Job Description

Position Title

Network Engineer

 

Department

Technology Services

 

Salary Classification

NC-17

 

Employment Classification

Exempt

 

Position Status

Current Employee Position

 

Position Summary

The Network Engineer is responsible for monitoring, managing, maintaining, and supporting the school district's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and related technology infrastructure. Working collaboratively with the Senior Network Engineer, Director of Technology, and System Administrators, this position supports the installation, configuration, maintenance, security, and operation of network hardware, software, and associated technology services.

The Network Engineer evaluates network performance and functionality, troubleshoots infrastructure and connectivity issues, maintains network documentation, and assists in identifying opportunities to improve the district's technology infrastructure. This position requires the ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with technology staff, administrators, and district employees.

The Network Engineer may be required to perform occasional weekend and on-call work, as well as occasional overnight travel, based on district technology needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure

• Assists in monitoring, managing, and maintaining the district's LAN and WAN infrastructure in coordination with the Senior Network Engineer.
• Supports network infrastructure including servers, switches, workstations, wireless controllers, access points, and other peripheral devices.
• Installs, configures, maintains, and troubleshoots network hardware and software.
• Monitors network performance, availability, and reliability and assists with identifying and resolving network issues.
• Supports the district's Cisco and Meraki network infrastructure.
• Assists with network upgrades, expansions, installations, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Troubleshoots connectivity, performance, and hardware issues throughout district facilities.

Technology Services and Systems

• Manages and troubleshoots district technology services, including:
• VoIP services
• Content filtering
• Google Workspace/Google Domain administration
• IP cameras and door-access systems
• Data backup systems
• User account automation
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)
• Maintains and supports the district's PC and laptop imaging solution.
• Supports Active Directory and related user account services.
• Assists with the deployment, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of district technology equipment.

Network Security

• Assists in maintaining the security and integrity of the district's network infrastructure.
• Monitors network systems for potential security concerns and assists with troubleshooting and remediation.
• Supports implementation and maintenance of network security practices, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains appropriate documentation related to network configurations, security procedures, and technology operations.

Documentation and Records

• Maintains accurate documentation regarding:
• Network configurations
• Network diagrams
• Operating procedures
• Hardware and software inventory
• Service records
• Maintenance activities
• Network changes and upgrades
• Documents troubleshooting activities, resolutions, and system changes as appropriate.

Planning and Infrastructure Evaluation

• Coordinates with the Director of Technology, Senior Network Engineer, and System Administrators to evaluate district networking and technology needs.
• Makes recommendations regarding improvements, modifications, upgrades, and replacements to existing network infrastructure.
• Assists with evaluating emerging technologies and determining their potential application within the school district.
• Participates in technology planning and infrastructure projects.
• Assists with developing specifications and requirements for technology purchases and projects.
• Assists with the development and coordination of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to technology and networking projects.

Project Management

• Participates in and, when assigned, leads technology infrastructure projects.
• Coordinates project activities, timelines, resources, vendors, and implementation requirements.
• Demonstrates effective project management skills while maintaining communication with appropriate district personnel.
• Ensures assigned projects are completed efficiently and according to established requirements.

Customer Service and Communication

• Provides technical assistance and support to district employees and technology users.
• Communicates effectively with employees, administrators, vendors, and technology staff.
• Explains technical information and troubleshooting procedures in a manner that can be understood by users with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Responds to technology issues in a professional, timely, and service-oriented manner.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs duties with limited supervision.
• Performs occasional weekend and on-call work as required.
• Performs occasional overnight travel as required.
• Maintains current knowledge of networking technologies, systems, security practices, and industry standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful employee should demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

 

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of LAN and WAN architecture, components, and infrastructure requirements.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, networking concepts, and diagnostic tools.
• Strong knowledge of computers, servers, networking equipment, and related technologies.
• Strong knowledge of network operating systems.
• Strong knowledge of Ethernet cabling, including installation, troubleshooting, testing, and repair.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience with Active Directory.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience with Google Workspace for Education.
• Knowledge and experience with Cisco and Meraki networking environments.
• Knowledge of network security principles and practices.
• Knowledge of video and audio systems.
• Knowledge of imaging and device-management technologies.

Professional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to analyze technical problems and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of technology users.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district employees, administrators, vendors, and technology personnel.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and recommend technology solutions.
• Ability to prepare technical documentation and procedures.
• Ability to write and coordinate the RFP process.

Minimum Education and Experience

Education

One of the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or a related field; or
• Associate's degree in a related field with appropriate industry certifications, such as Microsoft, Linux, Cisco, or other relevant technology certifications.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience working in a school district, enterprise, network, or comparable technology environment; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in:

• K-12 school district technology environments
• Cisco networking
• Meraki networking
• Active Directory
• Google Workspace for Education
• VoIP systems
• Mobile Device Management (MDM)
• Network security
• Content filtering systems
• IP camera and access-control systems
• Data backup and recovery systems
• PC/laptop imaging
• Ethernet cabling and infrastructure
• Technology project management
• RFP development and vendor coordination

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to physically perform the basic operational functions of the position, including:

• Reaching
• Walking
• Standing
• Talking
• Lifting
• Hearing
• Fingering
• Repetitive motions

The employee must be able to perform heavy work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a regular basis to carry equipment and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, with a negligible amount of force required to constantly move objects.

The employee must possess the visual acuity necessary to:

• Prepare and review data
• Work with records and documentation
• Read technical materials
• Perform extensive reading and research
• Monitor computer screens and network systems
• Inspect equipment and cabling

The position may require working in various district facilities, including areas containing network equipment, servers, cabling, and other technology infrastructure.

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed in an office and school technology environment.
• Position may require access to server rooms, network closets, classrooms, offices, and other district facilities.
• May require working in confined or elevated areas when installing or troubleshooting technology equipment.
• May require lifting, carrying, moving, and installing technology equipment.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and on-call work may be required.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Employees must be available to respond to critical network or technology infrastructure issues when assigned to on-call responsibilities.