Network Architect (Systems Engineer 4)

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Information Services is the central IT department supporting all divisions of the Metropolitan Council. Our 140 team members provide technology, practices, and innovative solutions that enable the core services of the Council.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Network Architect (Systems Engineer 4) will serve as a lead worker within the Network team. This position will provide work direction for a small team focused on a specific area of IT and expert system design. The ideal candidate will solve problems at an expert level and have administration experience in the following: Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft SQL, Citrix, Microsoft Clustering, Cisco Networking, Checkpoint firewalls, Palo Alto firewalls, and VMware (depending on the sub-team). This position will also partner with Application and Database teams to assist with integration and planning of systems.

• Serve as lead worker, giving direction on day-to-day work and short-term task planning.
• Administer multiple network, hardware, and software functions that include design/configuration, implementation, systems monitoring, and tuning.
• Lead problem identification, resolution, IT security, proactive problem management, and root cause analysis of system failure.
• Provide architectural design, guiding overall system design and implementation details at a logical as well as physical level.
• Plan, design, and document data communication networks.
• Manage maintenance and repair schedules.
• Coordinate appropriate service outage and recovery communications through the IS Service Desk.
• Work with the change management function.
• Provide guidance to less experienced engineers and administrators.
• Prepare and present network plans to leadership.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in Information Technology, Management of Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field) and experience in a computer infrastructure or networking area:

• High school diploma/GED and 10 years of experience including 3 years of lead, supervisory, project management or management experience.
• Associate's degree and 8 years of experience including 3 years of lead, supervisory, project management or management experience.
• Bachelor's degree and 6 years of experience including 3 years of lead, supervisory, project management or management experience.
• Master's degree and 4 years of experience including 3 years of lead, supervisory, project management or management experience.

• Experience leading teams or projects.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience documenting networks, including drawings, descriptions, and configurations.
• Experience with both Waterfall and Agile methodologies.
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

• Knowledge of advanced network design/implementation.
• Knowledge of network switching and routing, including implementation and troubleshooting of advanced routing protocols: BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, etc.
• Knowledge of Cisco networking technologies: routers, switches, wireless controllers, access points, Prime, etc.
• Knowledge of overall information security best practices.
• Problem solving skills across multiple domains and servers or network platforms.
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, business units, and vendors.
• Ability to implement corrective actions.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be: You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.