**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

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- 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

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- 1. **Network Design & Configuration:** Design a network architecture for a large-scale BAS deployment, including IP address schemes, subnet masks, and VLAN segmentation.

- 2. **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.

- 3. **Security & Remote Access:** Implement secure remote access methods (e.g., VPNs, secure proxies) for BAS controllers and head-end servers.

- 4. **Security & Remote Access:** Harden a BAS server by disabling unnecessary services, configuring firewalls, and enforcing strong password policies.

- 5. **Troubleshooting & Documentation:** Diagnose and resolve complex network communication failures (e.g., BACnet/IP broadcast storms, IP conflicts, device timeout errors).

- 6. **Troubleshooting & Documentation:** Create detailed network documentation (diagrams, IP lists, port mapping) for a completed project handover package.

- 7. **IT Integration:** Successfully coordinate the integration of a new BAS server with a client's IT team, adhering to their security and naming conventions.

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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.

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- 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

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- 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

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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

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**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.

- [Intro to Building Automation System Architecture](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9X0qY650wQ)

- [BAMTV 007: How BACnet IP Works](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_J_p_fUoXQ)

- [BAMTV 008: Networking Fundamentals for BAS Professionals- part 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_i_E_y_y_Y)