Network Operations Engineer (IT Communications Analyst III)
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
The Network Operations Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the availability, performance, and reliability of the organization's enterprise and public safety network infrastructure. This position is responsible for monitoring network performance, measuring resource availability and capacity on a scheduled basis, and responding to and resolving network issues through root cause analysis and resolution tracking. In the event of a network outage, the engineer provides diagnosis across layer 1 to layer 3, initiates corrective actions, and communicates updates to stakeholders and customers as needed.
Key responsibilities also include the configuration, installation, and maintenance of enterprise-grade hardware, including Cisco routers and switches, Aruba switches and wireless access points, Ciena routers, Clearpass, CradlePoint cellular routers, Fortinet Firewalls and Palo Alto firewalls. The engineer will use tools such as NetBrain, SolarWinds, Panorama, and Aruba Central. While these are the core duties, daily tasks are ultimately determined based on incoming support tickets and special projects, requiring close collaboration with cross-functional teams.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, a commitment to customer service, and a deep understanding of the critical nature of system availability for both enterprise and public safety networks. This role requires a self-motivated professional with a strong aptitude for learning, a willingness to adopt new technologies, and an eagerness to share knowledge in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred certifications include Cisco CCNA, CCNP, Network+, ACA-S, ACP-S, CWNA, ACCX, CRS-A, and CRS-P. A customer-focused mindset and the ability to communicate information clearly, confidently, and professionally are essential for success in this position.
The IT Communications Analyst III is the lead level classification in the IT Communications Analyst series and reports to a supervisory or manager level position. Advancement to the next level is obtained by competitive selection through an open recruitment. This position will be on a rotating on-call shift to serve as a resource for the resolution of technical issues and may require onsite troubleshooting so travel throughout the county may be required.
Schedule: This position follows a 9/80 work schedule. During the training period, the selected candidate will be required to work onsite at least once per week. Upon completion of training, remote work will be permitted, with in-office attendance required on an as-needed basis. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the department., + Provision and troubleshoot carrier Ethernet circuits to ensure reliable connectivity.
- Administer DNS services using Infoblox appliances.
- Manage the Aruba wireless infrastructure, including access point provisioning and authentication via Aruba Central and Aruba ClearPass.
- Maintain and manage the Palo Alto firewall infrastructure, including security policy deployment through Palo Alto Panorama.
- Configure site-to-site IPsec VPN tunnels, manage GlobalProtect VPN groups, and oversee DMZ infrastructure.
- Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation and provide remote support to field technicians for network repairs and installations.
- Create and maintain documentation detailing Layer 2/3 network topologies and associated equipment.
- Research, evaluate, test, and recommend new products and services to support evolving business and technical requirements.
- Stay current with best practices and emerging technologies in networking and cybersecurity.
- Possess experience in network operations or supporting enterprise IT network infrastructure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of TCP/IP fundamentals and network routing protocols such as EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP.
- Analyze and define communication and infrastructure requirements by evaluating business processes, customer needs, available technologies, and cost-benefit factors.
- Contribute to operations, network engineering efforts, infrastructure upgrades, and customer-facing projects as needed.
- Have experience with cloud networking in environments such as AWS, Azure, or Oracle Cloud.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior staff members., As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head., MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
- Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
- Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
A new member is defined as any of the following:
- A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
- A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
- A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation., Can you describe your experience monitoring enterprise networks and identifying performance or capacity issues? What tools have you used?
09
Select which network hardware have you configured, installed, or maintained?
- None
- Cisco routers/switches
- Aruba switches and wireless access points
- Ciena routers
- CradlePoint cellular routers
- Palo Alto firewalls
- Other
Requirements
Education: Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university, preferably with course work in computer science, computer information systems, data processing, information management, or a related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying IT job-related experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience).
Experience: Four years of successful journey level experience with network systems and solutions (see below for examples) with one of those years including either lead person duties or technically advanced IT job-related work. (One year as an IT Communications Analyst II will satisfy the one year of lead or technically advanced experience requirement.)
Core Competencies and Technical Qualifications: Incumbents are expected to demonstrate technical expertise in core network communication functions and related systems, functioning as subject matter experts for designated network environments. They should possess a strong aptitude for learning and a willingness to adopt emerging technologies. Candidates should have proficient experience in implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting large-scale TCP/IP-based networks, including Wide Area Networks (WANs), campus networks, wireless networks, data center networks, DMZ environments, and DNS architecture. A solid background in IP networking is essential, with hands-on experience in Layer 2 and Layer 3 network protocols and technologies such as Ethernet, VLANs, Spanning Tree, ARP, IP, ICMP, IGMP, IPsec, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, DHCP, and DNS. Familiarity with advanced network solutions is also a plus, including QoS, prefix filtering, route summarization, route maps, access control lists (ACLs), and NetFlow.
In addition, candidates should understand modern network protocols and technologies and demonstrate strong problem-solving and analytical skills. The ability to resolve complex network issues effectively and efficiently is essential., License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required., Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas., All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required., Select the answer that best describes your current driver's license status:
- I have a valid California driver's license.
- I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
- I currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license, and I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
- I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver's license., Have you completed 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education or more from an accredited college or university with coursework in computer science, computer information systems, data processing, information management or a related field?, How many years of experience do you possess with network systems and solutions?, + At least 1 year but less than 2
- At least 2 years but less than 3
- At least 3 years but less than 4
- 4 or more years but less than 5
- 5 years or more
06
Do you possess at least 1 year of experience performing lead person duties or technically advanced IT job-related work?, What is your experience with network monitoring and management tools like NetBrain, SolarWinds, or Infoblox?
Benefits & conditions
0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance).
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.
DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave Benefits. The wage replacement rate is determined by current law, offering 60-70% of the wages earned during the SDI eligibility period.
Additionally, employees receive employer-paid Long-Term Disability Benefits, which cover 66.67% of pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. There is a 365-day waiting period before these benefits become active. Employees may coordinate these benefits with other available leave balances to receive up to 100% of their regular pay. POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable SEIU Memorandum of Understanding.
