Network Specialist - Information Systems

To service, maintain, troubleshoot, test, and implement the day-to-day operations of the LAN/WAN; to assist in the development and implementation of network solutions for the district., * Serve as a technical resource for the district’s wired and wireless network infrastructure, providing guidance and support for network solutions, troubleshooting, and implementation strategies.

• Install, configure, maintain, support, and troubleshoot district LAN, WAN, and wireless network infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and controllers, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and optimal performance.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve network connectivity, performance, hardware, software, and configuration issues, utilizing industry-standard diagnostic tools and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Proactively monitor network performance, availability, capacity, and security using network management and monitoring tools to identify potential issues, minimize disruptions, and maintain reliable network operations.
• Install, replace, upgrade, and maintain network hardware and associated components, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and related infrastructure, to ensure network reliability and operational continuity.
• Maintain accurate network infrastructure documentation, including equipment inventories, network diagrams, device configurations, IP addressing, and asset records to support troubleshooting, planning, and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a first responder to critical network outages, connectivity disruptions, and network-related security incidents during and outside normal work hours, coordinating with appropriate personnel to restore services and minimize operational impacts.
• Collaborate with district departments, school personnel, technology teams, and external vendors to identify network connectivity needs, resolve technical issues, coordinate infrastructure improvements, and support district technology initiatives.
• Analyze network performance data, recurring incidents, and infrastructure trends to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and implement improvements that enhance network reliability, security, and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to optimize the use of various information systems, liaising with system representatives to stay informed on updates and explore potential improvements
• Implement and maintain network security configurations and access controls, including VLANs, access control lists (ACLs), network segmentation, and secure device configurations, in accordance with district cybersecurity standards and procedures.
• Perform network configuration changes, firmware updates, and equipment upgrades in accordance with established change management procedures, ensuring appropriate documentation, testing, and minimal disruption to district operations.
• Support network redundancy, resiliency, and recovery procedures to minimize service disruptions and maintain reliable connectivity for district instructional and operational systems.
• Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools, * Work in an office setting within the district’s IT department, may also visit schools and other district buildings
• Work in climate-controlled environments housing servers, switches, and networking hardware
• Work closely with IT staff, administrators, teachers, and vendors to ensure network security and efficiency
• Frequent movement between different school district locations, including climbing stairs or accessing confined spaces to install or repair equipment
• May need to lift equipment like servers, routers, switches, and backup power supplies (typically 20-50 pounds)

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum, * Associate’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Administration, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education, industry certifications, and relevant professional experience. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification or equivalent industry-recognized networking certification preferred demonstrating proficiency in enterprise networking technologies.

• Minimum of three years of professional experience installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure in a complex enterprise LAN/WAN environment.
• Experience evaluating, testing, installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting enterprise Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and wireless network infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity, performance, and availability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise networking technologies and protocols, including TCP/IP, VLANs, subnetting, routing, switching, DHCP, DNS, and network security fundamentals, with an emphasis on Cisco networking infrastructure and secure network configurations.
• Experience utilizing enterprise network monitoring, management, and diagnostic tools to identify connectivity issues, analyze network performance, and troubleshoot infrastructure problems.
• Knowledge of enterprise wireless networking technologies, including wireless authentication, RF fundamentals, interference, roaming, and wireless connectivity troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with network security practices and technologies, including access control lists (ACLs), network segmentation, 802.1X authentication, and Network Access Control (NAC).

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to perform complex technical tasks and meet continual need to upgrade skills
• Ability to analyze an environment to make recommendations to best meet end-user and district needs
• Ability to organize, prioritize, meet deadlines and maintain schedules
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written); collaborate and work with district personnel and outside groups of varying technical skill

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance