Job Posting: Senior Network Architect

Department of Transportation

JC-422507
-
Senior Network Architect
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

$9,230.00 - $12,369.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 10/21/2024

Job Description and Duties

Note: This is a re-advertisement. If you have already applied for this vacancy, your application is on file and you do not need to re-apply.

Under administrative direction of the Information Technology (IT) Manager II, Infrastructure Services Branch Chief, the incumbent performs at the highest technical level and acts as the technical expert advisor to management for the Infrastructure Management Division and supporting Caltrans enterprise network and Traffic Operation network. The incumbent is based in the Sacramento Headquarters office and provides statewide support and leadership for technology solutions that serve Caltrans business operations.

The incumbent works collaboratively with management and staff to provide technical leadership and expertise to drive the Department's use of enterprise data center Infrastructure technology toward constant improvements. The incumbent's role and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, architecture, design, implementation, and maintenance for systems across a breadth of enterprise platforms and data center technologies for the department including the Operations Technology network and Transportation Management Centers statewide. The incumbent provides the highest level of technical knowledge in enterprise architecture and infrastructure services, not limited to, server, network, storage, virtualization, automation, scripting, cloud technology, and network access control (NAC). The incumbent performs highly complex activities of the System Development Lifecycle which includes systems: analysis, design, build, test, maintenance and operations. Additionally, the incumbent shall provide lead support for all phases of asset life cycle management including procurement, deployment, installation, configuration, maintenance and operations, and surplus. The incumbent will lead and provide technical advice for complex and mission critical server infrastructure projects. The incumbent shall provide leadership, guidance, training, and support in the configuration and use of data center infrastructure technologies. The incumbent collaborates with peers and management to update and recommend standards, processes and procedures, and infrastructure technology best practices. The incumbent tracks, monitors, and audits IT assets to maintain accountability using standard asset management tools and techniques in compliance with the State Administrative Manual and other applicable policies and regulations. The incumbent also performs functions including, but are not limited to, researching, writing, reporting, presenting, etc.

Domains:
System Engineering
Client Services

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The incumbent may be required to work for extended periods of time in a computer room. This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department. The selected candidate may be required to travel to the headquartered location. All expenses to travel to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate. The incumbent may be required to travel to other Caltrans offices to support and provide expertise for IT operations.

The incumbent may work after regular business hours and/or weekends to perform activities to support business operations and/or systems maintenance. If the incumbent has a Class C driver's license and utilizes their personal vehicle, they may be reimbursed for travel expenses. The incumbent must carry a cell phone and respond to calls after hours to lead multi-disciplinary IT professional team(s) in organizing, analyzing, troubleshooting and resolving IT system problems.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-422507
Position #(s):
913-350-1415-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Network Architect
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III
$9,230.00 - $12,369.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.

Caltrans Vision: A performance-driven, transparent, and accountable organization that values its people, resources and partners, and meets new challenges through leadership, innovation, and teamwork.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success. Caltrans is about celebrating diversity, valuing one another, and recognizing that Caltrans is strong not in spite of the diverse attributes of our workforce, but because of our diversity. 

Caltrans Director’s EEO Policy and EEO Policy Statement:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Please Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure to include a valid email address on your application.

Special Requirements

Pursuant to California Code of Regulations § 549.90, this position will be filled via the California Department of Transportation Managerial Selection Program (MSP) process. 

This process provides for examination and job-selection specific to each position and consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the classification.

Please read the entire job posting before applying for this position.

This is an Open Examination. 

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date to participate in the examination.

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of experience as an Information Technology Specialist II; or

Six years of information technology experience, two years of which shall include performance of highly specialized work in a lead or expert capacity on highly complex or specialized information technology systems or services in one or more of the major six domains or a closely related or emerging information technology field.

A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for four years of the required general information technology experience. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for three years of the required general information technology experience. An associate's degree from an accredited college may substitute for one year of the required general information technology experience. Only one degree may be used for substitution.

When using education to meet minimum qualifications, education must include 15 semester units (or 22.5 quarter units) of information technology or closely related course work.

Examination Information:

This examination will utilize an evaluation of each candidate’s experience and education (E&E) compared to a standard developed from the class specification. For this reason, it is especially important that each candidate take special care in accurately and completely filling out his or her State application (STD. 678).  List all experience relevant to the “Minimum Qualifications” that are listed in the Class Specifications above. 

This process provides for examination and job-selection specific to each position and consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the classification.  All applicants must meet the minimum requirement for this examination by the final filing date.

This examination will not establish a civil service list; therefore, candidates will not have the ability to transfer their eligibility to other departments. Candidates will be notified in writing of their examination results.

