Network Engineer

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov.

To be considered for the first screening cut-off in this recruitment, please submit your application materials by December 19, 2024 at 5:00pm. 

The Placer County Department of Information Technology’s Telecommunications/Network Infrastructure Division is seeking a skilled and experienced Network Engineer to join our dynamic team. This division is responsible for the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the County’s voice and data networks, supporting over 50 locations and campuses throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead collaboration with customers and project teams to design, expand, configure, and maintain network infrastructure.
• Work closely with service providers, partners, and hardware vendors to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Manage, design, implement and maintain a diverse network infrastructure incorporating Cisco Systems and HP/Aruba products.
• Provide expertise in network technologies, hardware, and software to support systems such as routing and switching, LAN/WAN, VoIP, IP Video, hosted (cloud) networking infrastructure, WLANs/Wi-Fi, cabling, and carrier transmission systems.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of network technologies, including Cisco and HP/Aruba devices, and a thorough understanding of networking concepts like routing, switching, and LAN/WAN systems.
• Project and Vendor Management: Strong skills in managing vendor relationships, project planning, and execution.
• Problem Solving and Analysis: Adept at troubleshooting, problem-solving, business/cost analysis, and delivering customer-focused solutions.
• Certifications: Industry certifications from Cisco Systems and HP/Aruba are highly desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Details:

• The position is based in Auburn, with occasional travel to other County locations, including Tahoe and Roseville.

If you are a dedicated Network Engineer passionate about technology and service excellence, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Placer County!

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

Under general direction, performs advanced, specialized work of professional nature, utilizing skills that require technical expertise and an understanding of complex analytical procedures and systems processes, including network operating systems, analysis of complex business processes and requirements and the development of applications; network infrastructure; and database management; while working with a significant amount of independent authority and judgment. Incumbents' primary responsibilities consist of managing large, complex projects and leading project teams and/or providing expertise and guidance in complex information systems analysis and solutions, including definition of user requirements, feasibility studies, design, program specifications, testing, and implementation; and performs other related duties as assigned. May provide functional, technical, or direct supervision over subordinate technical and/or professional staff.

This is the lead/advanced journey-level class in the Information Technology Analyst job family. This class is distinguished from the class of Information Technology Analyst II because incumbents in the Information Technology Analyst Senior class perform complex level professional systems and applications-related duties that include acting in an advisory role to other analytical staff and providing strategic input within his/her area of specialization; and/or, coordinating/administering projects that are moderate/large in size and scope, requiring the direction of multiple staff and the procurement/utilization of significant resources management. The Information Technology Analyst Senior is distinguished from the Information Technology Supervisor in that the former may be responsible for providing direct supervision where the emphasis is on the application of technical expertise, with supervisory responsibilities incidental to the technical expertise while the latter's primary responsibility is for performing full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and is responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

Incumbents at this level work under general direction from an assigned supervisor or manager, working from broad policies and towards general objectives and referring specific matters to a superior only when interpretation or clarification of organizational policies is necessary.

May exercise technical, functional, and/or direct supervision over professional and technical staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Serves as a technical expert within area of assignment, providing guidance and direction to other professional staff and resolving complex problems; participates in developing strategic plans for systems/applications development and modification within area of expertise.

• Analyzes and evaluates computer network design (including the County's overall network), operating systems and/or business requirements; consults with personnel from various departments and identifies areas for strategic network, database, and/or operating system improvements and upgrades; or the development of technical solutions to automate and/or improve business processes. Designs system architecture, network infrastructure and configuration, database, and/or web-based application solutions that meet the needs of the organization and develops plans to initiate improvements.

• Prepares complex reports, correspondence and other documents; participates on committees and task forces; attends meetings, conferences and training sessions.

• Answers questions and provides information to personnel of customer departments; analyzes questions and recommends appropriate corrective action as necessary.

• Coordinates with systems, network and/or database administrators to implement application or system design specifications and coordinate integration across multiple platforms and technologies; maintains effective communications with users regarding vendor activities, problems, status, timelines and other details.

• Trains, leads and provides technical guidance to professional and technical staff assigned to operating systems, network infrastructure, business systems analysis and application development, database administration, telecommunications systems, and/or audio/video systems. Directs the work of peers and/or subordinate professional information technology staffed on assigned projects.

• Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; provides standards and operating guidelines; provides timely input on performance evaluations and disciplinary matters, as assigned.

• Provides budget recommendations and assists in budget preparation and administration; prepares cost estimates for budget; monitors and controls expenditures.

• Provides technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.

• Provides after hours technology support as assigned.

Depending on area of assignment:

• Coordinates the activities of County technical personnel and contract personnel during major and minor network problems; provides problem status, oral and written, to management; focuses on preventing and resolving network and system problems related to area of assignment.

• Serves as the administrator for large and highly complex databases; researches and identifies database environment requirements and specifications; determines integration requirements to ensure inter-operability across multiple platforms and technologies.

• Oversees and provides guidance and expertise in the design, building, installation, configuration, maintenance and administration of highly complex network infrastructures, telecommunications systems, or server platforms and operating system components.  

• Oversees the integrity and security of County networks and all related components, including human element, physical and virtual servers, domain controllers, desktops, laptops, printers and other devices which utilize the County network. Scans and monitors network activity, filters malicious activity and virus probability; retrieves data for investigative purposes. Defines and maintains County/Department network and data security standards. Performs computer forensics as requested by County legal department, auditors, or other authorized requests. Conducts research on latest security threats and uses new security products to help maintain the integrity of the County's network.  Develops security procedures and policies. 

