Network / Systems Engineer

The Network / Systems Engineer serves as a senior infrastructure authority for Houston County. This position is responsible for the design, implementation, security, performance, and continuity of the County's enterprise network and systems environment.

The Network / Systems Engineer acts as a technical advisor to the Director / Assistant Directors of MIS and plays a critical role in infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity governance, and long-term technology planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Enterprise Infrastructure Leadership

• Architect, implement, and maintain County-wide network infrastructure (core, distribution, edge).

• Design and manage server environments (on-premises and cloud-based).

• Oversee virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware/Hyper-V).

• Ensure high availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery readiness.

• Develop and maintain infrastructure documentation and standards.

Network Administration

• Manage switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless infrastructure.

• Monitor bandwidth, performance, and network security.

• Lead configuration and lifecycle management of networking equipment.

• Support multi-site connectivity and remote facilities.

Systems Administration

• Administer Windows Server environments and Active Directory.

• Manage identity services, group policies, and access controls.

• Maintain enterprise storage and backup systems.

• Support Azure, Microsoft 365, and hybrid cloud environments.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity best practices and frameworks.

• Lead vulnerability assessments, patch management, and endpoint protection.

• Oversee firewall policies, MFA, encryption, and monitoring tools.

• Coordinate incident response and security investigations.

• Assist with CJIS and other regulatory compliance where applicable.Coordinate with vendors for escalated technical support and upgrades.

Telecommunications & Unified Communications

• Oversee VoIP systems and related infrastructure.

• Ensure resiliency and uptime for phone systems and emergency services connectivity.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Assist leadership in developing infrastructure roadmaps and capital planning.

• Provide cost estimates and technical recommendations for budgeting and CIP.

• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives.

Operational Oversight

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to IT Specialists and analysts.

• Establish infrastructure standards and change management protocols.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in network and systems engineering.

• 3+ years in senior-level infrastructure design or leadership role.

• Extensive experience with:

• Enterprise networking (Layer 2/3 switching, routing, VLANs, VPNs)

• Firewall administration

• Windows Server and Active Directory

• Virtualization platforms

• Backup and disaster recovery systems

• Cloud services (Azure preferred)

• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in local government IT operations.

• Experience supporting ERP systems (Tyler Munis preferred).

• Familiarity with CJIS security requirements.

• Industry certifications such as:

• Microsoft (MCSE/Azure)

• CISSP or Security+

• VMware certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to design scalable, secure, and resilient infrastructure environments.

• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.

• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking with strong operational execution.

• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.

• High level of integrity and discretion with sensitive data.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and install networking equipment up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work in server rooms and network closets.

• Occasional after-hours and emergency response availability required.

Work is performed in an office and technical environment with occasional exposure to data centers, equipment rooms, and field facilities across County locations.