Network Specialist

City of Boston

12d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Physical Proficiency: Proven ability to work safely and efficiently in data closets and wiring environments. Ability to lift and move network equipment (up to 50 lbs) and utilize basic hand tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and clearly with both technical colleagues and non-technical City staff.
• Soft Skills: A strong willingness to learn, adapt, and work collaboratively in a dynamic, high-stakes municipal environment.
• Boston Residency Required.

Nice To Haves

• Broad Technology Experience or Interest: Exposure to or basic experience with networking equipment from diverse vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Ciena.
• Adaptability to Specialized Equipment: A proven ability and enthusiasm to rapidly learn and adapt to specialized networking equipment and protocols beyond standard commercial offerings.
• Proactive Learner: Actively pursues knowledge and skills, perhaps demonstrated by in-progress certifications (e.g., CCNA, JNCIA, ACMA) or self-study in areas like network automation or cloud networking.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex logistics for equipment moves and deployments across multiple facilities.
• Public Sector Interest: Interest in or experience working within a municipal, public sector, or large-scale institutional environment.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree