Network Operations Engineer (IT Communications Analyst III)

ABOUT THE POSITION

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.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• 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.

MINIMUM 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.

A successful Security Clearance conducted by the Sheriffs' Department is required for positions within the Riverside County Information Technology Department.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Other Requirements

License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement
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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment
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.

Probationary Period
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.

General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.