Senior Telecommunications & Network Specialist

The Ministry of Health is seeking a dynamic Senior Telecommunications & Network Specialist to lead the implementation and maintenance of SD-WAN solutions and oversee our network infrastructure. In this pivotal role, you will ensure the reliability and performance of network services across our enterprise, with a focus on supporting the critical operations of Emergency Health Services. Your leadership will drive innovation, enhance service quality, and advance our technological capabilities.

If you are a proactive leader with a passion for cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply. As the field of Next Generation 911 (NG911) evolves rapidly, this role offers continuous opportunities for growth, providing an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment for professionals who thrive on learning and innovation.

Note: This position is located at 5700 Yonge Street, North York, ON; however, alternate work arrangements may be available.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• provide enterprise-wide technical subject matter expertise on infrastructure issues across the enterprise
• seek out new technologies; to recommend to design, develop and implement innovative/leading edge solutions that meet the needs of the IT infrastructure of Emergency Health Services
• proactively lead efforts to improve the reliability and quality of network and telecommunication services
• develop, implement and coordinate incident reporting standards and procedures to ensure continuity and consistency
• oversees the testing and implementation of network and telecommunications applications (e.g., telephony/voice processing) including ongoing support, updates and refreshes
• provide enterprise-wide technical consulting on remote access (SSL & IPSec, VPN), WAN compression devices, site to site VPN connections, firewalls, SDWAN, and emergent Cloud-based network methodologies

How do I qualify?

Technical Skills:

You have:
• technical subject matter expertise in enterprise network infrastructure
• knowledge of networking operations
• experience with Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) implementation and migration
• experience with firewalls installation, configuration, daily operation
• fluency with both Windows and Unix OS Administration
• working technical knowledge of network control, network management, and security protocols
• knowledge of best practices for securing SD-WAN connections (incl. data privacy, preventing unauthorized access, and protecting against cyber threats)
• knowledge of SD-WAN interactions with cloud services
• knowledge of Quality Of Service (QoS) and configuration of QoS policies
• knowledge of virtualization concepts and overlay network technologies
• proficiency in network monitoring tools and techniques to diagnose and troubleshoot connectivity issues, performance bottlenecks, and other network-related problems
• knowledge of IP routing and L2 in datacenter using Cisco
• experience with IPv6
• experience with OS/Tools; configuration management of networking devices using automation tools and API scripting
• experience with Windows Active Directory
• experience overseeing the testing and performance of integrated, multi-service network systems
• knowledge of current/emerging technology and trends to evaluate application to ministry/government infrastructure requirements
• knowledge of incident reporting standards and procedures to ensure continuity and consistency

Project Management Skills:

• You have knowledge of project management methodology, analytical tools, and processes
• You can lead several large scale technical projects across multiple programs and ensure compatibility and proper integration of technologies
• You can provide overall leadership of all technical aspects of large scale infrastructure projects to ensure the implementation and testing phases are executed smoothly and within deadlines

Procurement Skills:

• You have knowledge to provide technical expertise in procurement processes, conduct market research, and communicate with vendors

Analytical, Organizational and Strategic Thinking Skills:

• You can conduct research into networking issues and products as required
• You can lead enterprise-wide consultations, provide input into technology strategies, and to oversee the planning, development , design and integration of large-scale projects and initiatives
• You can provide advanced consulting and advisory services to identify network/telecommunication technologies which facilitate business practices
• You can provide high level incident situation management
• You can conduct market research, recommend and participate in the development of new emerging technologies for EHS, review current/emerging technology and trends, and to evaluate infrastructure requirements
• You are committed to continuous learning, have willingness to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices

Communication Skills:

• You can develop business relationships by providing advanced technical expertise to Cluster and Ministry senior management
• You can create presentations, provide technical instruction and/or technical advice, provide recommendations to clients
• You can ensure effective communication for collaborating with different teams, understanding client requirements, and translating technical concepts into understandable terms for non-technical stakeholders
• You can prepare reports and conduct post-mortem evaluations