Part-Time Cisco NetAcad Technician/Lab Assistant (x2)

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Key performance areas include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare, configure, maintain, and support laboratory equipment, including computers, routers,switches, network devices, cabling, and workstations used for modules such as Computer Networks and Operating Systems.
• Configure and maintain Cisco networking laboratory environments and ensure that equipment and software are operational and ready for scheduled practical sessions.
• Assist with upgrading, adapting, and reconfiguring laboratory environments to support practical experimentation, demonstrations, and project-based learning.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain network cabling and associated laboratory infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, operating system, networking, and connectivity-related faults in laboratory environments.
• Support and guide students during practical activities, including Cisco Packet Tracer simulations, network configuration, troubleshooting, and fault-finding exercises.
• Conduct and support scheduled weekly practical laboratory sessions in accordance with module requirements and approved practical manuals.
• Assist students with the correct use of networking, virtualisation, operating system, and related laboratory environments.
• Support students during project-based learning activities by providing technical guidance within the scope of the prescribed project requirements.
• Facilitate student access to relevant computing, networking, simulation, virtualisation, and design environments.
• Assist with the deployment and configuration of laboratory environments using open-source software, virtualisation platforms, and automation tools, where applicable.
• Assist lecturers during practical assessments, demonstrations, and evaluation sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of laboratory equipment, including equipment usage, faults, damages, repairs, maintenance activities, and configuration changes.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to practical sessions and assessment activities, including attendance, practical completion, and assessment records where required.
• Ensure that laboratory equipment, workstations, network infrastructure, and learning environments are maintained in a safe, clean, functional, and orderly condition.
• Report equipment failures, infrastructure requirements, security concerns, and other laboratoryrelated issues to the relevant academic or technical staff.
• Perform other reasonable laboratory, technical, and student-support duties related to the position as assigned.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:
Qualification

• Advanced Diploma/BTech Engineering Electrical: Computer Systems or Computer Sciences
• BEng Computer Engineering
• Certified Cisco Instructor (Advantage)

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in an institute of higher education, OR two (2) years of professional industrial experience.
• Evidence of successful teamwork experience.

Skills:

• A high level of discipline and reliability.
• Excellent communication (report-writing and verbal) skills.
• Expertise in Network Engineering & Virtualization Software (Packet Tracer & VirtualBox).
• Ability to deploy and automate lab deployments using open-source software
• Ability to use various networking troubleshooting equipment
• Proficient in Linux
• Experience with scripting languages, such as Python and BASH
• Good interpersonal skills (Collegiality, team player and time management).
• Problem-solving and critical thinking Skills.

Please email applications to recruitment11@vut.ac.za and quote the post reference and post description in the subject line.