Network Security IT Specialist

City of Santa Fe Springs; La Marque (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Fe Springs seeks a Network Security IT Specialist to protect and support the City’s IT infrastructure, including network and endpoints, ensuring reliable and secure operations across departments. The role emphasizes cybersecurity best practices, threat monitoring, and policy compliance.

Responsibilities include monitoring threats, applying security controls, managing Active Directory/Entra ID, and supporting backups, disaster recovery, and user assistance across City services.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of IT experience, with exposure to networking and/or security.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network and system activity for threats and anomalies; respond to incidents.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure (switches, routers, firewalls, wireless).
• Provide desktop, mobile, and application support across City departments; assist with access management.
• Assist with backup, disaster recovery, and documentation of IT assets and configurations.

Skills

Networking

Security

Systems Administration

End-user Support

Active Directory

Entra ID

Microsoft 365

MFA

Endpoint protection

Firewalls

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Entra ID

MS Defender

Job description

Description

The Network Security IT Specialist is responsible for supporting and securing the City’s IT infrastructure, including network systems, endpoints, and enterprise applications. This role combines network security, systems administration, and end-user support, ensuring reliable and secure technology operations across all City departments.

The position plays a key role in maintaining cybersecurity best practices, monitoring for threats, and providing technical support while ensuring compliance with applicable standards and policies.

Examples of Duties

Network Security & Cybersecurity

• Monitor network and system activity for anomalies, threats, and unauthorized access.
• Assist in responding to cybersecurity incidents, including investigation and remediation.
• Support implementation of security controls such as MFA, endpoint protection, and access management.
• Perform system patching, updates, and basic vulnerability remediation.
• Maintain secure configurations for firewalls, switches, wireless networks, and endpoints.
• Assist with compliance efforts related to state, federal, and internal security standards (e.g., CJIS where applicable).

Network & Systems Administration

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless systems.
• Support Active Directory, hybrid Microsoft Entra ID environments, and Microsoft 365 services.
• Monitor system performance, uptime, and backups; resolve issues proactively.
• Assist with backup and disaster recovery processes, including data restoration.
• Maintain documentation of network configurations, systems, and IT assets.

Technical Support (Tier I–III)

• Provide support for desktops, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and other IT equipment.
• Respond to helpdesk tickets and troubleshoot hardware, software, and connectivity issues.
• Install, configure, and support business applications used across City departments.
• Assist users with access issues, account management, and general IT requests.
• Train staff on cybersecurity awareness and proper use of City technology.

Citywide IT Operations

• Support IT systems across multiple departments (e.g., administration, public works, utilities, public safety).
• Assist with lifecycle management and replacement of IT equipment.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers for system support and maintenance.
• Assist in evaluating, recommending, and implementing new technology solutions.

Planning, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation for systems, procedures, and configurations.
• Assist with development and maintenance of IT policies, standards, and procedures.
• Support business continuity and disaster recovery planning efforts.
• Assist with IT procurement and budget planning as needed.

Operational Support

• Provide occasional after-hours support for system maintenance or outages.
• Assist in maintaining IT services during emergencies or critical incidents affecting City operations.

Typical Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of IT experience, with exposure to networking and/or security.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CompTIA Network+, Security+, or other industry recognized certifications.
• Experience with the Microsoft 365 suite, including MS Defender and Entra ID.
• Familiarity with network security concepts (firewalls, VPNs, segmentation).
• Experience in municipal or government IT environments.
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity frameworks or compliance standards.
• Familiarity with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure environments.

Working Conditions

• Full-time; salary with occasional after-hours support.
• Work performed in office, data center, and field environments as needed.
• May require lifting equipment, climbing ladders, or working in confined spaces.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Professional Experience Level

• I have less than one year of relevant professional IT experience.
• I have at least one year, but less than two years, of relevant professional IT experience.
• I have at least two years, but less than four years, of relevant professional IT experience.
• I have four or more years of relevant professional IT experience.

Network Infrastructure Experience

• I do not have hands-on experience with network infrastructure.
• I have observed or assisted others with network infrastructure but have not independently performed this work.
• I have independently configured or troubleshot one or two of the listed technologies.
• I have independently configured, maintained, or troubleshot three or more of the listed technologies.

Cybersecurity Experience

• I do not have professional, hands-on cybersecurity experience.
• My experience is primarily limited to cybersecurity training, coursework, or user-awareness activities.
• I have assisted with activities such as patching, endpoint protection, MFA, vulnerability remediation, backups, access management, or security monitoring.
• I have independently performed several of these activities and participated in investigating, documenting, or remediating a cybersecurity incident.

Microsoft Environments Experience

• I do not have hands-on experience supporting these Microsoft environments.
• I have provided basic end-user support in Microsoft 365 but have not performed administrative functions.
• I have performed account administration, access management, group or license management, or similar functions in Active Directory, Entra ID, or Microsoft 365.
• I have independently administered multiple Microsoft services, including identity, access, security, device, or threat-protection functions.
• Required Question