Network Support Specialist

Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906.   Today, Ritter Communications serves over 100 communities across Arkansas, northeast Texas, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee. The company has grown steadily over the years, expanding rapidly and is now the largest privately-held regional broadband fiber, telecom, video and cloud services provider in the Mid-South. Ritter invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer focused experience. 

We are looking for an experienced Network Support Specialist to join our team.

General Summary:

The Network Support Specialist is a part of the Ritter Network Operations team responsible for providing overall operational support to Ritter’s Enterprise customers, to include provisioning enterprise services, move/add/change and disconnect orders. The role may also serve as a POC for Field Operations. Success in this role is highly reliant on the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments, networks, learn new technologies and processes quickly, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Provision new service, disconnect service, suspends, reconnects, facility changes, feature changes, CPE activation, and email address changes and/or fulfilling other service delivery requests;
• Interdepartmental coordination of complex order assignment and fulfillment;
• Responsible for fulfilling orders requiring new assignment, facility changes and completions
• Responsible for record keeping such as: maintaining cut sheets, updating facility records, and updating trouble records;
• Manages directory number portability requests;
• Troubleshoot and test customer service delivery;
• Activates voice and data services across copper, fiber and Ethernet platforms;
• Participates in a team environment; providing valuable input and suggestions;
• Interacts with Engineering, Field Operations, NOC, Service Delivery, and end-customers;
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong customer service focus;
• Foundational understanding of computers and networks;
• Demonstrated understanding of LAN/WAN protocols and technologies including Ethernet, VLAN, TCP/IP, Routing, Switching, ACL, and SD WAN;
• Demonstrated understanding of the OSI layer;
• Demonstrated understanding of VOIP;
• Knowledge of common networking tools and troubleshooting methodologies including Telnet, SSH, ping, traceroutes, and Wireshark;
• Ability to function in a team environment;
• Ability to follow internal policies and procedures;
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage multiple high-impact projects;
• Ability to be detail oriented while keeping the bigger picture in mind;
• Ability to work well individually and in a team environment;
• Skill in commonly used software such as Visio, Excel, Word, and Power Point;  
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and information.

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar technical field is preferred, or an Associate Degree in a technical field coupled with relevant work experience;

Significant years of direct and relevant work experience will be considered;

Cisco CCNA, Nokia NRS, CompTIA, or similar certifications preferred.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!