Senior Network Engineer

Biglakechamber; Elk River (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Elk River is seeking a Senior Network Engineer responsible for designing and maintaining secure network infrastructure. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and significant experience in network design. The role involves troubleshooting complex issues, managing hardware, and collaborating with the IT team. The position offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Networking, Network Security or related field; AND At least three years of work experience in network design and administration.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered such as Two Year Post‑Secondary Education and eight years of work experience in network design and administration.
• OR High school diploma and eleven years of work experience in network design and administration.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, secure and maintain Wireless and LAN/WAN infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches and routers.
• Configure and manage Palo Alto firewalls.
• Monitor network performance and security using industry‑standard tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network architecture.
• Collaborate with the systems team on IT solutions.

Job description

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and support of the County’s secure and reliable network infrastructure. This role encompasses a broad range of technologies including, but not limited to, local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, Wi‑Fi, ISE authentication, and overall network and cyber security.

In addition to core networking duties, the Senior Network Engineer collaborates with the systems team to assist with server infrastructure, enterprise applications, antivirus platforms, patch management, and cloud computing initiatives.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Design, deploy, secure and maintain Wireless and LAN/WAN infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches and routers.
• Configure and manage Palo Alto firewalls, including security policies, threat prevention, VPN configurations and patching.
• Implement and maintain secure network authentication using Cisco ISE authentication.
• Monitor network performance and security using industry‑standard tools and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues to ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network architecture, configurations, and procedures.
• Create and responds to IT Network Team tickets in a timely manner.
• Collaborate and assist the systems team with supporting server environments, enterprise applications, antivirus solutions, and patching processes.
• Provides backup support to other IT staff as needed and contributes to cross‑functional process improvement initiatives.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance network efficiency, scalability, and security.
• Delivers training and documentation on new network systems and technologies to both IT staff and end users.
• Participate in on‑call rotation and provide after‑hours support as needed.
• Acts as the escalation point for network‑related IT end‑user support issues.
• Actively participates in weekly team meetings to present project updates, collaborate with team members, and discuss job related topics.
• Maintains respectful and cooperative working relationships and demonstrates regular and reliable attendance in accordance with departmental scheduling.
• May be involved in managing and administering VOIP technologies

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced Analytical Skills: Proven ability to identify, define, test, and resolve complex issues in large‑scale data networks.
• Effective Communicator: Skilled at translating complex technical concepts into clear, understandable terms for non‑technical users.
• Expert Troubleshooter: Extensive experience diagnosing and resolving issues across LAN and WAN environments, including applications, computers, networking equipment, and peripherals.
• Network Infrastructure Expertise: Senior‑level proficiency in network switching, wireless technologies, and associated configuration and management tools including In‑depth knowledge of VLANs, VTP, port security, and spanning tree protocols.
• Firewall: Experience managing complex firewalls and security policies.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, with a security‑first approach to all responsibilities.
• Project Management & IT Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of IT systems and project management methodologies.
• Cabling and Fiber Optics: Good understanding of cabling technologies, including copper and fiber optics, sfp transceivers etc.
• Virtualization: Hands‑on understanding and experience with VMware environments.
• Organized & Self‑Motivated: Strong organizational and communication skills with a proactive, self‑starting attitude.
• Software Proficiency in: Microsoft M365, Teams, Windows Server OS, Office Suite, Visio, DHCP, and DNS.

*Phone interviews planned for the week of November 17th. 2nd interviews planned for the week of November 24th.

Minimum Qualifications

An individual must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below to qualify for this position.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Networking, Network Security or related field; AND At least three years of work experience in network design and administration.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered such as Two Year Post‑Secondary Education and eight years of work experience in network design and administration

OR

High school diploma and eleven years of work experience in network design and administration.

A valid Driver’s License is required.

Ability to obtain the following certification and trainings upon hire:

• CJIS Security Awareness Level 4 Certificate
• Cisco Switches/Routers
• Cisco Unified Communications
• VMWare

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The working environment is primary located within the office space of the Government Center. Intermittent work is required within the IT Data Centers. While working within the Data Centers the employee will experience temperature and noise extremes. Other workspaces include Sheriff’s Office substations, within patrol and transport vehicles, and within the Sherburne County Jail.

This position works with low voltage, eg. ethernet wiring, and with standard voltage connections, eg. 110V or 208V server and monitor. Additionally, various areas are protected with battery backed up Uninterruptable Power Supplies. These batteries are sealed but if they are damaged may pose a chemical hazard.

The physical requirements are varied. Some days may be sitting at your desk while others may be traveling within the offices or off‑site to visit end users or attend training. Must have the ability to safely lift and move 25 pounds items, eg. laptops, desktops, and flat panel monitors, between nearby work areas, approximately 25 feet. Longer distance transportation is done with a cart. Equipment above 25 pounds and large items, eg. tape juke boxes, disk arrays, and servers, must always be handled with a complimentary staff member.

Employer

Address

Sherburne County Government Center
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, Minnesota, 55330-1692