What does a senior network support specialist do?
Senior network support specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior network support specialist resumes:
- Flash and configure routers, access points, printers, manage switches, setup and configure hardwired/wireless networks.
- Monitor, manage and troubleshot network security.
- Perform code and firmware upgrades on switches.
- Test and deploy applications and updates within a local and server VMWare environment.
- Maintain both production and separate test environment networks including VPN and wireless access.
- Perform TCP/IP networking support remotely with virtually unlimite scope of support.
- Provide consultation for the development of proposals for numerous computer and LAN installations.
- Follow computer network security guidelines procedures accountability for user access and password protections for VPN users across the globe.
- Prepare PowerPoint presentations for client deliverables and proposals, and handle timetable follow-up procedures for client deliverables and proposals.
- Utilize provisioning databases and automate network monitoring tools to analyze DSL circuit issues.
Senior network support specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Senior Network Support Specialists are proficient in Network Operations, Technical Troubleshooting, and Computer System. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Senior Network Support Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Network Operations, 26%
Assigned work areas were the Network Operations Center and Data Center for ING (formerly Citistreet).
- Technical Troubleshooting, 7%
Performed technical troubleshooting and analysis of Hospital Billing/Revenue Cycle software issues including on-call support during evening and weekends.
- Computer System, 7%
Use multiple computer programs to validate eligibility and provider contract information and accurately enter prior authorization information into the computer system.
- Switches, 6%
Performed Layer 1 and 2 duties such as running, labeling cables, and installing switches, routers, and chassis.
- Network Devices, 6%
Provided after-hours support and troubleshooting of network devices and applications.
- Routers, 5%
Trained Tier 1/Tier 2 managers on MIS Basic troubleshooting for Cisco and Juniper routers.
Most senior network support specialists use their skills in "network operations," "technical troubleshooting," and "computer system" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior network support specialist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a senior network support specialist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Senior network support specialists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked with employees having data connectivity issues. "
Communication skills. Many senior network support specialist duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a senior network support specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior network support specialist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "support communication protocols via air cards, vpn and network created images using norton ghost imaging software"
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior network support specialists is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior network support specialist duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "resolve issues while multitasking and data entry. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain senior network support specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a senior network support specialist rely on this skill, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior network support specialists do: "direct concurrent technology problem-solving with layer 1 ip telco data circuits, waps, and ethernet networks. "
The three companies that hire the most senior network support specialists are:
Compare different senior network support specialists
Senior network support specialist vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between senior network support specialists and network engineer. For instance, senior network support specialist responsibilities require skills such as "network operations," "computer system," "routers," and "customer service." Whereas a network engineer is skilled in "firewall," "tcp ip," "tcp/ip," and "eigrp." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Network engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $90,927. Comparatively, senior network support specialists tend to make the most money in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $91,483.On average, network engineers reach similar levels of education than senior network support specialists. Network engineers are 3.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior network support specialist vs. Network manager
A network manager is responsible for monitoring the efficient network connection of the company's technology systems, analyzing system designs, and overseeing installation processes and programs. Network managers inspect the efficiency of existing network management systems, upgrading network data to boost optimal performance and communication transportation. A network manager must have excellent knowledge of technology disciplines and should always be updated with the recent technology trends, guiding the network staff on their tasks and immediately resolving system defects and discrepancies.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior network support specialist resumes. While senior network support specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "technical troubleshooting," "network support," "technical support," and "remote support," network managers use skills like "network hardware," "project management," "provider network," and "network security."
On average, network managers earn a higher salary than senior network support specialists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, network managers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $105,251. Whereas senior network support specialists have higher pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $91,483.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Network managers tend to reach similar levels of education than senior network support specialists. In fact, they're 4.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior network support specialist vs. Technical support services manager
A technical support services manager prepares and regularly reviews the approved emergency repair works, emergency maintenance works, responsive, and specialist contractors. Besides building professional team members to cut the contractors used, technical support services managers also partner with support services members over access, security, and work schedule. A technical support services manager defines and manages the hardware releases and software releases' quality assurance and quality control testing process. Also, they oversee the assigned on-site support-related services.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior network support specialist resumes include skills like "network operations," "switches," "network devices," and "lan wan," whereas a technical support services manager is more likely to list skills in "support services," "customer satisfaction," "project management," and "itil. "
Technical support services managers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $81,317. On the other hand, senior network support specialists are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $91,483.technical support services managers typically earn similar educational levels compared to senior network support specialists. Specifically, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior network support specialist vs. Technical support senior engineer
A technical support senior engineer is primarily in charge of resolving complicated issues and concerns through calls and correspondence, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities include coordinating with customer support staff to gather data, studying records of initial assessments, liaising with clients to identify their needs, utilizing their expertise to develop solutions, and maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a technical support senior engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to others, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Types of senior network support specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
