Network Operations Center Tech - Sentinel - Missoula

About Us: Blackfoot Communications reliably connects business of all sizes across the nation using the latest telecommunication technology in voice, network, and managed services. With focus on strong connections, we also provide dedicated account management with a goal to get to know our clients so we can help advise on the best solution.

What We Offer: We offer opportunities in the telecommunications and technology sectors with positions in Western Montana and Eastern Idaho. Blackfoot is proud to offer a competitive salary and a fantastic benefits package that includes; comprehensive medical benefits plan, LTD, life insurance, an outstanding retirement pension plan plus a 401k plan that includes employer match, along with other employer paid benefits. We are proud to have received awards and recognition that highlight our strong company culture. These include "Employer of Choice" from the Missoula Job Service Employer's Council, "Top Tech Employer" from the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the "Heart Award" from the United Way of Missoula County in recognition of our ongoing community efforts.

Job Summary

The NOC Sentinel provides overnight network operations coverage, ensuring the health, security, and reliability of our core network, customer circuits, and managed services. This role responds to alerts, monitors and alerts customers regarding scheduled and emergency maintenances, audits and updates records, and provides support to customers—regardless of contract size. The Sentinel works independently during overnight hours, collaborating with day-shift NOC Technicians as needed. This is part-time temporary position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Network Monitoring & Incident Response

• Monitor network health using advanced network monitoring systems; respond rapidly to alerts and notifications for all customers.
• Actively monitor and coordinate scheduled and emergency maintenance activities, ensuring impacted customers are notified promptly and accurately. Track maintenance windows, verify completion, and maintain documentation across all communication platforms including calendars, internal teams, and customer-facing systems.
• Coordinate incident response for network events, including identifying, assessing, and escalating issues as needed.
• Manage trouble tickets, monitor emails and queues, and provide responsive support for escalations and after-hours issues.
• Circuit testing and validation
• Prioritize and resolve on-call responsibilities, including carrier maintenance notifications and customer-impacting events.

Records Management & Auditing

• Audit new and existing circuit records, IP allocations, VLAN allocations, and migrations; correct discrepancies and maintain data integrity.
• Update network records, work orders, and service documentation as needed to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct network cleanup tasks, including disconnects and post-maintenance reviews.

Customer Service & Communication

• Provide exceptional support to all customers, regardless of contract value, ensuring timely communication and resolution of issues.
• Notify customers of carrier and internal network maintenances and outages, communicating proactively regarding service impacts.
• Respond to customer emails, calls, and internal messages during overnight hours.

Collaboration & Flexibility

• Liaise with day-shift NOC Technicians and other departments to ensure seamless handoffs and continuity of service.
• Adapt to evolving technologies, processes, and business needs; perform other duties as assigned to support the organization.

Exclusions

• Minimal involvement in network provisioning, circuit builds, or service order fulfillment—these are handled by day-shift NOC Technicians, who serve as fallback support for this role.

Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill job function or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• company policies, procedures, products and services.
• general office practices and procedures.
• telecommunications industry, data networking, engineering, and related equipment and systems.
• network troubleshooting methodologies.
• time management and organizational skills.
• network systems, network monitoring systems and network equipment.

Skill to:

• gather and report numerical data and produce statistical reports.
• operate various office equipment such as a computer, copy machine, fax machine and multi-line telephone.
• troubleshoot and provision network services

Ability to:

• work independently.
• communicate effectively, both in writing and in speaking, with customers, co-workers, and various business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
• think analytically and be a problem solver while having a good eye for detail.
• work completely and accurately under time constraints and deadlines. 
• obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license, have a good driving record and be insured under the Company insurance policy.
• maintain confidentiality of Company and customer records when required.
• read, analyze, and interpret reports.
• provide excellent customer service.
• work in a safe and effective manner.

Education and Experience:  

Any combination equivalent to the following education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Associates or Bachelors’ degree in network/networking or related degree preferred; 1 to 3 years of experience with Internet and other data networks. Network related certification required. Cisco Network Certification preferred. Customer Service Experience preferred. Note: Any noted minimum or maximum years of experience should not be construed as age requirement for consideration; this information is meant to be used as a suggested guideline.