Job Title:
IT Network Engineer
Company: Washington County Public Schools
Location: Cottage Grove, MN
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position Type: Administrators and Supervisors Date Posted: 11/4/2025 Location: Center for Education Services Closing Date: until filled IT Network Engineer Category 4 on the A & S Salary Scale, 12-month work year Salary Range: $84,059 - $134,381 Role Overview The Network Engineer provides technical direction and design expertise of all (LAN/WAN/WLAN) network infrastructures, including network requirements, planning and implementation of network services for buildings, systems, and users. Also performs network engineering-related duties with a primary focus on LAN/WAN/WLAN architecture and wired and wireless network administration. Minimum Requirements Four (4) year degree in information technology, computer science, computer engineering or related field, or equivalent certifications and technical experience. One or more Juniper, Cisco, Palo Alto, or other relevant networking certifications (JNCIA/JNCIS/CCNA/CCNP/PCNSE). Six (6) years of full-time experience configuring, implementing and troubleshooting routers, switches, access control lists, wireless access points, LAN, WAN, and WiFi networking protocols, firewalls, DNS, and DHCP, as well as extensive work experience in troubleshooting and maintaining the performance of WAN infrastructure and connectivity of client-server applications on a large scale multi-site enterprise IP network. Experience and ability to independently configure, implement and troubleshoot LAN/WAN/WLAN networks, long-range optical networks, and other network infrastructure. Minimum four (4) years of experience installing, troubleshooting, implementing, maintaining, and building configurations on routers, switches and load balancers. Experience with and ability to configure multicast and multicasting protocols (DM/SM) and link aggregation. Experience and broad knowledge of routing protocols, (RIP/OSPF/BGP), switch protocols, TCP/IP, Ethernet, QOS, VLANs, ACL's, DHCP, DNS, SNMP, IP addressing and subnetting, PoE, etc. Demonstrated experience with network management platforms, preferably Juniper Mist and Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor. Experience with, and broad knowledge of WIFI protocols 802.11a-b-g-n-ac-ax. Demonstrated experience in administrating, implementing, installing and troubleshooting enterprise wireless systems and access points (Aerohive/Extreme, Juniper/Mist, etc.) Demonstrated experience performing and analyzing network packet captures using packet analyzers such as Wireshark. Ability to work off-hours as needed/required. Experience with Cloud protocols. Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to independently, as well as with a team, and effectively complete work assignments and projects in a timely fashion. Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of storage environments and how it interrelates with networking infrastructure. Experience with load balancers such as Kemp LoadMaster or F5. Experience with VMware or other virtualization technologies, including VMware distributed switches and NSX. Experience in architecting and implementing high availability systems. Work experience in a K-12 educational setting. Familiarity with the WCPS policies, goals, and programs. Role Responsibilities Manage the day-to-day design and operations of all network connectivity, including Internet, LAN, WAN, and WLAN, and network infrastructure. This includes scheduling upgrades and maintenance activities so they minimally impact core business and instructional functions. Performs off-hour upgrades, installing patches, service packs, maintenance releases, troubleshooting, etc. Installs, configures, maintains, and troubleshoots all network resources, including telecommunications and network infrastructure, switches, routers, Layer 1-7 connectivity, multicast, network sub-systems, and network communication links. Creates, implements, and manages IP addressing, subnetting, and scopes. Performs project management responsibilities, including budgeting, RFP development, Disaster Recovery planning, etc. Implements and maintains network security in accordance with state, county, and internal requirements. Performs routine network audits and vulnerability assessments, verifies network security compliance. Performs multi-tiered incident, change management, problem resolution, and end-user support. Monitors faults, performance, and capacity issues; prepares remediation reports and documentation. Proactively researches, analyzes, identifies, and resolves trends of utilization or errors, and implements appropriate performance tuning and troubleshooting techniques. Continuously identifies opportunities for process and quality improvement and implements applicable technologies and/or process changes. Implement and configure highly available infrastructure, including design and test of fail-over services, fault tolerance, disaster recovery, load balancing, etc. Implement and configure systems management and proactive monitoring tools, troubleshoot and resolve identified telecommunication and network issues. Document all network designs, processes, and installation procedures. Interfaces with internal and external customers and vendors to determine communications infrastructure needs. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations. Remain current and competent by learning new technologies and obtaining certifications as requested by management and/or as identified by the employee and mutually agreed to by the supervisor. Manage and oversee Internet/communication bills, services, and maintenance agreements, manage purchasing of network infrastructure and related equipment, and open and work with TAC cases to resolve issues. Performs other duties as required. Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental Requirements The Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental demands represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Required prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and other office equipment. Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with students, other faculty, staff, and parents as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, and hear. Maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to travel district-wide and state-wide if needed. Ability to work prolonged and irregular hours.