Network Architect

Job Description

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as a range of technology and other services, to a network of agricultural lenders in the United States and Puerto Rico. Located on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., AgFirst is committed to providing a comfortable, inclusive work environment. We believe in investing in our employees so they can help lead our $42 billion company into the future. If you are looking to fuel your professional development and gain exposure in the field of Technology apply today!

The Network Architect is responsible for enterprise level network planning, design, implementation and optimization. Develops and maintain enterprise level strategies and direction for network systems and security solutions using current and emerging technologies. Responsible for the technical plans, system designs, and implementation of the network security systems. Identify and/or translate business analysis and requirements into secure network solutions or process designs. Plans and recommends network hardware, systems management software, network security hardware/software and architecture. Recommends network and network security design and architecture to ensure compliance. Configures and maintains routers, switches, firewalls and hubs for the network systems, which includes Corp Wi-Fi. Proactively identifies risks and evaluates solutions to mitigate these risks. Prepares, presents, and recommends new solutions for possible implementation with supporting documentation to support a business proposition. Monitors WAN, LAN and WLAN, network performance, ensures capacity planning is performed routinely, and is proactive in assessing and making recommendations for improvement. Performs troubleshooting procedures on WAN, LAN, WLAN, VoIP, and Wi-Fi networks as required, and designs procedures and resolution methods and scripts for improved proactive operations. Provides operational support to and for customer's issues and maintain current issue/event status in Ticketing System in adherence to CSC Operational Level Agreement. May take on role of Project Leader for special enterprise-wide assignments.

• Strong understanding of application protocols, content-aware routing services, with local and global load balancing and failover
• Responsible for the F5 Administration
• Network services: IPv6, NTP, DNS, DHCP
• Inter-network routing: OSPF, BGP, SDN, MPLS, etc.
• WAN acceleration and edge devices: (e.g., Riverbed)
• Mobile computing: VPNs, Mobile Device Management, Wi-Fi, integrated communications
• Designing networks for 100% uptime
• Network monitoring: event aggregation, NetFlow, SNMP
• Real-time and streaming services: market data, live video, IPTV, SIP, VoIP, FIX, turret
• Develop strategic roadmap for global networks, datacenters, and core infrastructure services
• Work with application teams to understand how network capabilities enable them to achieve their SLA
• Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and optimization

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, monitor and administer the AgFirst switched networking system
• Ensure switched infrastructure maintains 99.99% availability and respond to issues in a timely and effective manner
• Utilize vendor support to evaluate current environment status and conformation to standards as compared to industry
• Proactively provide architecture input on major initiatives in the IMD department
• Ensure industry best practices and procedures are implemented and followed during technical system projects
• Establish clear and decisive standards for IT Network Systems to be referenced by all Application and System development projects
• Serve as technical resource on daily issues related to but not limited to, VOIP, Video Conference, Switched Network Systems and Security Perimeter Systems
• Provide technical insight and mentoring to junior technicians within the team
• Project support
• Strong PM skills and able to navigate changes on project prioritization
• Through research and technical groups, evaluate the current and future technologies that should be evaluated and/or adopted by AgFirst

Requirements

• BS or BA in business, computer science, or communications
• Minimum of 10 years in the network/communications field
• The following certifications are preferred:
  • CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional - Current certification
  • CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional - Current certification
  • CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert - or equivalent experience/knowledge
• Strong technical and analytical skills
• Ability to work and build relationships within a team-oriented environment
• Strong organization and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare for and present to management on network and security initiatives
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to lead mid-to-complex technical initiatives
• Ability and desire to mentor staff and provide knowledge transfer
• Background knowledge of current and emerging Network and Open Systems environments
• Knowledge of personal computer programming, word processing, databases and spreadsheets
• Background knowledge of future Network and Open Systems environments

#LI-OM

About Us

Are you ready for a career with us that will impact more than you ever imagined? At AgFirst, you have an opportunity to make a difference for agriculture and rural communities while elevating your career. When you work here, you are part of a cooperative that provides financing, technical support, and business services to banks in the national Farm Credit system. You can be part of the solution for those banks - our customers - as they make loans to more than 80,000 farmers, businesses, and homeowners in rural America. At AgFirst, we value your skills and unique perspective. We think you'll like the impact you can make here and the benefits you will enjoy. AgFirst is dedicated to fostering an engaged workplace that makes every employee feel valued, appreciated, and heard. We invest in our employees because they invest in us and work hard to make our bank successful. Among its range of benefits, AgFirst offers competitive pay, flexible work schedules, a corporate incentive plan, and even free coffee and soft drinks in the break room. If you're ready to impact more than you ever thought possible, we're ready for you!

While we offer a variety of lending and credit jobs, we're more than just an agricultural lending company. We have many roles in areas such as information technology and information security, as well as support services. No matter your career path, find a way to impact more with AgFirst!

OUR BRAND AND CULTURE

We want to make a difference in people's lives - and that includes yours! We strive to create a workplace environment where all employees feel welcome and open to bringing their whole selves to work. We have a diverse, talented workforce that helps us bring a well-rounded perspective to the solutions we provide. At AgFirst, we aim to give our employees room to grow both personally and professionally. We hope you will find more than just a job here. We hope you will find a fulfilling career that allows you to use your abilities to impact more.

OUR BENEFITS AND REWARDS

AgFirst believes employee satisfaction is built around a career that combines personal and professional accomplishment with financial rewards that help you build toward the future. We believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. At AgFirst, you'll find a total rewards package that includes:

• Competitive pay, with paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, as well as paid time off for volunteering.
• Corporate incentive plan with spot bonuses for top-notch work.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Generous 401(k) matching contributions, as well as additional employer contributions.
• Reimbursement for approved higher education pursuits.
• A wellness program for employees, which includes resources for a healthier lifestyle.
• A Leadership Academy for professional development.
• Other perks, such as employee discounts, annual on-site flu shots, and even free periodic chair massages.

In addition, we are located in a modern office building in a revitalized business district on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., near multiple restaurants and shops. Our open floor plan features a variety of meeting areas, from cozy collaboration rooms to large meeting spaces - all equipped with state-of-the-art technology to meet your business needs.

Other benefits of our office building include:

• Free parking in an attached garage.
• An on-site restaurant.
• A newly renovated fitness center.
• On-site conveniences, such as dry cleaning.

Regular building events, such as luncheons and ice cream socials