IT Infrastructure Engineer - Central Office

TITLE: IT Infrastructure Engineer - Central Office

Are you a strategic thinker passionate about leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency? Do you thrive in a role that blends high-level planning with hands-on execution? If so, Portland Public Schools invites you to apply for the IT Infrastructure Engineer position—a critical role within our Technology Systems & Engineering team.

The IT Infrastructure Engineer plays a key role in maintaining, implementing, and optimizing the district’s network, telecom, and data center infrastructure. This position ensures high availability, performance, and scalability of critical systems that support all instructional technology and district operations. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to operational excellence.

This year-round position includes a generous benefits package, including 20 annual vacation days and full health and dental benefits. The starting salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000, based on experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed in this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Network Infrastructure & Performance:

• Implement and maintain a robust network infrastructure, supporting district-wide operations and adapting to future needs and technological advancements
• Engineer and maintain highly redundant internet solutions, continuously assessing potential points of failure, to support VoIP communication and ensure seamless continuity during outages
• Monitor and evaluate network performance, proactively addressing bottlenecks and optimizing system efficiency
• Continuously optimize existing network configurations and infrastructure, leveraging new technologies and best practices, to minimize hardware costs while maintaining exceptional reliability and scalability
• Install, replace, and configure network components across all district facilities
• Collaborate with technology leaders to participate in planning for network replacements or capital funding

2. Data Center Operations & Systems:

• Implement and maintain virtualization platforms, ensuring optimal resource allocation and high availability for virtualized workloads
• Maintain comprehensive backup systems and strategies for all servers and critical district data, regularly testing recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability
• Manage server patching, maintenance, and upgrades across all platforms (physical and virtual), ensuring systems are secure, performant, and compliant with operational standards
• Proactively monitor and manage redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) within data center facilities to prevent outages
• Engineer and evolve existing server systems and storage solutions, anticipating growth and performance demands, to ensure maximum redundancy, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
• Perform regular capacity planning for server, storage, and power resources to ensure future scalability and prevent resource exhaustion
• Maintain inventory and replacement schedules along with preventative testing of UPS systems in all network closets and data centers within the district
• Assist with the physical installation, cabling, and decommissioning of network and server components within data center environments

3. System Integration & Support:

• Ensure seamless network connectivity and integration for all critical district systems, including facilities controls (e.g., HVAC), and communication platforms (e.g., phone systems, VoIP configurations, troubleshooting, and upgrades)
• Manage and support cloud-based telecommunications systems, including configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with existing network infrastructure
• Collaborate closely with facilities and other technology teams internally and externally to ensure proper integration and functionality of network-dependent systems

4. Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting:

• Utilize advanced monitoring tools to track network and data center system health, performance, and resource utilization proactively
• Address system issues and disruptions promptly to minimize impact on schools and staff
• Maintain detailed records of network and data center configurations, maintenance schedules, and incident responses
• Provide regular reports on system performance, capacity planning, and project updates to technology leadership

5. Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with external vendors and service providers for network and data center services, ensuring high-quality support, maintenance, and compliance with district needs
• Collaborate with central office departments to coordinate and implement technology solutions that integrate into the district’s infrastructure

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in network engineering and data center operations
• Experience in the following areas of technology: switching, firewalls, virtualization, backup solutions and monitoring. Familiarity with Extreme Networks, Fortinet firewalls and/or VMware/Hyper-V is a plus
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders in both verbal discussions and written documentation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., FERPA, CIPA) pertaining to IT operations

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization ( more info )

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Year-round position
• Permanent
• Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Non-represented position
• Salaried, not eligible for overtime
• Salary range $85,000-95,0000 (based on experience)
• Benefits information can be viewed here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.