Eligibility: 24-36 months

Next Possible Roles: [Senior Field Operations Coordinator]

Assessment Methods

  • Practical demonstrations with supervisor observation and sign-off on each key task
  • Network design documentation reviewed by senior engineers
  • Successfully deployed networks with zero critical security vulnerabilities
  • Written exam on networking protocols and cybersecurity (80% passing score)
  • Client IT team feedback and acceptance of integration work
  • Troubleshooting case studies with documented resolution steps
  • Portfolio of network diagrams, documentation, and completed integration projects

Key Tasks for Qualification

    1. Network Design & Configuration: Design a network architecture for a large-scale BAS deployment, including IP address schemes, subnet masks, and VLAN segmentation.
    1. Network Design & Configuration: Configure and commission managed switches (e.g., Cisco, Dell) to establish specific VLANs for BAS devices, isolating them from the main corporate network.
    1. Security & Remote Access: Implement secure remote access methods (e.g., VPNs, secure proxies) for BAS controllers and head-end servers.
    1. Security & Remote Access: Harden a BAS server by disabling unnecessary services, configuring firewalls, and enforcing strong password policies.
    1. Troubleshooting & Documentation: Diagnose and resolve complex network communication failures (e.g., BACnet/IP broadcast storms, IP conflicts, device timeout errors).
    1. Troubleshooting & Documentation: Create detailed network documentation (diagrams, IP lists, port mapping) for a completed project handover package.
    1. IT Integration: Successfully coordinate the integration of a new BAS server with a client’s IT team, adhering to their security and naming conventions.

Required Training Course List

  1. BAS Network Architecture and Design: IP Address Schemes, Subnetting, VLANs, and Segmentation Best Practices.

  2. Managed Switch Configuration: Vendor-specific training (e.g., Cisco/Dell) on VLAN creation and port configuration.

  3. Secure Remote Access Implementation: Setting up and managing VPNs, secure proxies, and access control lists (ACLs).

  4. Server Hardening and BAS Cybersecurity: Implementing firewalls, disabling services, and enforcing strong security policies.

  5. Network Troubleshooting for BAS Protocols: Diagnosing BACnet/IP, Modbus, and general TCP/IP communication failures.

  6. Technical Documentation Standards: Creating network diagrams, IP lists, and handover documentation packages.

  7. IT/OT Collaboration and Client Integration: Procedures for working with client IT teams and adhering to corporate IT standards.

  8. Network Monitoring and Management Tools: Using Wireshark, PING, traceroute, and BAS-specific diagnostic tools.

Optional/Advanced Training

  • CompTIA Network+ Certification
  • Cisco CCNA Certification
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals (CompTIA Security+)
  • Advanced firewall configuration (pfSense, Fortinet, etc.)
  • Wireless network design for BAS applications
  • Enterprise network management systems
  • Cloud-based BAS platforms and integration
  • IPv6 implementation and migration strategies

Cross-Training Opportunities

  • Shadow Programmer Developers to understand control communication requirements
  • Shadow Graphic Developers to understand HMI network dependencies
  • Attend IT industry conferences or webinars on OT/IT convergence
  • Work with Project Managers on network infrastructure estimation and planning
  • Collaborate with Field Specialists on network troubleshooting field calls
  • Review Service Fusion workflows for tracking network equipment and licenses
  • Participate in client IT coordination meetings

Qualification Checklist

Before advancing to Senior Field Operations Coordinator, the Network Specialist must demonstrate:

  • Design and deploy 5+ complete BAS networks from scratch
  • Configure 10+ managed switches with proper VLAN segmentation
  • Implement secure remote access for 5+ different client environments
  • Successfully integrate with 5+ different client IT departments
  • Harden 3+ BAS servers to meet enterprise security standards
  • Diagnose and resolve 20+ complex network communication issues
  • Create comprehensive network documentation for 10+ projects
  • Pass written exam on networking and cybersecurity (80%+)
  • Obtain at least one industry-recognized networking certification (Network+, CCNA, or equivalent)
  • Maintain zero critical security incidents over 24-month period
  • Mentor Field Specialists on basic networking concepts
  • Receive supervisor sign-off on all 7 key qualification tasks

Timeline Expectations

Typical Duration: 24-36 months

  • Months 1-6: Learning network fundamentals, working under senior Network Specialist supervision
  • Months 7-12: Designing networks with oversight, gaining switch configuration proficiency
  • Months 13-18: Managing client IT integrations, advanced security implementation
  • Months 19-30: Full independence on network projects, pursuing certifications
  • Months 31-36: Mentoring others, preparing for dispatch coordinator responsibilities

Note: Progression depends on demonstrated technical expertise, successful client IT collaborations, certification achievement, and company need for dispatch coordinator capacity.

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