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Working Title: Data Center Network Specialist Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 4 Agency: Minnesota IT Services Job ID: 95586 Location: St. Paul Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 07/17/2026 Closing Date: 07/23/2026 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services Division/Unit: MNIT Network and Communications Division Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes – 5% Salary Range: $37.72 - $62.21 / hourly; $78,759 - $129,894 / annually Job Class Option: Network Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position will be part of the Enterprise Services team, which delivers a full suite of services to state agencies, boards, councils, and commissions, and many central services to local government partners. As a Data Center Network Specialist with Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), you will support the Enterprise Data Center (EDC) by managing MNIT’s data center network infrastructure to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and reliability. In this role, you will provide direction, analysis, and technical support for EDC network and load-balancing services, assisting all EDC customers with their operational needs. You will directly implement network infrastructure enhancements, changes, and new installations, ensuring they align with enterprise architecture and meet performance requirements. Additionally, you will support MNIT Enterprise Services and end users by identifying, specifying, and procuring the appropriate network hardware and software required to maintain a dependable and scalable data center environment. This position is telework eligible for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles of less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. Telework arrangements and policy updates may be adjusted based on business needs. Minimum Qualifications To qualify, candidates must clearly show all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips available here: Position requires a minimum of four (4) years of IT related experience in network hardware and software technology. Experience Must Include Routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and MPLS network protocols. TCP/IP and an expert understanding of network, addressing standards and administration. Expert level of Ethernet to 10-Gig Ethernet experience. Ability to perform advanced technical problem analysis and troubleshooting within a router/switch infrastructure. Expert level of knowledge with LANs, LAN protocols, and software Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a manner that facilitates mutual understanding. Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences. Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master’s degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor’s degree for one (1) year; and an associate’s degree for six (6) months. This position requires a driver's license for travel to between agency and field locations. Strongly Preferred Qualifications Expert knowledge of network test equipment, including Sniffers, BERT test sets, and other protocol analyzers. Knowledge of Network Quality of Service (QOS) techniques and network Management systems. Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design and/or Support Specialist certification. Preferred Qualifications Proven leadership, organizational and problem solving skills, with experience directing the efforts of network administrators and technical support staff. Strong analytical, oral and written communications, problem solving, and human relations skills. Experience with Cisco Nexus series switches and operating system (NX-OS). Experience with F5 Load Balancers and/or Software Defined Networking solutions. Additional Requirements It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required check prior to employment which may consist of the following: SEMA4 Records Checks (applies to current and past state employees only) Criminal History Check Reference Check Social Security and Address Verification Education Verification CJIS Background Check Other legally required checks Minnesota IT Services does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota IT Services will not sponsor applicant for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. Minnesota IT Services is not able to complete Form I-983 or any other form that requires that the employer certifying to using E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact [email protected]. Connect 700 Program To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to [email protected]. Veterans To be considered for any Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application. RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must: Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. Meet all of the RSV criteria. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form by the closing date to: [email protected]. CERTAIN DISABLED VETERANS: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a noncompetitive basis if you: Meet service requirements and have a verified service-connected disability rating of at least 30%. Provide qualifying documentation verifying the disability. Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting. You must submit all documentation by the closing date to: [email protected]. Current State Employees Bidders: This vacancy is open for bids and all qualified applicants simultaneously. This vacancy will be filled in accordance with applicable union contract provisions. Current employees of Minnesota IT Services who are currently in an Information Technology Specialist 4/ Network position and who are eligible to bid and apply within the seven (7) day bidding period will be considered prior to filling the position via other means. Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office. About Minnesota IT Services Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT. Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their work Connection with their coworkers and communities Opportunities for personal and professional growth Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your Benefits May Include Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals Training, classes, and professional development Tuition reimbursement Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.

What you’ll do

As a Data Center Network Specialist, you will manage MNIT’s data center network infrastructure and provide technical support for network and load-balancing services. You will implement network infrastructure enhancements and procure necessary hardware and software.

Requirements

Candidates must have a minimum of four years of IT experience in network hardware and software technology, including expertise in routing protocols and network administration. A driver's license is required for travel between agency and field locations.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation • Sick Leave • Paid Holidays • Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Prescription Drug Plans • Pension Plan • Life Insurance • Disability Insurance • Tuition Reimbursement • Employee Assistance Program

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Routing Protocols
• TCP/IP
• Network Administration
• Ethernet
• Technical Problem Analysis
• LANs
• Communication Skills
• Customer Focus
• Network Test Equipment
• Quality of Service
• Cisco Certification
• Leadership Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Cisco Nexus
• F5 Load Balancers
• Software Defined Networking