Senior Network System Engineer

Primary Purpose:
Perform tasks and activities related to servers, user accounts, and network systems. Including systems such as, but not limited to the operation, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment, network equipment, physical and virtual servers, and management of applications throughout the district. Respond to work order requests by diagnosing and repairing core networked devices and equipment

Qualifications:
Education & Certification

High school diploma or GED required
Associate's degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking, or a related field preferred.
Clear and valid driver's license

Certifications Valued
CompTIA Network+, Security+
Cisco CCNA/CCNP
Microsoft AZ-104 (Administrator)
VMWare VCA/VCTA/VCP

Desired Knowledge & Skills
Understanding of LAN/WAN networking, routing, switching, and wireless infrastructure
Knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, Identity, and Access Management
Strong understanding of server administration (Windows Server), virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V, osimilar), and storage systems (SAN)
Have awareness of containers and application virtualization (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, App-VMSIX)
Experience with DHCP, DNS, routing protocols, and network and server security best practices
Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions (Veeam preferred)
Ability to write and understand scripts for automation (PowerShell or similar)
Knowledge of datacenter standards, cabling, and environmental best practices
Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to analyze and resolve complex network and system issues
Self-motivated, forward-thinking, and able to work independently
Supporting account provisioning, rostering, and ClassLink integrations.

Experience
Minimum of 2 years networking or systems engineering experience, system administration, or equivalent skills and knowledge
Experience in multisite or enterprise environments preferred

Responsibilities and Duties: 

Network Infrastructure
Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot district routing, switching, and firewall systems
Monitor and respond to alerts related to network health, performance, and security
Support WAN, LAN, and wireless infrastructure across all campuses
Assist with planning and implementing upgrades to core, distribution, and edge network equipment
Work with ISPs and vendors to maintain reliable connectivity and uptime

Server, Virtualization & Storage
Manage physical and virtual server environments, including compute and storage resources
Maintain Windows Server systems, roles, services, and updates
Support virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, or equivalent), including clustering, resource allocation, and monitoring
Ensure proper configuration and health of district datacenter equipment
Maintain backup and disaster recovery plans using Veeam or similar tools Identity, Account & Access Management
Provision and maintain accounts, groups, and access permissions
Manage Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace identities and security settings
Maintain distribution lists, shared mailboxes, and automated email workflows
Enforce best practices related to authentication, MFA, and SSO integrations

Collaboration & General Duties
Work closely with cybersecurity, technicians, and department leadership
Assist with the installation and repair of network hardware when required
Support district safety and security technologies as needed
Maintain accurate documentation, diagrams, and inventory
Respond to afterhours outages, cyber risks, outages, emergencies, and participate in on-call rotation
Follow all district safety policies and procedures

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands:
Tools/Equipment Used: Hand tools and test instruments for electronic repairs and cable installations; standard office equipment including personal computers and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting; regular kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motion; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; regular walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching; may climb ladders
Lifting: Regular moderate lifting and carrying (up to 44 pounds); occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds and over)
Environment: Occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent on-call and after-hours work; occasional districtwide travel; may be required to be on-call 24 hours a day; may be exposed to electrical hazards.
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; emotional control under stress:

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Information Technology - 5

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be
made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general role and responsibilities assigned to this job. I understand this is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned; other duties may be assigned as needed.