Senior Network and Infrastructure Specialist

Job Title                                 : Senior Network and Infrastructure Specialist

Position Status                      : Permanent

Peromnes Grade                   : P06 (R 1 362 944.20 CTC per annum)

Location                                 : Pretoria: Head Office

Reporting Line                       : Manager: ICT

Overall Job Purpose             : 

Responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining and optimising the organisation’s network and IT server infrastructure to ensure high availability, performance and security.  Ensures that network and infrastructure solutions are aligned to organisational needs and emerging technologies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Network Management

• Design, configure, and maintain LAN/WAN, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless networks.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal uptime.
• Implement network security protocols and policies.

• Oversee network architecture and performance, ensuring high uptime and security across all environments.

Infrastructure Support

• Manage physical and virtual servers (Windows/Linux), storage systems, and backup solutions.
• Design, implement, and manage secure, scalable, and reliable ICT infrastructure including LAN, WAN, firewalls, servers, storage, virtualisation, and cloud platforms.
• Implement, oversee and maintain disaster recovery solutions, data centre operation, backup strategies, and business continuity plans.
• Administer cloud infrastructure (e.g., Azure, AWS, Google Cloud).
• Identify and resolve complex network and system issues; provide third-level support for infrastructure-related incidents.
• Conduct infrastructure capacity planning, performance tuning, and optimisation.
• Manage and monitor enterprise-level server environments (physical, virtual, and cloud-based).

Project Leadership

• Lead infrastructure projects including upgrades, migrations, system integrations, and new deployments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align IT infrastructure with business goals.
• Collaborate with software, security, and business teams to align infrastructure strategies with organisational goals.
• Mentor junior ICT staff and support knowledge sharing within the team.

Security & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards, policies, and best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed documentation of network and infrastructure configurations.
• Generate reports on system performance, incidents, and capacity planning.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

• Analytical thinking.
• Problem solving skills.
• Strategic thinker.
• Team oriented.
• Leadership skills.
• Strong communication skills.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12; and
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CCNP/ MCSE, Azure/AWS Solutions Architect, Network certification, VMware Certified Professional.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• 10 years of hands-on experience in ICT infrastructure and network administration, including at a senior or lead level.
• Network technologies (e.g., Cisco, Fortinet, HP Aruba).
• Experience with monitoring and management tools:

• Server environments (Windows, Linux)
• Virtualisation (VMware, Hyper-V)
• Cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS)
• Storage systems (SAN/NAS)
• Firewall and security infrastructure
• In-depth understanding of cybersecurity principles and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to manage projects and lead cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with ITIL practices and change management processes.
• Experience in supporting hybrid environments (on-prem + cloud).

The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.

Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All appointments are subject to positive vetting results.

The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.

For enquiries, please contact us at recruitment@geoscience.org.za. Please note: Applications submitted to this email address and CGS social media platforms will not be considered.

Closing Date: 18 September 2025