Hybrid IT Infrastructure Engineer - Central Office en Portland Public Schools

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed in this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Network Infrastructure & Performance:

• Implement and maintain a robust network infrastructure, supporting district-wide operations and adapting to future needs and technological advancements
• Engineer and maintain highly redundant internet solutions, continuously assessing potential points of failure, to support VoIP communication and ensure seamless continuity during outages
• Monitor and evaluate network performance, proactively addressing bottlenecks and optimizing system efficiency
• Continuously optimize existing network configurations and infrastructure, leveraging new technologies and best practices, to minimize hardware costs while maintaining exceptional reliability and scalability
• Install, replace, and configure network components across all district facilities
• Collaborate with technology leaders to participate in planning for network replacements or capital funding

2. Data Center Operations & Systems:

• Implement and maintain virtualization platforms, ensuring optimal resource allocation and high availability for virtualized workloads
• Maintain comprehensive backup systems and strategies for all servers and critical district data, regularly testing recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability
• Manage server patching, maintenance, and upgrades across all platforms (physical and virtual), ensuring systems are secure, performant, and compliant with operational standards
• Proactively monitor and manage redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) within data center facilities to prevent outages
• Engineer and evolve existing server systems and storage solutions, anticipating growth and performance demands, to ensure maximum redundancy, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
• Perform regular capacity planning for server, storage, and power resources to ensure future scalability and prevent resource exhaustion
• Maintain inventory and replacement schedules along with preventative testing of UPS systems in all network closets and data centers within the district
• Assist with the physical installation, cabling, and decommissioning of network and server components within data center environments

3. System Integration & Support:

• Ensure seamless network connectivity and integration for all critical district systems, including facilities controls (e.g., HVAC), and communication platforms (e.g., phone systems, VoIP configurations, troubleshooting, and upgrades)
• Manage and support cloud-based telecommunications systems, including configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with existing network infrastructure
• Collaborate closely with facilities and other technology teams internally and externally to ensure proper integration and functionality of network-dependent systems

4. Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting:

• Utilize advanced monitoring tools to track network and data center system health, performance, and resource utilization proactively
• Address system issues and disruptions promptly to minimize impact on schools and staff
• Maintain detailed records of network and data center configurations, maintenance schedules, and incident responses
• Provide regular reports on system performance, capacity planning, and project updates to technology leadership

5. Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with external vendors and service providers for network and data center services, ensuring high-quality support, maintenance, and compliance with district needs
• Collaborate with central office departments to coordinate and implement technology solutions that integrate into the district’s infrastructure

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in network engineering and data center operations
• Experience in the following areas of technology: switching, firewalls, virtualization, backup solutions and monitoring. Familiarity with Extreme Networks, Fortinet firewalls and/or VMware/Hyper-V is a plus
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders in both verbal discussions and written documentation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., FERPA, CIPA) pertaining to IT operations

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)

• Year-round position
• Permanent
• Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Non-represented position
• Salaried, not eligible for overtime
• Salary range $85,000-95,0000 (based on experience)
• Benefits information can be viewed here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.