Network Engineer I

Position Summary And Job Duties

Engineer, implement, manage, and support enterprise network infrastructure, including switching, routing, wireless, and security platforms. Responsibilities include configuring and maintaining network systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and supporting strategic IT initiatives under the direction of the IT Infrastructure Supervisor and in collaboration with senior engineering staff.

Assist in the evaluation, deployment, and integration of new technologies to enhance network performance, reliability, and security. Configure and support both internal and external network connectivity, including WAN, VPN, and remote access solutions.

Maintain accurate network inventory, diagrams, and technical documentation. Develop and uphold standards, procedures, and best practices for network administration, ensuring consistency, scalability, and compliance with organizational and industry standards.

Proactively assess network performance and capacity requirements, recommending and implementing hardware and software improvements as needed. Utilize enterprise monitoring and management platforms to ensure system health, optimize performance, and rapidly identify and resolve issues. Monitor network activity, maintain system backups, and manage performance, error, and recovery logging.

Support core network services including circuit and fiber infrastructure, DNS, IP address management, web filtering, firewall systems, remote access, wireless networks, and routing and switching environments. Provide support for disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution to ensure business continuity.

Collaborate with Cybersecurity team to implement and support security controls, policies, and technologies that protect against evolving threats. Assist in vulnerability identification, remediation, and mitigation efforts, and support logging and monitoring requirements for managed security operations.

Coordinate with vendors and contractors to implement and maintain network solutions. Evaluate and recommend new technologies and equipment to support organizational goals. Provide advanced technical support, mentorship, and guidance to team members, staff, and end users.

Participate in on-call rotations and provide after-hours support for critical incidents as needed. Travel to remote sites may be required to support infrastructure and operations.

Work closely with Public Safety IT leadership to support mission critical systems. This includes oversight and support of mobile VPN services used by emergency response vehicles, wireless networks supporting radio communications and data transmission, and network infrastructure supporting 911 voice, data, and radio systems. Assist Public Safety staff with network troubleshooting, mobile device connectivity, and application access, ensuring reliable communication for emergency services and partner agencies.

10% - Manage and support Public Safety wireless (microwave) network connectivity across all remote sites to ensure reliable and resilient communications.

• Monitor system logs to identify and respond to network interruptions or performance issues
• Coordinate troubleshooting and restoration efforts for failed or degraded connections
• Plan and coordinate hardware and firmware upgrades to maintain performance, security, and vendor support compliance
• Evaluate network performance and capacity, identifying and recommending improvements as operational needs evolve.
  
  

10% Manage and support the NetMotion VPN system for all public safety agencies to ensure secure and reliable remote connectivity.

• Configure and maintain logical group structures for police, fire, and EMS agencies
• Establish and manage network access paths for local agency networks
• Administer and maintain user accounts and access permissions
• Plan and perform system upgrades, including software and client updates, as needed
• Develop and maintain documentation for client installation, configuration, and upgrade procedures
  
  

20% - Troubleshoot and resolve Public Safety network issues to maintain reliable and continuous operations.

• Identify root causes and determine appropriate corrective actions
• Repair, replace, or restore failed network equipment as needed
• Coordinate with County staff and vendors to implement and complete remediation efforts
  
  

20% - Support and maintain network systems, including circuits and fiber infrastructure, DNS, IP address management, web filtering, firewall systems, and remote access solutions. Provide support for disaster recovery planning, testing, and restoration of these systems.

25% - Provide support for county-wide network infrastructure projects and initiatives

• Configure, deploy, manage, troubleshoot, and support network infrastructure, including switches, routers, wireless controllers, wireless access points, and firewalls
• Support the implementation of new technologies and services; configure and maintain internal and external network connectivity, including WAN and VPN solutions (L2TP and IPsec)
• Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to implement and support security policies, controls, and services to protect against cyber threats and remediate vulnerabilities
  
  

10% - Provide support for remote software installation and troubleshooting across County agencies, including cellular modem configuration, diagnostics, and hardware support.

5%- Perform other duties as assigned

Success Factors (KSA's)

• Working knowledge of Cisco products.
• Working knowledge of Windows Domain administration.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts, including routing, switching, wireless, DNS, and subnetting.
• Ability to use networking diagnostic tools such as Wireshark, Solarwinds, and iPerf.
• Ability to logically troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues.
• Ability to communicate information technology issues with non-technical users.
• Knowledge of a variety of software systems including Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to prepare and present concise, logical and conclusive oral and written reports and recommendations regarding complex programs and issues.
• Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate data.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County Officials, department heads, local law enforcement agencies and their staff and other employees.
• Ability to diagnose network failures.
• Ability to participate in an after-hours on-call rotation.
  
