Job Description:
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.
 
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.