Network Engineer II

Salary: $42.46 Hourly
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16749
Department: Public Library
Division: Administrative Offices
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 2:14 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 150

Position Description
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History
The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace-it's where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.
What you will do at Harris County Public Library:

This role performs intermediate level technology systems, systems, network, and technical support duties to support secure, reliable, and effective IT operations. The role supports technology services across infrastructure locations, including remote sites and site-to-site VPN; networks, systems administration, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, help desk operations, data and analytics, and IT governance. Independently resolve routine to moderately complex issues, provide level two technical support, coordinate with users and IT teams, and escalate complex or high-risk matters as appropriate.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Selects, supervises, and coaches assigned staff
• Provides leadership and coordinates schedules and workflow for effective service delivery
• Provides for the training and motivation of staff to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet changing system demands
• Establishes work rules and performance standards, trains and coaches performance, and initiates and implements disciplinary actions as warranted
• Provides intermediate-level support for technology services, including infrastructure, networks, systems administration, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, help desk operations, data/analytics, and IT governance.
• Administers user accounts, access rights, system permissions, and related access control activities in accordance with organizational security, compliance, and identity management standards.
  Provides level two support for network infrastructure, including switching, routing, firewalls, wireless systems, telephony, IP-based video, and related media technology solutions.
• Performs intermediate network engineering functions, including configuration, troubleshooting, testing, monitoring, maintenance, and support of switches, routers, firewalls, and related network components.
• Monitors system and network performance, alerts, logs, dashboards, and operational indicators to identify, analyze, resolve, or escalate service issues, performance concerns, and security events.
• Performs routine system patching, updates, configuration changes, and scheduled maintenance activities in accordance with approved change management, configuration, and security standards.
• Supports backup processes by monitoring backup activity, verifying completion, documenting exceptions, and assisting with recovery activities as assigned.
• Investigates, troubleshoots, and resolves routine to moderately complex incidents and service requests involving systems, networks, applications, hardware, software, user access, and connectivity.
• Provides advanced technical support for enterprise and remote locations through site-to-site VPN, including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of personal computer hardware, software, peripherals, and related equipment.
• Leads, coordinates, and provides technical guidance to help desk and field support staff to promote timely resolution of service requests with minimal disruption to users and operations.
• Applies organizational policies, procedures, cybersecurity standards, network standards, access control requirements, and IT governance practices to support secure and compliant technology operations.
• Communicates technical information, service status, resolution steps, and user guidance clearly and professionally to employees, IT staff, vendors, and management.
• Maintains accurate documentation, including system records, network information, procedures, work logs, ticket notes, configuration records, and other materials necessary to support operational continuity and audit readiness.
• Coordinates with internal teams, external vendors, and end users to resolve technical issues, support business needs, and complete assigned work within established service expectations.
• Escalates complex, sensitive, high-risk, or unresolved technical matters in accordance with established procedures and scope of authority.
• Maintains current technical knowledge in systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, monitoring tools, enterprise applications, help desk practices, and IT service management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

;br>
If you need special services or accommodations, please call or email

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy.

Please see testing instructions in the General Information section below.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Three (3) years of professional experience in public library services, adult services, programming, literacy, workforce development, community engagement, or a closely related area
• One (1) year supervisory or lead work experience, including experience in training, coaching, scheduling, evaluating, or coordinating the work of staff

Experience:

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in systems administration, network administration, technical support, help desk operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure support, or a closely related technology function.
• One (1) year supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Must possess or be able to obtain required job-related certifications, credentials, or training within the timeframe established by the department, if applicable.

