IT Network Engineer

The IT Network Engineer is responsible for maintaining the security, operational management, administrative support, and daily performance of the City of Groton and Groton Utilities networks, IP telephony systems, and embedded ICS connectivity.

Operating within an established network architecture, this role focuses on hands-on administrative tasks including port configuration, VLANupdates, patching, hardware upgrades, and enterprise firewall/access management. This position functions as the lead network engineer responsible for day-to-day operations, administrative support, and practical network management., Operational Management & Hands-On Administration

• Perform day-to-day network administ ration, including provisioning switch ports, changing VLANs, and managing interface configurations across all locations.
• Apply firmware updates, software upgrades, and security patches across all routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, UPS units, and voice infrastructure.
• Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for user and device access control, dynamic VLAN assignment, network authentication, and security policy enforcement.
• Manage Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) and Next-Generation Firewalls

(NGFW) to enforce firewall rules, access control lists (ACLs), intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS), and threat mitigation.

• Operate, configure, and maintain Cisco Collaboration I IP Telephony infrastructure,

including Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), call management systems, voicem atl, and interactive voice response (IVR).

• Configure and support core enterprise switching environments, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).
• Ensure reliable network and WLAN connectivity for enterprise servers, workstations, telephony equipment, fax machines, and network appliances across multiple municipal and utility sites.

Security, Compliance & Vendor Support

• Configure enterprise networks in accordance with regulatory mandates and industry best practices to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Monitor security solutions, initiate containment or recovery procedures during security incidents, and assist in vulnerability assessments, penetration t ests, and security investigations.
• Conduct research on developments in the IT industry regarding revised security solutions, threat vectors, network protocols, and new hardware to support procurement efforts.
• Interact with vendors, contractors, and outsourcers to evaluate solutions, complete cost analyses, and maintain concise records of hardware/software maintenance agreements and licensing renewals.
• Create and update technical documentation, topology maps, port allocations, standard operating procedures, and physical inventory records.

Collaboration, Support & Emergency Response

• Perform routine and emergency system backups and data restorations.
• Collaborate directly with IT Support staff to resolve escalated trouble tickets relating to VoIP, WLAN, routing, switching, and firewall access.
• Direct the work of Information Technology support staff during network outages, data breaches, or inform ation security emergencies.
• Practice physical asset management and inventory control for network equipment, UPS systems, technical specifications, and spare hardware.
• Fulfill assigned emergency response roles upon activation of the City of Groton / Groton Utilities Incident Response Plan, which may include performing tasks outside normal scope, location, or hours.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Minimum 4 to 7 years of hands-on experience in network administration, enterprise routing and switching, firewall management, and systems maintenance .
• Certifications: Active Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification required . Security certifications {e.g., Security+, Network+, or CND) are preferred., * Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical manuals, software license documents, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to create, proofread, and edit written materials including routine reports, technical documentation, and correspondence.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively with individuals or groups of employees and customers in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Ability to listen effectively to user needs and complaints to aid in the troubleshootingprocess.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to conduct research quickly and efficiently to aid in finding solutions to practical problems in situations where only limited standardization or information exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in writt en, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to effectively apply knowledge and experience in resolving technical network and security problems.
• Ability to recognize and articulate trends in network performance and information security issues., * Physical Demands: Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, handle equipment, reach, and occasionally crawl. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Requires close vision, distance vision, color distinction, depth perception, and the ability to climb ladders to access elevated equipment racks., * Bachelor’s (Preferred), * Hands-on experience in network administration: 4 years (Required)
• Enterprise routing & switching: 4 years (Required)
• Firewall management & systems maintenance: 4 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Active Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification (Required)
• Security certifications {e.g., Security+, Network+, or CND) (Preferred)
• Criminal Justice Information Services {CJIS) Security Policy (Preferred)

• Work Environment: Climate-controlled office and data center environments, as well as equipment closets, racks, and non-climate-controlled interior/exterior spaces.
• Hours: Normal operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (40-hour work week). Must maintain flexibility for on-call availability, emergencies, and scheduled after-hours maintenance windows.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

The City of Groton is a vibrant municipal government that has been serving its residents since 1903. With a commitment to providing essential services such as public safety, utilities, and recreational facilities, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our nearly 10,000 residents in a picturesque setting along the Thames River.