Salary : $72,737.60 - $126,838.40 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Salary
Job Number: 1223KS-002257-01
Department: Information Technology
Division: ITD Administration
Opening Date: 12/05/2023
About the Position
San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, Information Technology Department, is looking for an experienced microwave radio network engineer to help manage the County's public safety microwave radio network. The Network Engineer will be a key contributor to supporting several large County departments in the requirements and success of the County's Public Safety radio systems. We are looking for a detail oriented, forward thinking, team player to successfully manage the County's microwave radio network.

The Department
San Luis Obispo County Information Technology Department (ITD) offers an exciting, fast-paced environment where exceptional performance is encouraged and rewarded. ITD consists of 85 staff within four (4) operational Divisions: Administration; Applications; Customer Service / Delivery; and Infrastructure. ITD resources are operated and maintained in a manner that supports high availability for utilization and minimizes the risk of business interruption. ITD's focus is on developing a sustainable, customer focused environment to enhance and improve the quality of technology services used by County departments for the benefit of all San Luis Obispo County residents, businesses, and visitors. This career opportunity provides candidates the exposure of working with all our county departments; essentially 23 different industries. The County supports a work-life balance, and provides a generous pension and an outstanding community environment.

The Job
This position is within the Infrastructure Division and will be a part the communications team made up of eight employees. The communications team manages both the County's public safety radio and video surveillance systems. Recently the County has planned a migration from traditional TDM transport across is microwave system to a newer more modern system leveraging all IP based radios using advanced carrier class IP network technologies for system resiliency. The system consists of a 14-site microwave radio network using a mixture of 6ghz and 11ghz licensed microwave radio links and another approximately six sites connected via other IP networks. The public safety radio system is supporting multiple agencies and over 2000 subscribers daily.

This position requires the engineer to be able to work not only alone but with team members and customer departments to provide highly reliable and timely solutions. The type of work will include working on ladders, and lift platforms. Installing microwave radios, network switches, routers, and other associated systems. Use spectrum analyzers were needed for troubleshooting or conducting field surveys. Use power tools, hand tools, measuring and or metering devices. The communications team is comprised of a senior communications technician, five communications technicians, one IT specialist, one systems administrator and one technology supervisor.
Clickfor the full job description for Network Engineer I.
Click for the full job description for Network Engineer II.
Click for the full job description for Network Engineer III.
The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have seven plus years of experience designing, installing, configuring, and implementing public safety microwave radio systems and implementing large scale complex IP networks. The candidate will also ideally be intimately familiar with FCC regulations and standards for licensing microwave paths. Understand basic electronics, electrical power systems, basics of 7 layers of the OSI model. In-depth knowledge and experience in RF. Specific knowledge of SDN, TCP/IP, network design, network security, propagation, and point to point radio operation using ethernet over microwave. Knowledge of building IP networks using MPLS or other network convergence technologies. Be open and willing to learn and comprehend new trends, technology, and have the aptitude to leverage those technologies to meet client's needs, and successfully partner with other technical teams both within and outside the department.
Employment Standards

The Network Engineer I classification is the entry-level position in the series. Incumbents work under close supervision and perform basic technical duties involved in the support and maintenance of assigned networks and network components; provide information and assistance to customers; log and track the nature and resolution of these problems.
The Network Engineer II classification is the journey-level position in the series. Incumbents work under general supervision and perform professional-level networking duties such as designing, implementing, supporting and troubleshooting LANs and WANs; assist in providing training and technical work direction to subordinate staff.
The Network Engineer III classification is the advanced-level position in the series. Incumbents work under direction, oversees networking projects; resolve both LAN and WAN technical issues; regularly provides training and technical work direction to subordinate staff.
AND

• Be willing and able to respond to after-normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency requests on nights, weekends and holidays.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must be able to work safely in an indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, hazardous materials, variances in temperature noise and equipment with moving parts.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and up to 80 pounds occasionally.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Should have knowledge of and experience with:

• Public Safety microwave radio vendors - (Aviat Networks, Nokia/Alcatel, etc.)
• Using spectrum analyzers - Anritsu, Freedom, etc.
• Experience conducting field surveys for microwave paths
• Ability to work on ladders or lifts
• Cisco routers and switches
• Deep in-depth knowledge of layer 2 and layer 3 networking
• Designing networks for high reliability (99.9999%) uptime
• Point to point wireless networking
• Ability to read schematics and documentation
• Understanding of basic electronics
• Ability to document detailed technical and operational requirements
• Proficient with documentation tools (visio, excel, etc.)
• Reading construction blueprints
• Work experience in public sector a plus

And will have:

• A great attitude and a "get it done" mind set
• Flexibility to perform other duties as assigned
• A strong sense of work ownership
• A high degree of self-motivation
• A strong willingness to participate and learn new technology
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• The ability to plan and execute work through team members
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with all levels in the organization: customers, peers and executives

Minimum Qualifications:
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
Network Engineer I: An associates degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university or completion from a job-related, accredited vocational institution.
Network Engineer II: Either A: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. OR B: An associates degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university or completion from a job-related, accredited vocational institution. In addition, two years of experience involving the analysis, installation, programming, application and/or troubleshooting of networking systems and related equipment.
Network Engineer III: Either A: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. In addition, two years of experience involving the analysis, installation, programming, application and/or troubleshooting of networking systems and related equipment. OR B: An associates degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university or completion from a job-related, accredited vocational institution. In addition, four years of experience involving the analysis, installation, programming, application and/or troubleshooting of networking systems and related equipment.
How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link) .
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
- Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.