Network Specialist

Network Specialist

Harvard Community Unit School District 50 Central Administrative Center - Harvard, Illinois

This job is also posted in Harvard Community School District 50

Job : 5730303

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: May 21, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Network Specialist

Job Summary: The Network Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining the district's network infrastructure across all buildings. This hands‑on role manages day‑to‑day network operations, coordinates technicians during projects, partners with vendors to integrate new technologies, and ensures reliable connectivity for students and staff. The Network Specialist provides technical leadership within the Technology Department and supports the Director of Technology in planning, budgeting, and executing network‑related initiatives.

Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent with technology‑related experience, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues, system maintenance, or basic networking.

Evaluation: This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board’s policy on the Evaluation of Staff.

Reports to: Director of Technology

Terms of Employment: This is a 12‑month, non‑union IMRF salaried position with a salary range of $50,000 - $55,000, as established by the Board of Education. As an exempt employee, there may be requirements to work beyond regular hours, including evenings and overtime, to meet the needs of the department. Flexibility is essential to ensure the efficient operation of the department.

Compensation and Benefits: The compensation package for non‑union positions includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a $50,000 term life insurance policy, accrued vacation days, 15 sick days, 2 personal leave days annually, and holidays per district policy. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement after the first year, access to an Employee Assistance Plan, and extensive professional development opportunities to foster growth and support for team members.

FLSA Status: Exempt

• Install, monitor, and maintain the district's Cisco and Meraki network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues across all district sites, responding to incidents in a timely manner to minimize disruption to instruction.
• Coordinate and direct technicians during network‑related projects, including deployments, upgrades, and cutovers, ensuring work is completed on time and to standard.
• Manage projects from planning through implementation, including scoping, scheduling, resource allocation, documentation, and post‑project review.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to evaluate, procure, and integrate new technologies into the district's network environment.
• Assist the Director of Technology with budget planning, purchasing recommendations, and tracking expenditures for network hardware, software, and services.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, including diagrams, IP schemes, configurations, and asset inventories.
• Monitor network performance and security.
• Support E‑rate compliance efforts and assist with related documentation and procurement as needed.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to technicians and other department staff.
• Work collaboratively with district staff to understand instructional and operational needs and recommend network solutions that support them.
• Perform work outside of regular hours as needed for maintenance windows, emergencies, and project cutovers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience supporting enterprise networks, including Cisco and Meraki platforms.
• Proven project management experience, including the ability to scope work, manage timelines, and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating staff on a project or day‑to‑day basis, even without direct supervisory authority.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, including vendor quotes, purchase…