Network Specialist
Full-Time, Permanent Position
100% FTE
Department: Information Technology
Reports to: Director of Information Technology
Role Overview
The Network Specialist is responsible for the design, administration, security, and continuous operation of the School's technology infrastructure, ensuring reliable access to critical systems and services that support teaching, learning, and daily operations. This role manages and maintains the School's wired and wireless networks, servers, storage systems, telecommunications, cloud services, cybersecurity tools, backup and disaster recovery solutions, and data centre operations. Acting as a senior technical resource, the Network Specialist diagnoses and resolves complex infrastructure issues, provides second- and third-level technical support, collaborates with vendors and service providers, and leads the planning and implementation of technology enhancements. The incumbent also oversees system documentation, hardware and software procurement, security compliance activities, and business continuity initiatives, while helping to ensure the availability, performance, and integrity of the School's IT environment on a 24/7 basis. This posting is to replace the previous incumbent.
Who We Are
SMLS is a premier independent girls' school (JK–Grade 12) with 135 years of history. Located on 10 acres in Olde Oakville, our mission is to provide personalized, real-world learning experiences that encourage young women to challenge and transform the world. Our tight-knit, nurturing community allows each girl to explore her unique pathway to success. SMLS students learn to dare–and develop the future-ready skills, resilience, and confidence to lead beyond our doors.
Who You Are
You are a highly skilled IT professional with a deep understanding of network infrastructure, computer systems, and emerging technologies, combined with exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities. You thrive in a dynamic environment where balancing multiple priorities, managing complex technical initiatives, and responding to critical issues are part of everyday work. Known for your attention to detail, drive, and determination, you take pride in delivering reliable, secure, and high-performing technology solutions. Equally important, you are a collaborative and service-oriented partner who builds strong relationships with colleagues, vendors, and end users. As an advocate for girls' education, you understand that a dependable and seamlessly functioning IT environment is essential to supporting student learning, empowering educators, and enabling the School to achieve its mission. You keep current with emerging technologies, including: AI, cybersecurity, and new systems, and are committed to ongoing professional growth. You are motivated by the opportunity to leverage technology to create an exceptional educational experience for both students and staff.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education, technical certifications, and directly related experience may be considered.
- Knowledge or training in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and their responsible use in an education setting is considered an asset.
- Industry certifications would be considered a strong asset, such as:
- Fortinet NSE/Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) or equivalent
- Cisco CCNA or CCNP
- VMware VCP
- Microsoft specialization certifications (Azure, Windows Server, Active Directory)
- CompTIA Network+ and/or Security+
- ITIL Foundation
Experience:
- 7+ years of progressively responsible experience supporting and administering enterprise-level network and server infrastructure.
- Experience with virtualization technologies, storage area networks, Microsoft server environments, cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery systems, and complex wired and wireless network environments is required. Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Fortinet, Cisco, VMware, Microsoft, CompTIA) are considered strong assets.
- Experience supporting technology operations within an educational environment is an asset.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Create, build, maintain and monitor wired/wireless IP LAN/WAN network, HP/KM/Canon network printing, Fortinet VoIP system/phones, Microsoft AD/DNS/DHCP/SMB, Vmware/ Workstation Pro/vSphere ESXi, DELL EMC SAN/SAN Brocade-DS switching network, file/Papercut-MF print/(MS-SQL)applications servers/desktops, desktop/server Sophos Endpoint protections, Fortinet Mid-range (Campus) series NGFW/AI/ML firewall, Alcatel/ SAS routers & Meraki/Fortinet networking switch systems
- Google Workspace Education Admin console access re: Domain OU's, Device App's
- Ensure 24/7/365 datacentre/systems/network/applications uptime; on-call 24/7/365 with supplied iPhone, working with vendor maintenance/support staff onsite/offsite as required
- Datacentre/UPS's(GE-LP33-30kVA)(CyberPower-1500VA units) physical facility ongoing operations/maintenance, monitoring, scheduled servicing; including working with outsourced maintenance vendors
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, evaluate and resolve server/network hardware and software connectivity/performance issues.
- Maintain system integrity/security & participate in scheduled (cybersecurity) audits of systems
- Assist with the overall functioning of the Help Desk in the absence of the Help Desk Supervisor and Director, IT.
- Ongoing training/hand-off for alert handling procedures to Help Desk via Service Desk Ticketing system
- Manage all back-up(Retrospect/AWS S3/AWS console) & file recovery systems/software, initiating major/minor restores/recovery as required, initiate/evaluate disaster recovery planning/implementation
- Provide second & third-level Help Desk Support via Service Desk Ticketing system
- Design, develop, test, evaluate, implement & plan future IP/VoIP/SAN/AD server/network infrastructure & enhancements, while conferring with vendors
- Prepare and maintain all server/network system-related documentation.
- Responsible for overall server/network hardware and software procurement.
- Order server/network supplies necessary and complete expense requisitions.
SMLS' culture is highly collaborative and community-oriented. All staff are expected to participate fully in the life of the school, including attending school events which may occur on evenings or weekends from time to time (faculty participation in co-curriculars is essential).
Employees are expected to undertake additional responsibilities as reasonably assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the role.
Candidates should be aware that, as the School continues to evolve, job responsibilities may be adjusted from time to time to align with the needs of our students and the School. Any such changes will be made reasonably, and every effort will be made to provide advance notice and appropriate training where required.
Compensation & Terms
The expected salary range for this position is $84,000 to $105,000 (target hiring range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000). Final salary placement may exceed this range in accordance with SMLS' Compensation Structure.
SMLS does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools in the screening or selection of candidates.
Why Join SMLS?
Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls' education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.
When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community!
Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and may be eligible for some of the following benefits:
- Health, vision, and dental care
- Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Mental health & wellbeing resources
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match
- A healthy lunch program during the school year
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site parking
- Time off during Winter Break and March Break
- Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar
OUR VISION
Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world.
OUR MISSION
To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.
OUR VALUES
Excellence · Courage · Integrity · Belonging
If you are interested in an opportunity to join our school, please submit both your cover letter and resume in a single pdf file.
Files should be in the following name format: firstinitial_lastname_job title
We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Please also note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment.
SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community. Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.
