Information Technology Specialist II: Network Architect

Information Technology Specialist II: Network Architect

Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA)

Pasadena, California

Annual Salary: $158,156- $207,444 DOE/DOQ

*75% Remote, 25% On-Site Position*

Must live within a 4-hour drive from Pasadena.

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) is seeking an Information Technology Specialist II — Network Architect to lead a team of six staff in the ongoing design and maintenance of the organization’s physical and virtual network infrastructure, as well as LACERA’s Data Center. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the functionality and security posture of critical government systems and services. While applications are predominantly hosted in the cloud to ensure operational continuity even in the event of infrastructure loss, this position will also attend to on-site systems on occasion. This role will involve designing and planning network infrastructure, selecting and implementing network technologies, analyzing and optimizing network performance, ensuring network security, troubleshooting network issues, collaborating with other Information Technology teams, and documenting network design and configurations. Providing excellent customer service to end-users and mentoring junior staff are integral components of this role. Experience in a similar-sized organization, particularly in a development environment where custom software solutions are developed in-house, is highly desirable. Public sector experience is also a plus, given the unique challenges and regulations associated with pension administration. Help carry out LACERA’s mission to protect, produce, and provide the promised benefits to its members – apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/120c602c-1724-4722-825f-784c793f216b   

THE JOB / THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Information Technology Specialist II — Network Architect will report to the Information Technology Manager II and work within the Infrastructure Section, acting as team lead of six network engineers. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities crucial for the organization's network infrastructure. The primary task is designing the network infrastructure, balancing both physical and virtual components, with a notable emphasis on virtualization. This role involves strategizing the transition of on premises to hosted solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience. A significant aspect of this role’s day-to-day responsibilities involves troubleshooting network issues promptly to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted operations. Additionally, periodic upkeep of the data center, including equipment refreshes, is necessary to maintain optimal performance and reliability for the remaining on-premises infrastructure. The organization maintains an off-site data center within a larger facility, necessitating biannual visits to oversee equipment maintenance and ensure the continuity of both physical and hosted infrastructure. Interpersonally, the Network Architect will be an enthusiastic and engaging team leader and project manager. They will be highly communicative, with the ability to explain complex technological concepts in a simplified and engaging way. This position’s expertise is crucial to keeping LACERA at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry trends!

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE may also have some or all of the below:

DESIRED EDUCATION:

• Degree(s): A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in information technology, computer science, cyber security administration, or a related field.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS:

• Information Technology Certifications: CompTIA, ITIL
• Information Security Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Cloud Certifications: AWS, Azure, GCP
• Network Certifications: CCNA, CCNP, CCIE

PROGRAMS & KNOWLEDGE

• Network Protocols and Knowledge: TCP IP nomenclature, VPN, Ethernet, TLS
• Information Security Programs and Systems: SIEM and SOC (current/future LACERA programs), ISO/IEC 27001, SOAR, XDR Antivirus, CASB, Firewalls and Firewall access control rules, Encryption Methodologies, DMZ, IDS/IPS
• Programming Languages: PowerShell, Python, C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, experience in secure coding practices SAST/DAST
• Operating Systems: Microsoft, Linux, Lynx, z/VM
• Consolidated Solutions: SASE, SD-WAN, CASB

Employment Standards - Minimum Qualifications

• SPECIALTY EXPERIENCE:
  Two (2) years of experience, within the last three (3) years, at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA*, or Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA*, performing highly specialized and complex network design and analysis. Such experience must include providing leadership for complex implementation in a high-availability environment, including planning, designing, analysis, and overall project management of network related issues.
  *Experience at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA includes acting as a consultant, technical expert, systems architect, or project manager in a specialized area of applications development, database administration, operating systems, cybersecurity, information system analysis, or network systems for a centralized IT organization.  This is principal level technical expert.
  *Experience at the level of Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA, includes supervising through subordinate supervisors a large staff engaged in the analysis, design, and implementation of manual and electronic information and work processing systems, or coordinates the systems program of a centralized IT organization.

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

An annual salary of $158,156- $207,444 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package.

Candidates will have the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, with a requirement to be onsite 25% of the time.

SELECTION PROCESS:

HOW TO APPLY:

Online Application: LACERA offers a simple and convenient online application (application process should only take 15 minutes). For consideration, please apply online by April 18th at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacera/jobs/4419990/information-technology-specialist-ii-lacera-network-architect?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs and attach your cover letter (desired) and resume.

Only the highest qualified applicants will be invited to continue to the Appraisal (Oral) Interview weighted 100%. The interview will assess the applicant's knowledge, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

SAVE THE DATES: Those candidates which are determined eligible for hire under the Los Angeles County’s Civil Service Rules may be invited to the selection process.   Round one interviews will be held virtually and take place on May 30th. Finalists will move forward to round two in-person interviews that take place on June 10th. Candidates invited to interview will need to be available for both days.

Please contact your recruiter, Wendi Brown, with any questions:

• Email: wendi@wbcpinc.com
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free
• 541-664-0376 (direct)