  

Job Requirements, Education, Training & Experience

• An associate degree in an information technology-related field - equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
• Two (2) years of responsible work in Information Technology
• Experience with Cisco products
• CCNA certification preferred
• Pass FBI security check
• Work requires on-site responsibilities within a hybrid work environment
• Work may occasionally include weekends, evenings or split shifts
  
  

Physical Elements

Essential Job Functions (physical elements, equipment and working conditions)

• Ability to stand, walk and sit for periods of time
• Ability to stoop, bend, and crawl, i.e. under a desk or back of a vehicle to hook up equipment
• Ability to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, on in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  
  

Equipment Use

• Use of computers and keyboards for configuring, monitoring, and documenting network systems
• Proficient in the use of network testing and cabling tools, including cable testers, crimping tools, and analyzers
• Use of mobile devices, laptops, and remote access tools for on-site and off-site network support
• Familiarity with standard office equipment including printers, copiers, and fax machines
• May use hand tools, power tools, and ladders when installing or maintaining network hardware and cabling infrastructure
  
  

Working Conditions

• Almost all work is indoors
  
  

Rock County Employee

Facts And Benefits Highlights

• Rock County historic and cultural attractions:Rock County is in south Central Wisconsin along the Illinois border. The County has a population of 161,188 making it the ninth largest County in Wisconsin. Janesville, Wisconsin (pop. 64,009) is the county seat. Janesville is located on the I39/90 corridor, forty miles south of Madison, seventy-six miles west of Milwaukee and about two hours from Chicago.
  
  

Rock County’s many historic and cultural attractions include the City of Evansville historic district, Beloit College (an acclaimed liberal arts institution located in the City of Beloit) and the City of Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens and Tallman House (an exceptional example of Italian villa style architecture from the mid 1850’s).

The Cities of Janesville and Beloit have a combined symphony orchestra, as well as individual performing arts centers. The Rock County Fair and Riverfest are regional cultural celebrations held every summer in the Cities of Janesville and Beloit respectively. These Cities both have extensive park and open space networks, including portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a Statewide trail commemorating the State’s geologic history. Additionally, the Rock River runs through these Cities, offering many recreational opportunities.

• Salary:
  
  

Rock County has updated their pay grid in 2023 and it has 14 steps for every classification. Below is the link to locate the compensation grid and see each of the classifications that Rock County has to offer.

https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/human-resources/compens

Employees are paid every two weeks on Friday (26 checks in a year). Paychecks are directly deposited in the employee’s bank account. There is a two-week delay between the pay period worked and the payday. New employees generally wait four weeks before they receive their first check, which is a live paper check. Direct deposit is a requirement of employment.

• Holidays (Ordinance 18.501):
  
  

Required

The following holidays are observed by the County and shall be granted to regular employees with pay and to temporary employees without pay, unless such employees are required to be on scheduled work:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Spring Holiday to be observed the Friday immediately preceding Easter
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday following Thanksgiving
• Day before Christmas
• Christmas Day
• One Floating Holiday
• Any additional holiday granted by the County Board.
• The County Administrator may designate additional holidays in unusual circumstances with the approval of the County Board Chair and/or Vice Chair.
  
  

For employees working the standard work schedule, when a holiday falls on Saturday, it shall be observed on the preceding Friday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed.

For employees not working the standard work schedule see the HR Policies and Procedures.

• Vacation (Policy & Procedure Manual 5.47):
  
  

Employees (.4 FTE or greater) hired on or after April 10, 2023, shall earn vacation according to the following schedule:

• Health Insurance including our Wellness component:
  
  

Rock County offers a dual choice point of service plan. Employees will have a choice to elect coverage with either Dean Health Care or Mercy Health Care. Employees can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made. The County will pay 90% of the premium for health insurance and the Employee may earn the remaining 10% of the premium, based on the terms of participation of the Healthy Employee Incentive Program.

• Sick Leave (Policy 5.39):
  
  

Sick leave pay shall commence on the first day of any period of illness due to accident, injury, or disease.

All full-time employees shall earn one sick leave day per month of continuous employment. All part-time em­ployees whose regular workweek is sixteen hours or more shall earn one sick leave day on a prorated basis directly in rela­tion to the normal full time employment period. All part-time employees, who work less than sixteen hours per week, shall not earn sick leave. Temporary and seasonal employees are not eligible for sick leave. Sick leave shall accrue to a maximum of one hundred thirty days.

• Dental Plan:
  
  

The County offers a dental plan through Delta Dental and will pay 60% of the applicable

premium for the lowest cost plan. Employees can enroll within the first 30 days of

employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made. Newly enrolled employees will likely see a double deduction on their first paycheck; premiums are paid one month in advance.

