POSITION TITLE:  Network Specialist

The Network Specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining the district's wired and wireless networks, on-premise servers, and other technology infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity and accessibility for students, staff, educators, and other stakeholders. This role involves configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting network hardware, software, and cloud systems, as well as implementing security protocols to protect sensitive information. Additionally, the specialist collaborates with IT staff to support instructional technology needs, manage system upgrades, and provide technical support to facilitate a productive and secure learning environment.

REPORTS TO: Director of Technical Operations

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Network Management: Design, configure, and maintain the district's network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points, to ensure optimal connectivity across all district sites.
• Server and Systems Administration: Install, monitor, and manage district servers, virtual environments, and storage systems, performing regular updates and troubleshooting issues to maintain uptime and performance.
• Data Security and Compliance: Implement security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to protect student and staff data and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (e.g., FERPA, CIPA).
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Develop, manage, and test backup and recovery solutions to ensure data integrity and minimal disruption during outages or cyber incidents.
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Provide high-level technical support to IT staff and assist in resolving escalated issues, particularly those involving network and infrastructure systems.
• System Upgrades and Capacity Planning: Plan and execute system upgrades, expansions, and replacements, ensuring the infrastructure scales with district needs and advances in educational technology.
• Documentation and Training: Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations, processes, and procedures, and train IT staff on best practices for infrastructure management and security.
• Monitoring and Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor WAN/LAN network and system performance, identifying and addressing any bottlenecks or issues to optimize the digital learning environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – Required qualifications to effectively perform the job. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• One or more Network/Server/Cybersecurity Certifications preferred. Examples may include Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (MCSA): Windows Server, VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing IT infrastructure in a complex environment, preferably in K-12 or educational settings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Requires strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Requires ability to read and interpret technical documents, correspondence, reports, and legal documents for administrative purposes.
• Requires strong understanding of:
• WAN and LAN architecture.
• Firewall configuration and management (e.g., Palo   Alto, Fortinet, or equivalent).
• Network switching and routing protocols.
• Wireless network design and optimization (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Aruba, or equivalent).
• Windows and Linux server environments.
• Requires expertise in implementing and managing cybersecurity protocols, such as:
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS).
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) standards.
• Requires strong organizational skills.
• Requires effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Requires ability to operate standard office equipment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Required to occasionally move objects weighing up to 30 pounds around the workspace.
• Requires travel to multiple work sites within the District using reliable, personal transportation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• General office conditions. Exposed to moderate noise levels.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hiring Timeline

Applications accepted from 1/30 - 2/13

Zoom Screening interviews: 2/19 9am-12pm

Panel Interviews in person: 2/21 9am-1pm

Final Interview: 2/24 11am

Start Date: Immediately OR July 1, 2025 (Depending on candidate's availability)

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.