• Acts as the project lead over moderate/large business analysis projects; develops and monitors project budgets and resources; interfaces with clients to define project scope and review project activities, recommendations and outcomes; coordinates the use of project resources based on project requirements; designs and implements project testing and quality assurance processes. Project-related duties may include:

• Determining and developing cost benefit analyses for project justifications; developing projected budgets and resources needed to conduct the work; evaluating risk concerns and options; providing technical input into the development of specifications for "requests for proposals" pertaining to external services; reviewing vendor submissions and providing recommendations on vendor selection;
• Monitoring vendor performance to ensure compliance with County specifications; ensuring project compliance with County procedures or protocols, budgetary constraints and staff/resource utilization;
• Serving as the primary client interface on assigned projects; reviewing recommendations with clients and receiving approval to proceed; reviewing final outcomes with the client and obtaining their sign off that all work has been conducted in accordance with client requirements;
• Assigning and directing project team members that cross multiple IT disciplines and/or departments; as well as other resources, on assigned projects to ensure compliance with schedule, budget and project specifications;
• Coordinating the activities of contract personnel and/or vendors, consistent with project plans; identifies and resolves obstacles to progress; and
• Designing and directing project testing and quality assurance processes for assigned projects;

• Provides recommendations for developing and/or improving hardware, software, and/or web-based applications across multiple County departments in order to accomplish business goals; recommends and/or implements operating system adjustments to maximize application performance and resource resolution.

• Follows, maintains, and implements internal control, network security and other security systems for computer and telecommunication data, systems and hardware protection.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; position occasionally requires travel to other locations. Work environments may include noise, dust and/or unpleasant odors, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and may occasionally require work in confined spaces. 

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years journey level professional information technology experience comparable to an Information Technology Analyst II with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform analytical duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis. Possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for some or all of the required education.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Required License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver's license- as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Depending upon assignment, demonstrated technical competency and/or certification pertaining to the information technology used by the appointing department may be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective team building, team leadership and conflict resolution.
• Advanced principles and practices of project management and work flow analysis.
• Advanced principles and practices of systems and procedures analysis and design.  
• Complex software tools, test equipment and measurement techniques.
• A broad range of operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information systems program.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in designing, developing, testing and implementing computer hardware and software systems.
• Computer hardware and software systems being used by the hiring department.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer hardware, software and network problems.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Conduct independent research, interpret highly technical documents, draw valid conclusions, develop technological solutions, take appropriate actions and/or make appropriate recommendation related to complex IT problems.
• Analyze, diagnose and resolve problems of the most complex nature and provide guidance to others in the diagnosis and resolution of complex problems.
• Lead, train, assign, schedule and review the work of technical and/or professional information technology staff.
• Effectively build and lead a team through all phases of complex information technology projects involving multiple IT disciplines in order to achieve departmental and/or county goals.
• Produce detailed design and work specifications for Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs) and Statement of Work (SOW) documents. 
• Research and gather complex information from a variety of county, vendor and industry sources.
• Prepare and present highly technical documents such as network and system diagrams and circuit schematics, radio frequency propagation and network coverage maps and other technical documents.
• Provide expertise and effectively advise professional technical staff on complex technical matters.
• Develop training materials; train team members in the use of complex technical equipment and software.
• Read, comprehend, and retain technical information on computer products and systems.
• Provide on-call service during off hours, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Mobility-frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, climbing, squatting and crawling. Lifting-frequent lifting up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting up to 80 pounds may be required, depending upon assignment. Vision-constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision. Dexterity -frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching. Hearing/Talking-frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person.

In addition to the above, depending on area of assignment:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of IP Network, Telephony and Audio Video system design techniques.
• Techniques and practices used in managing, designing, implementing, maintaining and operating IP Network and telephony systems including WAN/LAN, VoIP, AudioNideo systems, and associated network equipment.
• A broad range of protocols commonly used in wired and wireless communications networks (e.g. TCP, IP, UDP, SNMP, RADIUS, BGP, OSPF, RIP, Serial, TOM, TFTP, FTP, SSH, SSL, etc.).
• Principles and practices of business operations analysis.
• Principles and practices of complex database design and administration.
• Enterprise Level Information Technology Infrastructures.

• Conduct business analysis and recommend technology solutions or business strategies that meet county, state and federal requirements.
• Create, present and explain complex diagrams to illustrate technology solutions.
• Analyze, develop, maintain and administer complex databases and database management systems similar to those being used by the assigned department.
• Perform advanced network administration duties, including security administration.
• Analyze, develop, and maintain complex network-related systems, equipment and software similar to that being used by the hiring department.

Mobility – frequent standing or sitting for extended periods; frequent walking; frequent to occasional twisting; occasional pushing/pulling, bending, kneeling, climbing, squatting and crawling.

Lifting – frequent lifting up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting up to 80 pounds may be required, depending upon assignment.

Vision – constant use of good overall vision for reading/close up work; frequent use of color perception and eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.

Dexterity – frequent repetitive motion from writing and using a computer keyboard; frequent grasping, holding and reaching.

Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing/talking to others on the telephone and in person

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Preciosa Ayala-Burkhardt, Administrative Technician, at payala@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4637.