Systems Engineer (Information Technology Specialist I)

Job Description and Duties Telework is available. Under the general direction of the Information Technology Manager I (IT Mgr I) of the Network Engineering Operations services, the Information Technology Specialist II (IT Spec II) works independently, or as a part of a team as the recognized technical specialist for the Enterprise Network Branch. The IT Spec II is a Subject Matter Expert (SME), works at the expert level to maintain the operational health of the California Department of Technology's (CDTs) Statewide managed networks and is responsible for providing expert level support, recovery, incident response, installation, and maintenance of complex critical network services and equipment. This includes but is not limited to providing support to functional areas such as Internet Protocol (IPv4, IPv6), optical (fiber), virtualization/cloud solutions, functional areas of Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), etc. The IT Spec II provides expert-level technical support to a variety of complex 2nd and 3rd level network support services, which include, but not limited to troubleshooting and resolving incidents, network equipment installations, cabling, and assigned projects, etc... The IT Spec II will provide project management and mentorship, which will include training, coordinating, leading projects and creating documentation for CDT and customers. Telework This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule within California based on departmental policy and operational needs. The telework policy is subject to change depending on business needs, and/or reporting to the work site may be required with minimal notification given. Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired. Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed state application (STD. 678) – For exam use only. Please do NOT include your Social Security Number on any of the submitted documents. All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. The SOQ header should include the Job Control #, your name, “Statement of Qualifications” and your response. Resumes, cover letters and other material will not take the place of the required SOQ. Applications without an SOQ will not be considered. Your response to the SOQ should be no more than three (3) pages in length, formatted in 12pt Arial font, and should have a one-inch margin. The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as a key component of the examination and hiring process and will be used to evaluate your qualifications, as well as your written communication skills. The SOQ is considered a writing sample and must clearly reflect your own knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. While tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT), internet resources, or third-party reviewers may assist with research or preparation, by submitting your application you certify that your SOQ is your original work, written in your own words, and accurately represents your background and qualifications. Failure to submit an SOQ that is your own work, including the use of AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted responses that misrepresent your abilities, may result in disqualification from the examination or hiring process. If such misrepresentation is discovered after appointment, it may constitute dishonesty and could result in adverse action, up to and including dismissal from State service. • Please describe what makes you qualified as a subject matter expert/lead in Enterprise Networking to include: background, experience, education/training in the design, planning, implementation, and maintenance, of network hardware and software. • Describe a challenging network project, in which you managed, including challenges you faced, the goal of the project, and the processes you developed to make it successful. • Please describe in detail one of the more challenging technical network issues you have encountered in your career, and the steps you took for its resolution. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • In-depth knowledge and background in network principles and concepts. • Knowledge of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Service delivery and Service Lifecycle concepts and best practices. • In depth knowledge of routers, switches, load balancers, content switches, and firewalls. • Experience with design and installation of copper and fiber optic cabling to internal and external customer specifications. • Experience with maintaining closet wiring and patch upgrades. • Ability to provide excellent customer service and make sound professional judgment. • Ability to collaborate with others and conflict resolution skills. • Ambitious, highly motivated, self-starter, reliable, dependable, multi-tasking, team player. • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. • Ability to work productively with technical and non-technical staff, vendors, management and executives independently and in team environments. • Working knowledge and ability to configure and troubleshoot inter-network services on routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers and sniffers. • Experience planning, implementing, operating, verifying and troubleshooting data center enterprise networks (virtual and physical).