Local Area Network Manager (GS-334):
A person with specialized technical knowledge and skills in the operation of local area networks. Duties include advising on, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the hardware, software, and infrastructure needed to connect computers together to allow sharing of data, electronic messages, printers, and other resources. In this context, a local area network (LAN) is limited to computers within one building or a group of buildings within one park or office complex.
Positions with these duties are generally classified in the Computer Specialist Series (GS-334). Depending on the size and organization of the information management staff, LAN management may be the only responsibility or just one of several responsibilities an individual performs. (Refer to the files for Applications Developer, Data Communications Specialist, or Technical Support Specialist for the competencies required to perform additional responsibilities.
ENTRY LEVEL
These competencies identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform basic local area network (LAN) management tasks at a park, system support office, field director’s office, national program center, or Headquarters office. Work is usually performed under the direct supervision of an experienced NPS local area network manager.
Network Administration
Description
Assists a network manager with routine tasks related to network management.
Outline
I. Network Administration
A.Network Principles
B.Network use
C.Network backups
D.Installing/replacing network cards
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Understanding of the principles of local area networks (how they work)
Ability to add and remove network users following written or verbal instructions provided by network manager
Ability to assist end-users with common problems encountered logging onto and off of networks and using network printers
Ability to operate tape backup devices and software to perform network backups
Ability to install/replace network cards and connect workstations to the network
Ability to follow written or verbal instructions to install network versions of software
Network Design
Description
Assists network manager by acquiring floor plans and related information about buildings to be networked.
Outline
II. Network Design
A. Information gathering
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Network/Telecommunications Media
Description
Assists network manager with installation and maintenance of network infrastructure.
Outline
III. Network/Telecommunications Media
A.Assists with installation of cable and plugs.
B.Performs cross-connects to connect workstations to the cabling system.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Electronic Mail
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Computer Hardware
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Computer Operating Systems
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Troubleshooting
Description
Assists end-users with common problems encountered while using network connections and services.
Outline
VII. Troubleshooting
A.User support
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Analytical skills and skills in deductive reasoning
Knowledge of sources of hardware and software technical support (manufacturers’ help lines and bulletin board services, ...)
Procurement/Contracting
Description
Purchases basic networking accessories.
Outline
VIII. Procurement/Contracting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of NPS and local policies and procedures related to common purchases
Technical Writing
Description
Prepares simple instructions for end-users to follow while completing common network tasks.
Outline
IX. Technical Writing
A.Instructions
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skill in identifying and using terminology that end-users will understand
Skill in writing instructions that are complete and are logically organized
Training
Description
Conducts informal one-on-one training for end-users on use of network services and devices.
Outline
X. Training
A.Informal one-on-one explanations and demonstrations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
These competencies identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to assist with management of a local area network (LAN) at a park, system support office, field director’s office, national program center, or Headquarters office. Work may be performed without direct information management supervision, but with support from other NPS LAN managers. ??
Network Administration
Description
Performs intermediate level tasks related to network management (including both large and peer-to-peer networks).
Outline
I. Network Administration
A.Network Printing
B.User access rights
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the entry level plus:
Ability to install and manage a peer-to-peer network (e.g., LANtastic)
Ability to manage a Novell or Windows NT network
Ability to set up printers for network use (on both large and peer-to-peer networks)
Ability to install stand-alone network print server devices or to configure computers as network print servers
Ability to edit Novell network logon scripts
Ability to change access rights on peer-to-peer networks
Ability to add shared resources on peer-to-peer networks
Ability to troubleshoot common network problems encountered by end-users using Windows and most NPS standard software programs
Knowledge of third-party LAN software and hardware products and how they interrelate with the LAN operating system and with each other
Network Design
Description
Participates in planning and installation of new network systems and/or upgrades to existing systems.
Outline
II. Network Design
A.Network Hardware (e.g., Network Interface Cards, Hubs, Repeaters, Transceivers, ...).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General knowledge of local area network hardware requirements and cabling topologies
Knowledge of electrical considerations related to use of computers and related equipment both in computer rooms and individual employee workstations. These considerations include line noise, surges, uninterruptable power supplies, transformers, etc
Network/Telecommunications Media
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Electronic Mail
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Data Communications
Description
Outline
V. Data communications
A.IP addressing concepts
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Understanding of IP addressing concepts
Ability to configure network workstations for connection to DOINET
Ability to configure Novell servers for IP routing
Computer Hardware
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Computer Operating Systems
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Applications Software
Description
?(move everything from full-performance level to developmental level)
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Troubleshooting
Description
Assists the network manager with hardware and software testing to resolve network problems.
Outline
IX. Troubleshooting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the entry level plus:
Ability to use diagnostics software to diagnose hardware problems
Knowledge of network operating system commands and network card configurations sufficient to troubleshoot common network problems under the guidance of an experienced network manager
Ability to use manufacturers’ manuals for hardware and software to troubleshoot common network problems
Systems Analysis
Description
Participates in information systems planning.
Outline
X. Systems Analysis
A. Information Collection
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Basic knowledge of systems analysis techniques
Knowledge of the role local area networks play in an overall information system
Ability to conduct interviews with line employees to elicit information about current procedures and concerns
Procurement/Contracting
Description
Advises end-users, managers, and contracting staff on purchases of common networking equipment and software.
Outline
XI. Procurement/Contracting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Technical Writing
Description
Outline
XII. Technical Writing
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the entry level plus:
Training
Description
Coordinates and/or presents formal training on basic network tasks.
