IT Specialist (Network Systems Engineer)

The Clerk s Office of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California is accepting applications for the position of Network Systems Engineer in our Sacramento office. The position offers an excellent opportunity to start or continue an Information Technology (IT) career in federal service. A relocation bonus will be considered for a candidate relocating from outside of the Sacramento area.

The incumbent will be responsible for designing, configuring, and maintaining the court s network infrastructure hardware, systems software, and systems security. Work normally will be performed onsite with a regular, Monday-Friday, 40-hour per week work schedule; however, limited afterhours and weekend work to complete special projects and travel to our other duty stations may be required. Occasional telework may be available. Specific duties and responsibilities will include:

• Analyze needs, coordinate, and configure computer network systems to increase compatibility and share information. Diagnose hardware and custom off-the-shelf software problems and replace defective components. Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, and all configurations. Recommend changes to improve network security, systems and configurations, as well as determine hardware or software requirements related to such changes.
• Analyze, develop, and implement short-term and long-range automation improvement plans for the court, ensuring that the changes can be implemented with minimal disruption at the court site.
• Plan for disaster recovery operations and testing, including network performance, security, anti-malware, intrusion detection, web usage/monitoring, design, and acquisition of servers. Produce useful system documentation, and perform system startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records. Monitor and perform data backups.
• Monitor network infrastructure and components, including all servers, routers, switches, and devices attached to the network, and implement improvements to performance and security. Design, modify, enhance, test, and implement standard configurations for deployment of servers, network devices, and client software.
• Recommend, schedule, test, and validate deployment of patches, security updates, and other upgrades to servers and network components. Monitor providers websites to ensure patches are tested and applied in a timely fashion.
• Develop and implement standard procedures to guide the use and acquisition of hardware and software and to protect vulnerable information, data, and documents.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement processes to improve efficiencies and performance of the networks through the development or purchase of products to automate and monitor routine tasks such as server and workstation maintenance activities, performance monitoring and reporting, installation of software or firmware upgrades, patches, etc.
• Recommend, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems. Plan, coordinate, implement and test network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware. Identify and assess risks by performing security analysis and assist in producing detailed security plans. Oversee configuration and monitoring of firewall operations.
• Provide on-site network support for divisional offices and remote hearing locations.
• Supervise on-site vendors. Participate in district-wide network projects. Prepare and propose automation funding needs for fiscal budget. Recommend actions to cover projected shortfalls.
• Design and oversee network and security projects. Ensure seamless implementation and integration of local systems with other networks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To minimally qualify, candidates must possess at least two years of work experience in the field of network administration.  The experience should demonstrate familiarity with the following:

• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, LAN/WAN, and network security protocols.
• Hands-on experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Proficiency in Windows Server, Windows Desktop, and networked environments.
• Solid understanding of firewalls, IDS/IPS, listing, network access control, and endpoint security best practices.
• Experience with tools such as InterMapper, Wireshark and SolarWinds.
• Experience managing and maintaining enterprise servers, including Windows Server and virtualization technologies (e.g., Hyper-V). Proficiency in server security, performance optimization, and patch management.
• Expertise in backup strategies, tools, disaster recovery planning and network storage arrays.
• General understanding of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform).

The successful candidate also must be highly organized, self-motivated, and possess outstanding project management skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

The following are preferred:

• Completion of a two year or higher college or technical degree from an accredited college in an information technology or other closely related field.
• Completion of relevant professional certifications in technical areas of network management and systems administration.

The following are highly preferred:

• Hands-on experience with Carbon Black, HPE Nimble Storage, and Aruba ClearPass 802.1X.
• Additional relevant work experience beyond the minimum required and work experience in an Information Technology position within a U.S. Court office.