Network Engineer, Information Systems Specialist 5 (Salem/Hybrid)

Central Distribution Center – Salem, Oregon. Hybrid work schedule approved; on-site attendance required as needed.

About the role

In this role, you will collaborate closely with program managers, IT staff, and other stakeholders to identify business requirements, assess vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents and service requests. By providing expert guidance on best networking practices, you will empower DOC personnel to work efficiently, securely, and with confidence. These efforts directly strengthen the department’s ability to deliver essential services.

Responsibilities

• Support and prioritize the IT needs of the AICnet and DOC staff network (AICnet priority per SB1522), ensuring all decisions align with laws, rules, policies, and purchasing procedures.
• Plan, configure, and maintain network, cloud, and security resources, including hardware placement, software and cloud configurations, and firewall rules to ensure secure, reliable operations.
• Provide advanced assistance on wired and wireless connectivity for DOC staff and contractors including onsite or remote diagnosis of recurring issues.
• Diagnose and resolve connectivity problems across cloud-hosted and on-premises systems (e.g., cloud access, VPN, DNS, authentication), coordinating with service providers when needed.
• Install, upgrade, configure, and document network devices (switches, routers, WAPs, controllers, firewalls), including situations where no precedents exist.
• Administer and maintain firewall rule sets, ACLs, and VPN configurations, performing routine reviews, audits, and updates to support secure connectivity.
• Contribute to department-wide technology policies and procedures to ensure system security, performance, and maximum network availability.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of information systems experience in technical support
• OR an Associate's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, OR completion of a two (2) year accredited vocational training program in information technology or related field AND two (2) years of information systems experience in technical support
• OR a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (may substitute for all of the above).

Skills

• Experience with Cisco networks
• Experience with Fortinet security infrastructure
• Experience supporting thin client/virtualized environments
• Working knowledge of firewall administration (rule management, VPN configuration) and cloud platform support (cloud infrastructure, identity/access management, cloud networking)
• Experience working with ticketing systems
• Hands-on experience installing, upgrading, and configuring core network hardware, including switches, routers, wireless access points, controllers, and firewalls
• Proven experience managing and troubleshooting enterprise network environments, including measurable success resolving VPN, DNS, authentication, and wired/wireless connectivity issues across multiple sites or user groups

Working Conditions

• Extensive work performed on video display terminals.
• Exposure to adults in custody (AIC) in the workplace.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel.
• Work schedule driven by user need; may require response after normal business hours for system emergencies.
• May be assigned on-call rotation or stand-by duties.
• May work a variety of irregular hours to maintain operational systems at DOC facilities.
• Lifting PCs, terminals, and other computer equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Remove, replace, or upgrade components; bending, crawling, reaching under desks and computer workstations, and physical manipulation of large objects may be required.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system: welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people, free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Benefits

• Family health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• 21 days paid military leave for National Guard and reserve components
• Optional short and long-term disability
• Term life insurance
• Fully paid retirement program (PERS)
• Oregon Saving Growth Plan
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare

The salary range listed is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%. This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through PERS, as defined by statute.

Requirements for Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, any felony convictions will disqualify you for this position. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer.