Network Operations Center Analyst- The Woodlands

Centric Services, Inc.
Full_timeThe Woodlands, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Network Operations Center Analyst - The Woodlands
  • Company: Centric Services, Inc.
  • Location: The Woodlands, Texas, United States
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Category: DevOps, IT Infrastructure
  • Date Posted: 2025-06-18
  • Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
  • Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Maintain and monitor Centric Fiber's service provider network, ensuring maximum availability and performance for subscribers.
  • Troubleshoot network issues, analyze data, and configure network equipment using various tools and platforms.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve incidents, escalate alarms, and improve network services.
  • Contribute to network system documentation and procedural manuals to enhance problem resolution and network improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment. Familiarity with network hardware, protocols, and ticketing systems is crucial for success in this position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Utilize network management systems (NMS) and monitoring tools to detect service-impacting issues, analyze network performance, and troubleshoot problems.
  • Incident Management: Work trouble tickets, including escalations, alarms, incidents, and service requests reported via various channels. Effectively communicate and escalate alarms to ensure quick resolution.
  • Network Configuration and Maintenance: Configure, test, maintain, and troubleshoot network equipment and services, such as switches, routers, access points, security devices, VoIP, and OOBM equipment.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Manipulate data collected via SNMP, NetFlow, and custom scripting to create dashboards using the LogicMonitor platform, providing insights into network performance and service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Documentation and Knowledge Management: Develop and maintain network system documentation and instructional manuals to facilitate problem resolution and network improvements.
  • Shift Work and Availability: Work non-standard business hours/shifts and participate in shift rotation for occasional holiday or other coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of network hardware, protocols, and applications. Proficiency in using network management systems, ticketing portals, and monitoring tools is essential for success in this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Networking or a related field

Experience: 1+ years of experience in a support role within a high-volume, time-sensitive support environment

Required Skills:

  • Network hardware knowledge (routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, etc.)
  • Network protocols and applications knowledge (Ping, Traceroute, IP, ARP, DHCP, etc.)
  • Ticket escalation, problem management, and change management procedures understanding
  • Exceptional punctuality and availability for a 24/7x365 schedule
  • Ability to keep up-to-date on supported technologies and learn new ones as needed

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working in a startup environment or for an internet service provider offering triple-play services
  • Experience with Ethernet, coaxial cabling, fiber optics, and optical equipment
  • Working knowledge of passive optical networks (GPON, XGS-PON, etc.)
  • Professional certifications (Network+, Security+, Linux+, CCT, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of scripting/coding for network automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, etc.)

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

  • Portfolio Essentials: Demonstrate experience with network hardware, protocols, and applications through relevant projects or case studies.
  • Technical Documentation: Showcase your ability to create and maintain network system documentation, instructional manuals, and procedural guides.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Highlight your proficiency in data manipulation, dashboard creation, and performance metrics using tools like LogicMonitor or similar platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on network operations and maintenance, a portfolio showcasing hands-on experience with network equipment, monitoring tools, and troubleshooting techniques would be most valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Based on regional market research for entry-level network operations roles in Texas)

Benefits:

  • Competitive base pay + bonus
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous PTO policy
  • 10 company-paid holidays
  • 401(k) plan with 5% company match

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with non-standard business hours/shifts and occasional shift rotation for holiday or other coverage

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market research for entry-level network operations roles in Texas. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • Industry: Telecommunications and internet service provider
  • Company Size: Medium (100-249 employees)
  • Founded: Not specified
  • Team Structure: The Network Operations Center team works closely with other departments, such as Project Management, to ensure all commitments and requirements are clearly understood and met.
  • Development Methodology: Not specified; however, the role requires following established guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Company Website: Centric Services, Inc.

📝 Enhancement Note: Centric Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy, and a 401(k) plan with a 5% company match.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Entry-Level Network Operations Center Analyst

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Network Operations Manager or a similar role within the IT department

Technical Impact: Responsible for maintaining and improving the performance of Centric Fiber's network services, ensuring maximum availability and quality of service for subscribers

Growth Opportunities:

  • Develop expertise in network operations and troubleshooting, leading to potential promotions within the IT department
  • Gain experience working in a startup environment and contribute to the company's rapid expansion into new regions
  • Build a strong foundation in network management, data analysis, and incident resolution, which can lead to career progression in IT infrastructure, network engineering, or related fields

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the IT department. As the company expands, there may be opportunities for advancement into more senior roles or specializations within the network operations team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork

Office Location(s): The Woodlands, Texas

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative workspace with other network operations team members and cross-functional teams
  • Access to network management systems, monitoring tools, and other relevant software and hardware
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate non-standard business hours/shifts and occasional shift rotation

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with non-standard business hours/shifts and occasional shift rotation for holiday or other coverage

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment for this role is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone/Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess communication skills, availability, and basic network knowledge
  2. Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment or take-home exercise focusing on network troubleshooting, data analysis, and incident resolution
  3. On-site Interview: A visit to the company's office in The Woodlands, Texas, to meet the team, discuss the role further, and demonstrate problem-solving skills and cultural fit
  4. Final Decision: A decision will be made based on the candidate's performance throughout the interview process and their fit with the company's values and culture

