IT Statewide Associate Engineer 1-3 (Core Operations)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Louisiana's Office of Technology Services in Baton Rouge is seeking an entry- to mid-level IT Statewide Associate Engineer to join the Network Communication Services Core and Data Center Network Operations.

You will assist with installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting core network infrastructure, participate in small projects, and provide Tier 2 coordination and documentation support under guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications

• Two years of information technology experience, or six years of full-time work experience in any field.
• An associate's degree in information technology, or a bachelor's degree.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any area. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any area.

Responsibilities

• Install and configure layer 2 switches in the data center and backbone.
• Run and organize fiber and copper cabling in network closets.
• Provide timely and accurate order and project closure updates to maintain accurate billing inventory and network documentation.
• Participate in small-scope deployments or changes to core infrastructure under the direction of higher-level staff.
• Coordinate with other OTS teams, customers, or vendors as instructed.
• Provide limited guidance to junior personnel on basic provisioning tasks.
• Assist with configuration of layer 3 devices, subnets, and routing in the data center and backbone environments.
• Assist with resolving network incidents and performance issues.
• Troubleshooting basic layer 2/3 network connectivity or configuration issues in the data center and backbone.
• Restoring services through equipment resets, port changes, or basic configuration modifications.
• Escalating complex or persistent layer 2/3 issues to senior staff or vendors and assisting with troubleshooting.
• Communicating clearly with affected customers and documenting updates in the incident tracking system.
• Providing Tier 2 support for EUC field and helpdesk staff when escalated issues relate to core infrastructure.
• Assisting with documentation updates based on resolution steps.
• Receive instruction and participate in training related to advanced communications technologies.
• Develop foundational understanding of OTS architecture, core protocols, tools, and services.
• Study industry-standard models such as the OSI model and apply knowledge to job duties.
• Participate in formal training and on-the-job mentoring to prepare for more independent technical tasks.
• Perform all other tasks, special projects, analysis, studies, and plans as directed.

Skills

Data networking

Layer 2 switches

Layer 3 routing

Incident coordination

Documentation

Education

Associate degree in IT

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Division of Administration/Office of Technology Services has a vacancy.

This position is located in the Network Communication Services section. Req. 227285

The Office of Technology Services aims to be a responsible partner in delivering innovative, effective, and reliable solutions that support and enhance the IT functions within Executive Branch Departments. The Office of Technology Services will work to increase the return on the State’s investment in technology by promoting smart decision-making, solving problems intelligently, increasing the rate of project success, and fostering a skilled and professional staff.

This position is an entry- to mid-level network operations role within the Office of Technology Services (OTS) - Network Communication Services (NCS) Core and Data Center Network Operations. The incumbent assists in the installation, configuration, maintenance, and support of moderately complex core, backbone, and data center infrastructure under OTS responsibility. Primary duties include fulfilling service provisioning requests, conducting routine maintenance, and supporting basic troubleshooting efforts for core network systems. The position also assists higher-level engineers with projects such as hardware upgrades, service migrations, and office moves.

The incumbent may provide limited guidance to junior associates on standard tasks and offers Tier 2 coordination support for network incidents that exceed the scope of end‑user teams. This position is designed to develop technical skills through approved instruction and hands‑on experience, with the goal of mastering foundational and emerging network technologies relevant to the OTS enterprise environment.

The Division of Administration is the state government’s management arm and the hub of its financial operations. Division offices perform a wide variety of activities including the following:

• Overseeing the state’s capital construction program
• Working to provide state and federal grants for community development
• Development of the state budget
• Providing technology services
• Giving agencies guidance in the state purchasing and contracting process as they seek goods and services
• Administering a program that provides federal funds to help Louisiana residents recover from a series of devastating hurricanes

Two years of experience in information technology; OR

Six years of full‑time work experience in any field; OR

An associate's degree in information technology; OR

A bachelor’s degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full‑time work experience in any area. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any area.

NOTE: A certification in an approved area may be substituted for the education and/or experience requirements at the time of hire or promotion, provided the appointment is made from a Certificate of Eligibles.

NOTE:

Any college hours or degree must be from an accredited college or university.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

Assist with data network projects, service orders, and maintenance activities in conformity with established timelines, procedures, and standards. Tasks may include:

• Installing and configuring layer 2 switches in the data center and backbone, including basic port and VLAN settings under guidance from senior personnel
• Running and organizing fiber and copper cabling in network closets and infrastructure spaces
• Providing timely and accurate order and project closure updates to maintain accurate billing inventory and network documentation
• Participating in small-scope deployments or changes to core infrastructure under the direction of higher-level staff
• Coordinating with other OTS teams, customers, or vendors as instructed
• Providing limited guidance to junior personnel on basic provisioning tasks
• Assisting higher-level staff with configuration of layer 3 devices, subnets, and routing in the data center and backbone environments
• Assist with resolving network incidents and performance issues. Tasks may include:
• Troubleshooting basic layer 2/3 network connectivity or configuration issues in the data center and backbone
• Restoring services through equipment resets, port changes, or basic configuration modifications
• Replacing failed hardware components or patch cables as directed
• Escalating complex or persistent layer 2/3 issues to senior staff or vendors and assisting with troubleshooting
• Communicating clearly with affected customers and documenting updates in the incident tracking system
• Providing Tier 2 support for EUC field and helpdesk staff when escalated issues relate to core infrastructure
• Assisting with documentation updates based on resolution steps
• Receive instruction and participate in training related to advanced communications technologies.
• Develop foundational understanding of OTS architecture, core protocols, tools, and services
• Study industry-standard models such as the OSI model and apply knowledge to job duties
• Participate in formal training and on-the-job mentoring to prepare for more independent technical tasks
• Perform all other tasks, special projects, analysis, studies, and plans as directed.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: This vacancy will be filled by new hire or by promotion of a current permanent status classified employee.

Career Progressions: This vacancy participates in a career progression group and may be filled from this recruitment as an IT Statewide Associate Engineer 1, 2 or 3.

Compensation: The salary range listed on the job posting reflects the pay grade minimum and maximum for the OTS Statewide Associate Engineer 1 job title. The salary range pay grade minimum and maximum for the other levels of the career progression group can be viewed using the links below:

IT Statewide Associate Engineer 2

IT Statewide Associate Engineer 3

Louisiana is a “State as a Model Employer” for People with Disabilities.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. A criminal history check may be conducted on employees changing positions including promotions, demotions, details, reassignments and transfers. Also, prospective employees may be subject to pre-employment drug testing. New hires will be subject to employment eligibility verification via the federal government's E-verify system.

* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).