The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem.
DEP’s Office of Technology and Information Services (OTIS) is currently recruiting for a Systems Programmer II to serve as a network engineer. Duties entail technical work in the installation, maintenance and performance tuning of LAN/WAN networks and telephony. This position provides technical expertise for the design, maintenance and monitoring of the Department of Environmental Protection’s core network including both on prim LAN/WAN, voice gateways, routers, switches, firewalls and including Azure cloud enterprise networks and private connections. The incumbent of this position will represent OTIS and must be helpful, cooperative, polite, respectful, and courteous at all times in the interactions with customers.
DEP relies heavily on science and technology in order to meet its mission and continually advances modern methods, platforms and innovations for this purpose. Examples at DEP include an application architecture leveraging Azure Kubernetes, a cloud-based server infrastructure, an industry leading data analytics platform, and an advanced security management solution.
DEP encourages its employees to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly. OTIS has an extensive training program, including courses and certifications, that provide staff with the ability to build upon existing skills and remain current on job-related information technologies. Examples of certifications recently earned by staff include, but are not limited to:
- CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- PMP®; ScrumMaster
- Florida Certified Public Manager (CPM)
- GISP® (Certified GIS Professional)
- Microsoft Certified DevOps Engineer, Azure Solutions Architect
- Oracle Certified Professional
- Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM)
- Florida Certified Contract Negotiator (FCCN)
This position is in Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, which is lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads. Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend that combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as a community college and state government, Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.
This is an on-site position.
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
- Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
- Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
- State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
- Retirement plan options, including employer contributions;
- Flexible Spending Accounts;
- Tuition waivers;
- And more!
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Analyzes the needs and requirements of the agency to research and design new systems for computer communications, networking and cyber security. Makes recommendations to management about data networking advancements and efficiencies. Maintains computer communications equipment and software to ensure quality and security of the data network. Assists or plans the upgrades and repairs of systems. Monitors projects to ensure timely completion, quality and efficiency. Maintains and/or installs management systems to support the organization’s core infrastructures.
- Conducts research and development in the implementation and maintenance of network components that affects the distributed computer environment. Troubleshoots network and server-based problems and develops solutions. Demonstrates strong relationship and interpersonal skills in working with DEP program staff and vendor community. Communicates troubleshooting steps, updates and resolutions to customers, vendors and team members.
- Serves as a subject matter expert consulting with other program areas and divisions for network-related IT purchases. This also includes a wide array of IT software and hardware purchases with the agency’s network environment. Provides assistance and information regarding end-user devices integrated within the DEP network. Suggests and adheres to best practices regarding the DEP network infrastructure.
- Performs related tasks as requested.
Attendance is an essential function of the position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of network routing protocols and technologies
- Knowledge of MPLS and SD-WAN networks and Python programming language
- Ability to think critically in order to lower costs, workload, as well as increase efficiency within the network infrastructure
- Knowledge of WAN and LAN network environments
- Knowledge of switching concepts including spanning tree, trunking, and port security
- Knowledge of VOIP and Wireless principles
- Knowledge of network security including firewall management, access control lists, and best practices
- Knowledge of ISE and how it interacts with end users and network devices
- Ability to work on-call, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Ability to physically install, repair and maintain networking components in the field independently and in a team environment
- Ability to travel and maintain a valid driver’s license
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in managing cloud-based networks.
- Ability to travel to various locations/state parks throughout the state, as needed.
- Ability to work on-call, after hours, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Valid driver’s license.
A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
POSITION OF SPECIAL TRUST REQUIREMENT: This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP-422 (Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility). Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a Level 2 State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency.
DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:
HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us
HR_ER@dep.state.fl.us
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
