Network Specialist

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston's Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) seeks a Network Specialist to join our team. This junior role supports senior Network Engineers in managing the City's WAN/LAN and thousands of devices across 360 facilities and 60 sites.

You will gain hands-on experience with deployment, configuration, and ongoing operations in an enterprise environment, while expanding your networking knowledge and professional city service experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience preferred; an Associate's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Foundational understanding of core networking concepts (TCP/IP, subnetting, switching, routing basics, wireless technologies); CCNA concepts are required.
• Ability to work safely in data closets and wiring environments; lift up to 50 lbs and use basic hand tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; interact professionally with technical staff and City staff.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and collaborate in a dynamic municipal environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with configuration, staging, deployment, testing, and troubleshooting of network devices across WAN and LAN.
• Support physical infrastructure, including wiring, fiber, and cabling installations.
• Manage logistics and inventory of network equipment across City facilities.
• Perform routine health checks, monitoring, and firmware maintenance on equipment from various vendors.
• Assist in creating and updating technical documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and asset inventories.
• Provide Tier 1/2 support for network incidents and escalate to senior engineers when needed.

Skills

TCP/IP

Subnetting

Switching

Routing basics

Wireless technologies

CCNA concepts

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Cisco equipment

Job description

The City of Boston's Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is seeking a Network Specialist to join our team. This is a foundational, junior-level role responsible for providing essential support to our senior Network Engineers in managing and maintaining the City's extensive network infrastructure.

The City of Boston relies on DoIT to connect over 360 facilities with a Wide Area Network (WAN) and provide full-stack Local Area Network (LAN) support to over 60 critical sites. You will be instrumental in the deployment and maintenance of thousands of wireless access points, routers, and switches. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to gain deep, hands-on experience with a diverse, enterprise-level network environment, directly impacting City services and operations.

As a Network Specialist, you will be a vital part of the team, supporting the entire lifecycle of network equipment and projects. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Network Deployment and Configuration: Assist with the configuration, staging, deployment, testing, and troubleshooting of network devices across the City's WAN and LAN infrastructure.
• Physical Infrastructure Support: Actively participate in wiring projects and installations. This involves working with Ethernet (Cat5e/6/6a), fiber optic cabling, and other physical connectivity technologies to ensure robust data transmission.
• Logistics and Inventory Management: Manage the moving, coordinating logistics, and physical racking of new and replacement network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls, servers) across City facilities. Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tracking.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Perform routine health checks, proactive monitoring, and firmware maintenance on equipment from a variety of vendors.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Assist in creating and updating technical documentation, network diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and asset inventories to ensure continuity and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Incident Response: Provide Tier 1/2 support for network-related incidents, performing initial diagnostics and escalating complex or major issues to senior Network Engineers while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.

• Education/Experience: Two (2) years of experience preferred. An Associate's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Networking Knowledge: Foundational understanding of core networking concepts (TCP/IP, subnetting, switching, routing basics, wireless technologies). Familiarity with CCNA concepts is required.
• Physical Proficiency: Proven ability to work safely and efficiently in data closets and wiring environments. Ability to lift and move network equipment (up to 50 lbs) and utilize basic hand tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and clearly with both technical colleagues and non-technical City staff.
• Soft Skills: A strong willingness to learn, adapt, and work collaboratively in a dynamic, high-stakes municipal environment.

The most successful candidate will possess the following attributes and experience:

• Broad Technology Experience or Interest: Exposure to or basic experience with networking equipment from diverse vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Ciena.
• Adaptability to Specialized Equipment: A proven ability and enthusiasm to rapidly learn and adapt to specialized networking equipment and protocols beyond standard commercial offerings.
• Proactive Learner: Actively pursues knowledge and skills, perhaps demonstrated by in-progress certifications (e.g., CCNA, JNCIA, ACMA) or self-study in areas like network automation or cloud networking.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex logistics for equipment moves and deployments across multiple facilities.
• Public Sector Interest: Interest in or experience working within a municipal, public sector, or large-scale institutional environment.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-6

Hours per week: 35 hours