Network Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Network Specialist 

Job Summary:

The Network Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining the district's network infrastructure across all buildings. This hands-on role manages day-to-day network operations, coordinates technicians during projects, partners with vendors to integrate new technologies, and ensures reliable connectivity for students and staff. The Network Specialist provides technical leadership within the Technology Department and supports the Director of Technology in planning, budgeting, and executing network-related initiatives.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent with technology-related experience, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues, system maintenance, or basic networking.

Evaluation:

This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board’s policy on the Evaluation of Staff.

Reports to:

Director of Technology 

Terms of Employment:

This is a 12-month, non-union IMRF salaried position with a salary range of $50,000 - $55,000, as established by the Board of Education. As an exempt employee, there may be requirements to work beyond regular hours, including evenings and overtime, to meet the needs of the department. Flexibility is essential to ensure the efficient operation of the department.

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation package for non-union positions includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a $50,000 term life insurance policy, accrued vacation days, 15 sick days, 2 personal leave days annually, and holidays per district policy. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement after the first year, access to an Employee Assistance Plan, and extensive professional development opportunities to foster growth and support for team members.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Install, monitor, and maintain the district's Cisco and Meraki network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues across all district sites, responding to incidents in a timely manner to minimize disruption to instruction.
• Coordinate and direct technicians during network-related projects, including deployments, upgrades, and cutovers, ensuring work is completed on time and to standard.
• Manage projects from planning through implementation, including scoping, scheduling, resource allocation, documentation, and post-project review.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to evaluate, procure, and integrate new technologies into the district's network environment.
• Assist the Director of Technology with budget planning, purchasing recommendations, and tracking expenditures for network hardware, software, and services.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, including diagrams, IP schemes, configurations, and asset inventories.
• Monitor network performance and security.
• Support E-rate compliance efforts and assist with related documentation and procurement as needed.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to technicians and other department staff.
• Work collaboratively with district staff to understand instructional and operational needs and recommend network solutions that support them.
• Perform work outside of regular hours as needed for maintenance windows, emergencies, and project cutovers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting enterprise networks, including Cisco and Meraki platforms.
• Proven project management experience, including the ability to scope work, manage timelines, and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating staff on a project or day-to-day basis, even without direct supervisory authority.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, including vendor quotes, purchase orders, and cost tracking.
• Experience working with vendors and integrators to deliver technology solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a methodical approach to diagnosing complex network issues.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical staff, administrators, and leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, particularly regarding student and staff data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between district sites.
• Prior experience in a K-12 preferred.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Repetitive bending at the waist, kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required.  Regularly walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

ADA:
The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

This job description is intended to describe the minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of employees assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary. 

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000