Core Operations Architect; IT Statewide Architect

The Division of Administration/Office of Technology Services has a vacancy. This job title has an assigned pay grade of TS-318. This position is located in the Network Communication Services Section. Req. 217458

The Office of Technology Services (OTS) aims to be a responsible partner in delivering innovative, effective, and reliable solutions that support and enhance the IT functions within the Executive Branch Departments. The Office of Technology Services will work to increase the return on the State's investment in technology by promoting smart decision-making, solving problems intelligently, increasing the rate of project success, and fostering skilled and professional staff.

The Architect position within the Office of Technology Services (OTS) - Network Communication Services (NCS) – Core and Data Center Network Operations is a strategic, expert-level role responsible for the planning, design, and optimization of statewide core, backbone, and data center network and VoIP infrastructure. This position strategically leads complex design efforts, ensuring the network's architecture supports current operational needs and future growth across Executive Branch agencies.

The Architect works closely with engineers and cross-functional teams to develop and enforce design standards, evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, and advise executive leadership on infrastructure strategy and modernization. This role also contributes to the development of enterprise network and VoIP architecture, aligning projects with organizational goals, scalability, and security requirements.

• Overseeing the state’s capital construction program
• Working to provide state and federal grants for community development
• Development of the state budget
• Providing technology services
• Giving agencies guidance in the state purchasing and contracting process as they seek goods and services
• Administering a program that provides federal funds to help Louisiana residents recover from a series of devastating hurricanes

• Seven years of experience in information technology;
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus five years of experience in information technology;
• An associate's degree in information technology plus five years of experience in information technology;
• A bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in information technology;
• A bachelor's degree with twenty-four semester hours in an information technology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or business analytics field plus four years of experience in information technology;
• A master's degree plus four years of experience in information technology.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NOTE:

A certification in an approved area may be substituted for the education and/or experience requirements at the time of hire or promotion, provided the appointment is made from a Certificate of Eligibles.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Network Health Monitoring and Strategic Consultation:
  Leads the monitoring and performance analysis of core, backbone, and data center networks.
• Produces regular network performance reports and identifies opportunities for improvements.
• Advises on performance trends, recommends optimizations, and provides strategic direction on network health.
• Researches and evaluates emerging technologies that could benefit the network infrastructure.
• Guides the evaluation and selection of new technologies for future infrastructure.

• Leads the design and architecture of core network and VoIP infrastructures, ensuring alignment with best practices and state requirements.
• Specifies configurations and network topologies for new builds or network replacements within core and data center environments.
• Directly collaborates with engineers and vendors to implement designs and drive the deployment of new technologies.
• Ensures network and VoIP designs are scalable, secure, and reliable, addressing future needs as well as immediate objectives.

• Participates in highly complex network and VoIP troubleshooting efforts, guiding engineers in resolving complex issues.
• Provides escalation expertise for critical incidents affecting core and data center infrastructure.

• Mentors engineers and other technical staff on advanced network and VoIP design concepts, technologies, and best practices.
• Shares knowledge regarding new technologies and guides teams in applying those technologies effectively within the state network.

• Provides subject matter expertise for network hardware,…