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, 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.

Administer multiple network, hardware, and software functions such as:

• Conduct system monitoring and maintenance
• Design, configure, document, and implement
• Complete IT security reviews

• Provide architectural design, guiding overall system design and implementation for logical as well as physical level network
• Determine short- and long-term network solutions
• Document data communication networks

• Manage maintenance and repair schedules
• Provide proactive problem management
• Provide and review root cause analysis of system failures
• Coordinate appropriate service outage and recovery communication 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

• Cisco Networking
• Firewalls such as Palo Alto, Checkpoint, etc.
• VMware
• Windows Server
• SIEM
• DDI platforms
• Cloud delivered SASE, SD-WAN
• Active Directory, Microsoft SQL, Citrix
• Microsoft Clustering
• Cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, etc.
• Documenting networks, including drawings, descriptions, and configurations
• Information security best practices.

• Strong understanding of network security concepts such as firewalls, VPNs, and zero-trust architectures
• Experience leading teams or projects
• Experience mentoring junior engineers
• 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 the Metropolitan Council's use of:
  • Cisco networking technologies: routers, switches, wireless controllers, access points, Prime, Catalyst Center, etc.
  • Cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, etc.
  • Knowledge of SIEM tools and cloud delivered SASE
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to identifying risks and resolving issues under pressure
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical teams and presenting complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders

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.