• Vision Plan:
  
  

The County offers a vision plan which employees can enroll in at their own cost. Employees

can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment

period in the fall. In the case of a qualifying event (birth, marriage, FTE increase, loss of coverage, etc.), the employee will also have 30 days to enroll or make changes. No exceptions will be made.

Newly enrolled employees will likely see a double deduction on their first paycheck; premiums are paid one month in advance.

• Life Insurance:
  
  

The County provides term life insurance through the State of Wisconsin Plan. Employees can purchase insurance in increments based on their salary, up to five times their salary. The County will contribute 20% of the cost for the first increment only - one times the employee’s salary. Employees can also purchase coverage for their spouse and/or children.

• Eligibility for this benefit is tied to whether the employee is eligible for retirement benefits. (You must be expected to work for at least 12 months and 1200 hours, or have previously qualified for the WRS)
• Voluntary Benefits:
  
  

The County offers voluntary benefits which employees can enroll in at their own cost. Employees

can enroll within the first 30 days of employment, after that there is an annual open enrollment

period in the fall. Voluntary benefits may include: Disability, Hospital indemnity, Supplemental Life, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance. Employees are responsible for 100% of the premiums for any voluntary benefits elected. Deductions are taken post tax. Please visit the Human Resources intranet page for more information.

• Deferred Compensation:
  
  

Employees can participate in one of the identified deferred compensation plans (Nationwide, Wisconsin Deferred Comp, and Security Benefits) at their own cost.

• Flexible Spending Account (Medical and Dependent Care):
  
  

Employees can elect to put an annually IRS established amount into a flexible spending account through (EBC) to pay for their own non-reimbursed medical care expenses. Employees can also put in up to $5,000 for dependent care accounts.

If you leave County employment, you have ninety (90) days to submit expenses incurred prior to your last day.

• Retirement:
  
  

Rock County participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Eligible employees are required to participate. What an employee receives at retirement is dependent upon several factors – age, length of service, salary.

Rock County and the employee make equal contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System on behalf of the employer. The contribution rate is addressed in the employment letter.

Employees in protective status have the percentage contributions defined in their respective collective bargaining units.

Employees who have questions about their retirement benefits should contact WRS.

• Bereavement Leave (Policy 5.04):
  
  

In the event of a death an employee may be excused from work without loss of pay for up to a maximum of thirty-two (32) hours annually for the purpose of attending a person’s wake, visitation, memorial service, funeral, or make necessary arrangements regarding the person’s death, within a reasonable time after the occurrence. Reasonable time after the occurrence is defined as within six (6) months from the date of death.

No more than (32) hours can be used for the same decedent.

If additional time is required beyond the thirty-two (32) hours annually, an employee may request to use accumulated vacation, holiday, or comp-time. Sick leave can be used for a parent, spouse, or child only.

Bereavement leave cannot be accrued from one year to the next.

Bereavement leave can be used in increments of quarter hours.

A second or third shift employee may be excused from work the scheduled shift before or after the event, provided the shift begins or ends on the same calendar date of the event.

All leaves under this section shall be prorated based upon the employee’s FTE.

• EAP:
  
  

The County provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees to use for all kinds of personal and professional assistance. In the case of counseling, professional counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An employee can establish a relationship with a counselor over the phone or set up an in-person appointment with a counselor in the area. As of March 1, 2022, the EAP program will pay for up to six visits.

• Parking:
  
  

The County provides free parking at all its facilities.

• Workplace Attire (Policy & Procedures 5.53):
  
  

All Rock County employees are expected to present a professional, businesslike image to clients, visitors, customers, and the public. Acceptable personal appearance, like proper maintenance of work areas, is an ongoing requirement of employment with the County. Supervisors should communicate any department-specific workplace attire and grooming guidelines to staff members during new-hire orientation and evaluation periods. Any questions about the department’s guidelines for attire should be discussed with the immediate supervisor.

• Employee Identification Badge (Policy & Procedure 5.08)
  
  

All Rock County employees shall have and display, an identification badge while conducting official County business. Minimal exceptions, for safety reasons, may be approved by Department Heads.

• Smoking:
  
  

All County buildings are smoke free. By County Ordinance anyone visiting or working in any County building is prohibited from smoking closer than 30 feet from any building entrance. The Ordinance also makes the entire Rock Haven Nursing Home a smoke free “campus.”

Prior to new hire orientation, please access policy documents here: https://www.co.rock.wi.us/hr

Active Employees: For full policy documents, please visit the Human Resources Intranet page, “Personnel Ordinance” and “Policy & Procedure Manual”. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/rchr/

Please note, you may also be subject to department specific work rules.

Still have questions? Call us! Human Resources: 608-757-5520