About this role
Local Area Network Engineer TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Exempt; 8 hours per day; Full-Time; 12 month position; Starting November 2026 SALARY: JCPS 15 QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education: An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field is preferred; however, an equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, and professional experience will be considered.
• Experience: Practical experience in network/systems administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Preferred Certifications: CompTIA Security+, or CompTIA Network+ or CCNA.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Strong knowledge of network switching, routing, and wireless architecture (experience with Cisco and Cisco Meraki hardware preferred).
• Experience with the deployment, configuration, security, and ongoing reliability of local area, wide area, and wireless network environments.
• Familiarity with authentication systems, centralized network access control (such as RADIUS), and user/device onboarding.
• Enterprise Firewall configuration and management experience.
DUTIES:
• Organizational Leadership: Serves as a leader and team player for other employees; demonstrates a commitment to continuous quality improvement and exhibits organizational core values while prioritizing people-centered support.
• Senior Technical Support: Provides senior-level assistance to technical support staff and manages escalated ticket support for complex network, wireless, and connectivity issues.
• Network Switching & Routing: Designs, configures, and maintains Layer 2/Layer 3 switching environments, VLAN segmentation, routing protocols, access control lists (ACLs), and QoS policies across district hardware (Cisco and Cisco Meraki).
• Wireless Operations & Optimization: Proactively monitors, troubleshoots, and optimizes enterprise wireless networks to maintain maximum uptime, robust coverage, and performance in high-density environments.
• Firewall & Perimeter Security: Manages firewalls, routing policies, NAT rules, and network intrusion prevention systems to ensure a secure network boundary.
• Content Filtering & Compliance: Configures and maintains network-level content and URL filtering systems to ensure safety, appropriate bandwidth management, and compliance with statutory requirements, including CIPA.
• Authentication & Access Security: Supports and maintains network authentication services, including RADIUS integration, basic 802.1X security policies, and certificate deployment for SSL/TLS.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Assists with the physical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of local area networks, wide area network links, MDF/IDF closets, rack equipment, fiber/copper cabling, and related peripherals in coordination with the Chief Technology Officer.
• Strategic Planning: Works closely with the Chief Technology Officer to develop and implement long- and short-range technology planning that aligns and supports district goals.
• Project Management & Documentation: Leads infrastructure and network upgrade projects as well as other district projects. Utilizes work-order systems for daily task tracking while maintaining detailed documentation.
• Access Control: Works closely with Low Voltage Technician implementing and maintaining physical access control and security camera ecosystems.
• Engineering & Systems Co-Management: Collaborates with the Data Systems Engineer to execute district-wide technical initiatives while assisting with backend server virtualization, identity management, and data systems administration.
• Data Ethics & Privacy: Exhibits professional responsibility to computer ethics and security of data and information; maintains strict data privacy of network, users, and systems.
• General Responsibility: Performs other duties and accepts responsibilities as assigned.
BENEFITS & CULTURE: Benefits Available-Standard State and Local Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance and participation in the NC State Retirement System. Paid leave for both annual leave and sick days as well as paid holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: This is a professional, exempt position that prioritizes a consistent 40-hour, Monday–Friday work week aligning with school operations with minimal weekend or evening requirements.
• Professional Development: Support for obtaining and maintaining relevant certifications and opportunities for growth and experience.
• Location: Based in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, offering a high quality of life outside of the office.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
**The Jackson County Public School System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person in hiring, tenure, or promotion on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age or handicaps in any of its education or employment programs or activities. Assignments are made in accordance with the needs of the school system and are subject to change.**