Network Operations Engineer (IT Communications Analyst III)

The Riverside County Information Technology, Network Operations Unit is seeking a highly motivated and team-oriented Network Operations Engineer to join their team in Riverside. Please note that Network Operations Engineer is a working title for the classification of IT Communications Analyst III . 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. The IT Communications Analyst III is the lead level classification in the IT Communications Analyst series and reports to a supervisory or manager level position. Advancement to the next level is obtained by competitive selection through an open recruitment. This position will be on a rotating on-call shift to serve as a resource for the resolution of technical issues and may require onsite troubleshooting so travel throughout the county may be required. Schedule: This position follows a 9/80 work schedule. During the training period, the selected candidate will be required to work onsite at least once per week. Upon completion of training, remote work will be permitted, with in-office attendance required on an as-needed basis. This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the department. About Riverside County Information Technology RCIT is a full-service provider of IT services including communications, development, security, infrastructure, desktop support, helpdesk, and datacenter services. Comprehensive systems support is also offered for email and messaging, smart phones, tablets, expert technical support, and production and test environments. Meet the Team RCIT promotes a culture of Team Players! People are at the center of everything in the department and it is a priority to work together for a balanced, work-life environment. Executive Leadership is customer-focused and employee-supportive in all things. It is a goal to create an environment where working hard can be fun and rewarding for everyone. The department continues to grow in effective and dynamic ways to cultivate business relationships while promoting efficiencies through innovations to "Empower people to reach beyond..." * 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. Education: Completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university, preferably with course work in computer science, computer information systems, data processing, information management, or a related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying IT job-related experience may be substituted for the required education on the basis of 30 semester or 45 quarter units equaling one year of full-time experience). Experience: Four years of successful journey level experience with network systems and solutions (see below for examples) with one of those years including either lead person duties or technically advanced IT job-related work. (One year as an IT Communications Analyst II will satisfy the one year of lead or technically advanced experience requirement.) Core Competencies and Technical 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. Additional Requirements: A successful Security Clearance conducted by the Sheriffs' Department is required for positions within the Riverside County Information Technology Department. Other Requirements License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Open to all applicants This recruitment is open to all applicants. For questions regarding this recruitment Contact Joshua Roberts at JoRoberts @rivco.org with any questions regarding this recruitment.