Outline
XIII. Training
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Emerging Technologies
Description
Stays abreast of changes in the field of local area network management and is able to understand the impact of emerging technologies on current hardware, software, design, etc.
Outline
XIV. Emerging Technologies
A. Research
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL
These competencies identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to implement and manage a local area network (LAN) at a park, system support office, field director’s office, national program center, or Headquarters office. Work is performed without supervision beyond direction in areas of administration, policy, and agency goals.
Network Administration
Description
Performs the full range of tasks necessary to manage a large local area network.
Outline
I.Network Administration
A. Network Operating System
B. Network Security
C. Network Management
D. Server configuration
E. Workstation configuration
F. Network printing
G. Remote access
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the developmental level plus:
Knowledge of LAN and data communications protocols and standards
Ability to install and manage a Novell or Windows NT network
Ability to configure network security options, ...
Expert knowledge of Novell NetWare or Windows NT operating systems and their technical characteristics such as that gained through certification as a Novell Certified Network Engineer (CNE) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Ability to tune network for performance, to monitor network capacities, and to manage network security
Ability to evaluate the value and potential problems related to network bug fixes and upgrades
Ability to apply and ineptly network bug fixes and upgrades
Ability to configure drivers for network cards
Network Design
Description
Plans and implements new network systems and/or upgrades to existing network systems.
Outline
II. Network Design
A.Transport Technology (e.g., ARCNET, Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, Local Talk, wireless) (various types of wireless)
B.Media (coaxial cable,twisted pair cable, fiber-optic cable, )
C. Connectors
D. Repeaters
E. Network topology (bus, ring, star, hybrid)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Detailed knowledge of local area network hardware requirements and cabling topologies
Knowledge of computer room support systems for electricity, air conditioning, security, fire suppression, telephone system access, and fire/heat alarms
Knowledge of ANSI, IEEE, OSHA, and EIA/TIA 568 current standards
Ability to write specifications for computer-related hardware, software, and services including infrastructure components of computer rooms and general workstations
Network/Telecommunications Media
Description
Researches and recommends appropriate media needed to connect computers to server within a building and between buildings at a park or office. Coordinates with telecommunications specialists to implement systems that meet voice, video, and data communications needs as well as network needs.
Outline
III. Network/Telecommunications Media
A.guided transmission media (open wire, twisted pair cables, coaxial cable, optical fiber, ...)
B.unguided transmission media (microwave, satellite, cellular radio, ...)
C. media selection
D.Electrical Systems/Considerations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of cabling systems and topologies for LAN’s and other telecommunications systems
Controlling cable electrical characteristics to create and maintain a clean signal
Knowledge of current standards applicable to network and telecommunications media (e.g., IEEE, OSHA, ...)
Data Communications
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to maintain IP addressing schemes
Ability to design IP addressing schemes
Computer Hardware
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Computer Operating Systems
Description
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Applications Software
Description
Provides space and configures network server for network installations of off-the-shelf, NPS, and DOI software. Sets up access to applications through log-in scripts or network menu systems.
Outline
IV. Applications Software on Networks
A. Stand-alone versions
B. Network Versions
C. Windows
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Understanding of how most standard NPS applications behave differently when shared over a network
Ability to follow manufacturers instructions to set up user configuration files for shared applications
Ability to troubleshoot common network problems encountered by end-users using Windows and most NPS standard software programs
Troubleshooting
Description
Analyzes and tests equipment, software, and services to determine the source(s)/cause(s) of problems which interrupt network services. Performs or arranges for any needed repairs.
Outline
V. Troubleshooting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the developmental level plus:
Knowledge of network operating system, hardware, and infrastructure sufficient to troubleshoot a wide variety of network problems
Skill in using third-party LAN management software to troubleshoot network problems
Systems Analysis
Description
Participates in information systems planning.
Outline
VI.Systems Analysis
A. Information Collection
B. Analysis
C. Recommendations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
All knowledge, skills and abilities shown at the developmental level plus:
Knowledge of National Park Service organizational structure, long-range goals and objectives, and subject-matter fields
Skill at planning and conducting interviews with line employees and managers to elicit information about current procedures and concerns
Ability to analyze information gathered from users, managers, personal observation, and available documentation to determine present and future network needs
Ability to prepare cost/benefit analyses and develop alternatives for network implementation and growth
Procurement/Contracting
Description
Serves as technical representative on network service contracts or major networking equipment or software procurements.
Outline
VII. Procurement/Contracting
A.Network service contracts
B.Large procurements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to write specifications for network-related hardware, software, and services including infrastructure components of computer rooms and general workstations
Knowledge of Federal, Departmental, agency, and Regional contracting and information resources management regulations, policies, and practices related to the procurement of information-related goods and services; ability to serve as a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative
Technical Writing
Description
Outline
VIII. Technical Writing
A.Documentation
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skill in writing thorough documentation of network configuration, operating procedures, disaster recovery plans, ...
Training
Description
Develops and presents formal end-user training on a variety of networking topics. Conducts informal one-on-one training on network administration and design for other computer and network support staff.
Outline
IX. Training
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Emerging Technologies
Description
Researches, evaluates, advises on, and implements new network hardware, network operating systems, LAN management hardware and software, ...
Outline
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skill in soliciting and evaluating review copies of network operating systems, third-party LAN management hardware and software, ...
Skill in learning how to use and implement new technologies
National Park Service