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight relevant network operations and troubleshooting projects, demonstrating your ability to analyze data, configure network equipment, and resolve incidents
  • Showcase your understanding of network protocols, hardware, and applications through case studies or project examples
  • Emphasize your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your knowledge of network hardware, protocols, and applications
  • Familiarize yourself with network management systems, monitoring tools, and ticketing portals
  • Practice data analysis and incident resolution techniques using relevant tools and platforms

ATS Keywords: Network Management, Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Network Protocols, Ticketing Systems, Data Analysis, Network Equipment, Communication, Problem Management, Change Management, Scripting, Documentation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Collaboration, Network Operations Center, Internet Service Provider, Telecommunications

📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your resume for this role, include relevant network operations and troubleshooting keywords, such as those listed above. Highlight your experience with network hardware, protocols, and applications, as well as your ability to analyze data, configure network equipment, and resolve incidents.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Hardware and Software:

  • Routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and other network equipment
  • Network management systems (NMS) and monitoring tools (e.g., LogicMonitor)
  • Ticketing portals and incident management systems
  • Scripting and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
  • Data analysis and reporting platforms (e.g., LogicMonitor, Excel, Power BI)

Network Protocols and Applications:

  • IP, ARP, DHCP, TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, OSPF, BGP, VLAN, QoS, and other relevant network protocols
  • Ping, Traceroute, SNMP, NetFlow, and other network applications

Centric Services, Inc. Technology Stack:

  • Not specified; however, the company offers internet service provider (ISP) and natural gas services, suggesting a diverse technology stack focused on telecommunications and infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on network operations and maintenance, a strong understanding of network hardware, protocols, and applications is essential. Familiarity with network management systems, monitoring tools, and ticketing portals is also crucial for success in this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Operations Center Values:

  • Safety: Uphold safety standards and procedures to ensure the well-being of team members and customers
  • Openness: Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within the team and across departments
  • Integrity: Act with honesty and transparency in all aspects of the role
  • Attention to Detail: Maintain a strong focus on accuracy and precision when working with network equipment, data, and documentation
  • Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest network technologies, trends, and best practices to improve performance and efficiency

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Teamwork: Work closely with other network operations team members and cross-functional teams, such as Project Management, to ensure all commitments and requirements are clearly understood and met
  • Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the team's collective knowledge and expertise by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned
  • Mentoring and Coaching: Support the professional development of team members by providing guidance, training, and mentorship opportunities

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Operations Center team at Centric Services, Inc. values open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. Team members are expected to work closely with one another and across departments to ensure the company's goals and objectives are met.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Troubleshoot complex network issues and incidents, requiring strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Analyze large datasets and create meaningful insights to improve network performance and service level agreements (SLAs)
  • Configure and maintain network equipment, ensuring maximum availability and quality of service for subscribers
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest network technologies, trends, and best practices to enhance the company's competitive position

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Develop expertise in network operations and troubleshooting, leading to potential promotions within the IT department
  • Gain experience working in a startup environment and contribute to the company's rapid expansion into new regions
  • Build a strong foundation in network management, data analysis, and incident resolution, which can lead to career progression in IT infrastructure, network engineering, or related fields

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the IT department. As the company expands, there may be opportunities for advancement into more senior roles or specializations within the network operations team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Network Hardware and Protocols: Demonstrate your understanding of network hardware, protocols, and applications through questions and scenarios related to network configuration, troubleshooting, and incident resolution
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Showcase your ability to analyze data, create meaningful insights, and generate reports using relevant tools and platforms
  • Problem-Solving: Solve complex network issues and incidents, demonstrating your attention to detail, logical thinking, and ability to work effectively under pressure

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Values and Behaviors: Demonstrate your understanding of Centric Services, Inc.'s core values and behaviors, as outlined in the company's values and leadership framework
  • Team Dynamics: Showcase your ability to work effectively within a team, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Highlight your ability to work non-standard business hours/shifts, participate in shift rotation, and adapt to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of network operations

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Network Operations Projects: Highlight relevant network operations and troubleshooting projects, demonstrating your ability to analyze data, configure network equipment, and resolve incidents
  • Case Studies and Success Stories: Share case studies or success stories that illustrate your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment
  • Technical Documentation: Showcase your ability to create and maintain network system documentation, instructional manuals, and procedural guides, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to knowledge management

📝 Enhancement Note: To prepare for the technical interview, brush up on your knowledge of network hardware, protocols, and applications. Familiarize yourself with network management systems, monitoring tools, and ticketing portals. Practice data analysis and incident resolution techniques using relevant tools and platforms, and be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Network Operations Center Analyst position at Centric Services, Inc. in The Woodlands, Texas:

  1. Submit Your Application: Visit the Centric Services, Inc. careers page and follow the instructions to submit your application
  2. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant network operations, troubleshooting, and incident resolution experience, as well as your proficiency with network hardware, protocols, and applications
  3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your network operations and troubleshooting projects, case studies, and technical documentation, demonstrating your ability to analyze data, configure network equipment, and resolve incidents
  4. Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Centric Services, Inc.'s core values, company culture, and technology stack to ensure a strong fit with the organization

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about network operations, troubleshooting, and incident resolution. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have an Associate degree in Networking or a related field and at least 1 year of experience in a support role. Knowledge of network hardware and protocols, as well as ticket escalation procedures, is essential.