The opportunity we have available Organised within the Chief Operating Officer Group within the department, Information Technology (IT) Division's purpose is to connect people and technology, empowering the Department to excel. IT Division is responsible for the consolidated provision and support of stable and secure IT Systems, applications and services to all departmental users across all States and Territories, including our Indian Ocean Territories and Norfolk Island, as well as supporting seven Ministerial offices, six Groups, and coordination with portfolio entities. The Division provides the digital collaboration and communications tools necessary to connect geographically dispersed workforce and to optimise hybrid working arrangements. We manage industry and public facing digital systems, deliver desktop services to over 2,200 staff, support over 30 office locations across Australia and oversee the department's cyber security capability. As part of the IT Architecture team in the Strategy, Architecture and Cyber Security Branch, The IT Network Architect reports to the Chief Architect and is responsible for the strategy and design of the department's IT network and associated infrastructure. This role leads a strategic and delivery focus on all aspects of the department's IT network and infrastructure requiring critical thinking systematically resolve complex operational issues. The key duties of the position include What will you do? As part of the IT Architecture team, the IT Network Architect will be responsible for: Leading the design and implementation of the department's enterprise network services, ensuring secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity across all locations, including mainland Australia, Norfolk Island, and the Indian Ocean Territories. Developing, maintaining, and governing comprehensive network documentation, including architecture design, high-level and detailed system designs, network topology diagrams, configuration standards, and incident analysis reports. Contributing to network security activities, including implementing secure access controls, monitoring network performance, and ensuring compliance with security policies. Strategising and overseeing the lifecycle management of network infrastructure, including proactive maintenance, capacity planning, fault management, and incident response for network devices and services. Leading strategy for network equipment repairs, upgrades, and optimisation, ensuring a secure and reliable network environment. Maintaining an understanding of contemporary network technologies to continuously inform the department's future network state and ensure alignment with emerging best practices. Collaborating with cybersecurity and IT operations teams, providing expert guidance on secure network design, access controls, and compliance with security standards. Staying current with emerging network technologies, assessing their applicability, and making recommendations for continuous improvement in network architecture. Who are we looking for? The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive level 2 Work level standards . Extensive demonstrated technology leadership experience, with at least 5 years of experience in designing, building, and managing network services in large, complex environments. Highly regulated sectors and/or Government environments is desirable but not essential. Proven extensive knowledge of network design and management, including: Network topology and configuration of vendor technologies (IPS, firewalls, load balancers, routers, switches). Familiarity with routing protocols, with a focus on BGP and OSPF, and an understanding of secure network segmentation. Expertise in secure wireless network design, including experience with Wireless LAN Controllers, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Wireless Access Points (WAP), and DNA Center (DNAC). Proficiency in data centre networking, including switching, routing, high availability, and secure hybrid cloud integration. Experience with secure SD-WAN solutions (such as Fortinet SD-WAN) and F5 application delivery controllers. Experience in deploying and managing cloud networking solutions, with familiarity in Azure cloud environments, including hybrid cloud connectivity. Demonstrated experience with network security technologies, including secure web gateway, secure email gateway, SSL inspection, and advanced threat protection. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex network issues, conduct root cause analysis, and develop innovative solutions. Excellent communication and leadership skills, including the ability to develop and present technical content to different audiences, lead technical discussions, and provide guidance to both technical teams and senior stakeholders. Relevant Industry Certifications (Highly Desirable): Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or higher (e.g., CCNP or CCIE). ITIL Certified (for service management and process optimisation). Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. This technical role requires extensive experience in large scale network oversight and industry network related certifications must be detailed as part of any applicant response.
