Network​/Systems Engineer

Network/Systems Engineer Grade 25 Salary: $65,457.60 ($31.47 hr) -$79,560.00 ($38.25 hr)

Supervisor:
Will Davis - Director of MIS

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Oversee VoIP systems and related infrastructure.
• Ensure resiliency and uptime for phone systems and emergency services connectivity.

• Assist leadership in developing infrastructure roadmaps and capital planning.
• Provide cost estimates and technical recommendations for budgeting and CIP.
• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives.

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to IT Specialists and analysts.
• Establish infrastructure standards and change management protocols.
• Participate in on‑call rotation and after‑hours support as required.
• Manage vendor relationships for infrastructure‑related services.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.