Network Specialist
Junior-level Network Specialist at the City of Boston's DoIT, supporting senior network engineers across a municipal WAN/LAN covering 360+ facilities: configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting switches, routers, and wireless access points, running cabling, managing equipment logistics, monitoring, documentation, and Tier 1/2 incident support.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Boston City Hall - 1 City Hall Sq
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Junior
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Network engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Foundational understanding of core networking concepts (TCP/IP, subnetting, switching, routing basics, wireless)
- Familiarity with CCNA concepts
- Ability to work safely in data closets/wiring environments, lift up to 50 lbs, and use basic hand tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong willingness to learn, adapt, and work collaboratively
- Boston residency required
Nice to have
- Two (2) years of experience; an Associate's degree may substitute for one (1) year
- Exposure or basic experience with Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Ciena networking equipment
- Ability to rapidly learn specialized networking equipment and protocols
- In-progress certifications (e.g., CCNA, JNCIA, ACMA) or self-study in network automation or cloud networking
- Exceptional attention to detail and coordination of complex equipment logistics across facilities
- Interest or experience in a municipal, public sector, or large-scale institutional environment
Full description
Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications
- 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.