Network Engineer

The 911 Network Engineer role supports the technology behind emergency response in our community. You’ll help maintain and improve the systems that dispatch first responders, support communications, and keep public safety infrastructure running reliably. The work can be complex and, at times, high pressure. It also offers a strong sense of purpose—your work directly supports emergency services for Durango and surrounding communities.

The starting pay for this position is $79,720 per year, with growth potential up to $93,007 based on long‑term performance. We also provide a clear career path, with eligibility for promotion to Senior Network Engineer after three years in the role.

The City of Durango is a purpose‑driven organization with more than 400 full‑time and 300 part‑time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You’ll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

• Help manage and maintain public safety network infrastructure, including firewalls, servers, backups, and virtual environments
• Support critical systems such as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), E911 phone systems, radio and paging systems, and related interfaces
• Monitor system performance and resolve issues affecting emergency communications.
• Coordinate with Police, Fire, Communications Center staff, La Plata County, and partner agencies
• Assist in planning, evaluating, and implementing system upgrades and new technologies for public safety operations
• Follow Public Safety Department policies regarding data security and confidentiality.

• Monitor and optimize network performance using system logs and monitoring tools
• Perform system maintenance and upgrades with minimal disruption to operations
• Support backup systems and perform data recovery when needed
• Assist with disaster recovery planning and implementation

• Contribute to network design, capacity planning, and long‑term infrastructure improvements
• Assist with vendor coordination, purchasing, and implementation of hardware and software
• Help develop and maintain system documentation, standards, and procedures
• Participate in cross‑training and provide coverage for other Network Engineers

• Provide technical assistance through the IT help desk system
• Participate in on‑call rotation and respond to network‑related outages when needed
• Support department budgeting related to network infrastructure and lifecycle planning

• A bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least four years of experience with networking, virtualization, storage systems, and server administration (five years preferred)
• Experience with Cisco networking technologies
• Experience with Windows Server and Active Directory
• Ability to obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification upon hire
• Ability to obtain CCNA and Motorola System Administrator Associate (SAA) certifications within six months of your start date (SAA supports the Spillman Flex system)
• Familiarity with Red Hat Linux environments

Successful candidates must maintain a local residency (up to 100‑mile radius outside the city limits of Durango, CO) and successfully complete a fingerprint background investigation to include local, state, and federal criminal history. This employer will not sponsor work visas.

• Communicate clearly with technical staff, first responders, and partner agencies
• Manage multiple priorities, shifting between project work and real‑time troubleshooting
• Take a solutions‑focused approach to complex technical challenges
• Build trust through reliability, accountability, and follow‑through

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well‑being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job‑related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non‑profit organizations.