Note: If using Out of Class (OOC) experience, you must submit a copy of your signed and approved Out of Class documentation. Failure to do so may result in your Out of Class experience not being considered during the evaluation process of this examination.

Education: If using your college education to meet the minimum qualifications, college transcripts must be submitted with your application and SOQ. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for entrance into the examination, however, official transcripts may be required prior to appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/21/2024

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Transportation
MSP
Attn: Ray Nuezca (24MSP030)
Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS-86
1727 30th Street, 6th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Transportation
MSP
Ray Nuezca (24MSP030)
Managerial Selection Process (MSP) MS-86
1727 30th Street, 6th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Please place in examination unit drop box in the lobby
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    Candidates must provide detailed and specific examples from their professional education, experience, and training that directly answer each of the SOQ questions. Each question will be scored individually, therefore, candidates must provide specific examples to each question. Responses to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted on the Department of Transportation's MSP Statement of Qualifications Form (PM-0504).

    Submit your competed PM-0504 in the “Additional Documents” section. Select “Other” from the drop-down menu for Type of Document and enter SOQ for the Description. Upload your completed PM-0504, then Save & Review Application.
    - 24MSP030 PM-0504
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Technical Expertise:
• Extensive Knowledge of Network Protocols: Expert knowledge in TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, DNS, DHCP, and other networking protocols.
• Experience with Network Design and Architecture: Strong background in designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.
• Cloud Networking: Experience with cloud-based networking solutions and platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hybrid cloud environments.
• Security Knowledge: In-depth understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network segmentation.
• Proficiency in Network Hardware: Hands-on experience with network hardware from vendors like Cisco, Industrial Network Devices, and TC Commun.
• Knowledge of Virtualization: Experience with network virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware NSX, Cisco ACI) and software-defined networking (SDN).
• Automation and Scripting Skills: Proficiency in using scripting languages (Python, Perl, etc.) and automation tools (Ansible, Terraform) for network automation and orchestration.
• Experience with Load Balancing and Traffic Management: Knowledge of load balancers, CDN, and traffic management solutions.
• Experience with Network Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with tools like SolarWinds, Sniffers, or others for monitoring and troubleshooting network performance.

Certifications:
Industry Certifications:
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking
• Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

Proven Experience as a Network Architect:
• Typically, 7+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture roles.
• Project Management: Experience leading network projects from design to implementation, including managing budgets and timelines.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align network architecture with business goals, and to plan for future scalability and technology evolution.

Soft Skills:
• Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex network issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Ability to lead a team of network engineers, collaborate with other IT teams, and work well with vendors and partners.
• Adaptability: Ability to stay updated with the latest networking technologies and adapt to the evolving needs of the organization.

Benefits

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Human Resources Contact:
Ray Nuezca
(279) 234-2239
Raymond.Nuezca@dot.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted along with your State application. The SOQ is a discussion of how an applicant’s education and experience meet the evaluation criteria below and qualify them for the position.
Responses to the SOQ must be submitted on the Department of Transportation's MSP Statement of Qualifications Form (PM-0504). Any SOQ responses that are not submitted on the PM-0504 will not be scored. Each box provided for your response has been limited to 2000 characters.

Each question will be scored individually, therefore, candidates must provide detailed and specific examples, from their professional experience, education, and training, that directly answer each of the SOQ questions. The SOQ will be utilized as screening criteria for the hiring interview only and will not be used for the purposes of examination. Additional documents to supplement the PM-0504 will not be reviewed during the SOQ scoring. To learn about the Statement of Qualifications form (PM-0504) and screening process, click here: https://youtu.be/Wi1RbhBY0Ao

The PM-0504 SOQ Form can be found in the Required Application Package Documents section of this advertisement.

The Statement of Qualifications must address the applicant’s qualifications relative to the following:

1. Describe your background and technical experience in the area of enterprise data center infrastructure services, highlighting any and all specialization in enterprise server, virtualization, network, and storage.

2. Provide an example of your experience in planning and deploying a large complex enterprise system/s that was considered transformational. Please highlight any challenges encountered and how they were managed and resolved.

3. Describe your experience and knowledge with design and implementation of network security or cybersecurity practices and technologies for securing enterprise data center infrastructure.

Additional Information

Please include MSP# 24MSP030 and the title of the position you are applying for on the STD. 678 application form.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment Survey to tell us how you found out about this job!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HMQ7LDR

Veterans’ Preference will be granted for this examination. In accordance with Government Codes 18973.1 and 18973.5, whenever any veteran, or widow or widower of a veteran achieves a passing score on an open examination, he or she shall be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligible list.  Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR).  Instructions on how to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference for Examinations form (CalHR 1093).

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.