Network Engineer

About the role

The Network Engineer at Texas Southmost College (TSC) is responsible for setting up and maintaining the college’s computer networks. The primary duties include installing, configuring, and supporting firewalls, routers, access points, cabling, and switches to ensure network operation and security across the entire campus. The role also provides technical and administrative support for networks and related systems, performs wireless surveys, manages inventory, writes documentation, offers technical support to campus users and external departments, monitors network availability and performance, manages a vulnerability‑tracking process, and resolves problems in a timely manner. The position may require participation in an on‑call rotation and after‑hours maintenance. TSC does not sponsor work visas.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Ensures the stability and integrity of in‑house voice, data, video, and wireless network services; supports architecture, configuration, implementation, support, and maintenance of technologies.
• Displays expertise in network routing and switching design; knowledgeable of networking and security standards; proven success with LAN and WAN design and implementation.
• Works closely with systems analysts and security teams at a high level.
• Creates and maintains documentation for network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records; implements policies, procedures, and training plans for network administration.
• Oversees new and evaluates existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades; interacts and negotiates with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
• Resolves problems of diverse scope requiring analysis and judgment; acts as an escalation point for User Services, Application Systems, and Information Security team members.
• Interacts with vendors, obtains budgetary quotes, and assists the Technical Director and Vice President of Information Technology in determining financial requirements for network operation.
• Builds and maintains a Network Operation Center (NOC) for the Information Technology department.
• Maintains excellent communications with internal customers, IT resources, external partners, consultants, and support teams.
• Updates job knowledge by tracking emerging engineering practices; participates in educational opportunities, professional organizations, reads professional publications, and maintains professional/industry networks.
• Monitors network performance and trends; determines appropriate actions to resolve short‑term or long‑term issues; utilizes network/datacenter monitoring tools to analyze network, server, and storage devices, maintains uptime, generates usage reports, and identifies trends.
• Escalates issues with broader implications to senior IT leadership as required.
• Maintains and promotes information security best practices under direction of the Chief Information Security Officer.
• Writes reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals in English using proper grammar and spelling; presents information and responds to questions from employees, faculty, and students.
• Delivers the highest level of customer service as set forth by the Department of Information Technology and Texas Southmost College.
• Provides regular updates, status, and completion information to management regarding all assigned incidents, requests, and projects.
• Coordinates activities with the Technical Help Desk, System Administrators, Network Services, Enterprise Application Services, and other team members.
• Provides consultative support to end users related to business operations, software systems, technical assistance, and training.
• Produces documentation surrounding operational processes and process improvement.
• Provides direction to staff regarding sensitive or complex work, resolves complaints, and responds to inquiries regarding department operations.
• Pursues professional development through internal or external courses, maintains required professional credentials, licensing, and continuing education hours.
• Participates collegially in discipline‑specific activities for information technology.
• Attends the workplace regularly, reports to work punctually, and follows a work schedule that may include on‑campus or off‑site locations, evenings, or weekends.
• Uses interpersonal skills and sound judgment to decide how duties are completed among coworkers, supervisory chain, faculty, staff, and students.
• Supports the values and institutional goals defined in the College’s Strategic Plan and complies with college standards, policies, and guidelines.

Physical demands

• Frequently required to stand; occasionally required to walk, sit, use hands, reach with arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; also required to talk, hear, taste, or smell.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.