Network Specialist

Network Specialist

Salary

$70,461.56 - $104,664.85 Annually

Location

Boston City Hall - 1 City Hall Sq

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00186

Department

Department of Innovation and Technology

Opening Date

10/22/2026

• Description
• Benefits

Overview

The City of Bostons Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is seeking a Network Specialist to join our team. This is a foundational, junior-level role responsible for providing essential support to our senior Network Engineers in managing and maintaining the Citys extensive network infrastructure.

The City of Boston relies on DoIT to connect over 360 facilities with a Wide Area Network (WAN) and provide full-stack Local Area Network (LAN) support to over 60 critical sites. You will be instrumental in the deployment and maintenance of thousands of wireless access points, routers, and switches. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to gain deep, hands-on experience with a diverse, enterprise-level network environment, directly impacting City services and operations.

Responsibilities

As a Network Specialist, you will be a vital part of the team, supporting the entire lifecycle of network equipment and projects. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Network Deployment and Configuration: Assist with the configuration, staging, deployment, testing, and troubleshooting of network devices across the Citys WAN and LAN infrastructure.
• Physical Infrastructure Support: Actively participate in wiring projects and installations. This involves working with Ethernet (Cat5e/6/6a), fiber optic cabling, and other physical connectivity technologies to ensure robust data transmission.
• Logistics and Inventory Management: Manage the moving, coordinating logistics, and physical racking of new and replacement network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls, servers) across City facilities. Maintain accurate inventory records and asset tracking.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Perform routine health checks, proactive monitoring, and firmware maintenance on equipment from a variety of vendors.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Assist in creating and updating technical documentation, network diagrams, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and asset inventories to ensure continuity and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Incident Response: Provide Tier 1/2 support for network-related incidents, performing initial diagnostics and escalating complex or major issues to senior Network Engineers while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Two (2) years of experience preferred. An Associates degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Networking Knowledge: Foundational understanding of core networking concepts (TCP/IP, subnetting, switching, routing basics, wireless technologies). Familiarity with CCNA concepts is required.
• Physical Proficiency: Proven ability to work safely and efficiently in data closets and wiring environments. Ability to lift and move network equipment (up to 50 lbs) and utilize basic hand tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and clearly with both technical colleagues and non-technical City staff.
• Soft Skills: A strong willingness to learn, adapt, and work collaboratively in a dynamic, high-stakes municipal environment.

The most successful candidate will possess the following attributes and experience:

• Broad Technology Experience or Interest: Exposure to or basic experience with networking equipment from diverse vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, or Ciena.
• Adaptability to Specialized Equipment: A proven ability and enthusiasm to rapidly learn and adapt to specialized networking equipment and protocols beyond standard commercial offerings.
• Proactive Learner: Actively pursues knowledge and skills, perhaps demonstrated by in-progress certifications (e.g., CCNA, JNCIA, ACMA) or self-study in areas like network automation or cloud networking.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex logistics for equipment moves and deployments across multiple facilities.
• Public Sector Interest: Interest in or experience working within a municipal, public sector, or large-scale institutional environment.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-6

Hours per week: 35 hours

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected category.

At the City of Boston, we provide our employees with a wide array of benefits and resources that foster both their professional and personal development. Our goal is to make City government a place where everyone is empowered to make a positive impact for the communities in which we live, work, and play.

For full-time positions, employees may be eligible for the following benefits depending on the nature of their employment and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the position. View the Collective Bargaining Agreements page to learn more.

Benefits Available to City Workers

• Retirement & Savings Opportunities: Membership in the Boston Retirement System (BRS), a benefit pension plan providing lifetime income to vested employees when they retire, along with deferred compensation options to help you build a secure future. Visit boston.gov/retirement to learn more.

• Health Insurance & Benefits: The City offers competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending (FSA), dependent care accounts, and life insurance for our employees. Visit boston.gov/insurance to learn more.

• Other Benefits: City employees enjoy a benefits package featuring paid time off and leave, subsidized transit (MBTA and Bluebikes), educational assistance, and employee wellness programs. Visit boston.gov/life-city-boston to learn more.

• Salary information: To view salary plans and understand how salaries work at the City of Boston, go to boston.gov/salary.

Part-time employees who are scheduled to work for 20 hours or more per week may also be eligible for benefits on a pro-rated basis. Please refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to learn more about any benefits available for this position.

If you have any questions about the benefits offered for this position, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 617-635-3370 or ohr@boston.gov.

Employer City of Boston (MA)

Address 1 City Hall Plaza, Room 612

Boston, Massachusetts, 02201

Phone 617-635-3370

Website https://www.boston.gov