Additional Requirements:

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
• Valid Texas driver's license and ability to travel to assigned work locations, including remote sites, as required by the position.
• Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of administration, including system tools, procedures, monitoring, maintenance, patching, backup, recovery, and incident response practices
• Network infrastructure concepts and support practices, including switching, routing, firewalls, wireless systems, telephony, and IP-based video or media solutions
• User account administration, identity management, access control, permissions management, cybersecurity principles, and related security requirements
• Help desk, field support, and enterprise technology support practices, including ticketing, prioritization, escalation, user support, hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals, and enterprise applications
• IT governance, change management, configuration management, documentation standards, audit readiness expectations, compliance requirements, and applicable organizational policies and procedures
• Independently perform advanced systems administration, network support, and technical support work in accordance with established policies, procedures, standards, and supervisory direction
• Analyze technical issues, determine appropriate corrective action, resolve routine to moderately complex matters, and escalate issues based on complexity, urgency, risk, authority, and business impact
• Apply cybersecurity, access control, network, IT governance, and operational standards consistently while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive user, system, security, and operational information
• Provide supervisory oversight, leadership, coordination, training, and technical guidance to help desk and field support staff, including assigning work, monitoring progress, supporting performance expectations, and promoting timely resolution of service requests
• Work professionally with employees, management, vendors, and IT personnel across enterprise and remote locations while supporting operational continuity and user service needs
• Adapt to changing technology needs, maintain accurate and timely documentation, exercise sound judgment and accountability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
• Understand the organizational mission
• Uses sound judgment and discretion to demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Advanced skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs with advanced knowledge in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to use personal mobile devices for our Multifactor Authentication process.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences
Experience:

• Public sector, library, government, enterprise, or multi-site technology support experience. (preferred)
• Experience with IT governance, audit readiness, Network Address Translation, cybersecurity compliance, Palo Alto Next Generation Firewall, Active Directory, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Domain Name System, vendor coordination, SolarWinds, and enterprise technology service delivery. (preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

Certifications:

• Relevant professional certification such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, Server+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft, ITIL, or other certification related to systems administration, network administration, cybersecurity, or IT service management. (preferred)

General Information
Register Online for the HRT Clerical Skills Test using the following link:
Click the above link to the HRRM Clerical Skills Test registration page

Click on "Apply" to submit your request for testing

You will receive a test invitation and instructions via e-mail within 48 hours

You will have no more than 5 calendar days to access and complete testing

Your score will be automatically uploaded to your application

The test may be taken once every 30 days

Most recent test scores are retained for up to 6 months
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Regular - 40 hours a week
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with extended periods of computer use. Occasional travel to branch locations or meetings may be required. The position is generally scheduled Monday through Friday. May require attendance at evening meetings, or off-site meetings.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties
• Office Equipment: Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
• Physical Activities: Sits for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation, and respond to verbal inquiries.
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: The position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Position: Division Director, Information Technology
  Supervises Positions: Field Technician, Network Engineer I

Work Location:

• HCPL Administration - 5749 South Loop E, Houston, TX 77033

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Please describe your educational background (i.e. diploma, degree, certifications, etc.) including the level of education completed, area of study, and completed major and minor programs.
03

Which of the following best describes your verifiable progressively responsible experience in systems administration, network administration, technical support, help desk operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure support, or a closely related technology function?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more but less than four (4) years
• Four (4) years or more but less than five (5) years
• Five (5) years or more
• No experience

04

Please provide details about your verifiable progressively responsible experience in systems administration, network administration, technical support, help desk operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure support, or a closely related technology function.*** Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications. ***(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
05

Which of the following best describes your verifiable supervisory or lead worker experience?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year or more but less than two (2) years
• Two (2) years or more but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) or more years
• I do not have this experience

06

Please provide the dates of employment during which you obtained supervisory or lead worker experience. Provide the month and year that began and ended the experience ( Example: "January 2020 - December 2025" ) If this experience is not clearly documented in the Work Experience section, your application will be disqualified. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A" in the space provided.
07

How would you rate your organization, written and oral communication skills?

• High: Confident/Competent
• Medium: Some areas of strength
• Low: Limited skills
• I do not possess this skill and/or experience

08

Which of the following describes your level of proficiency using a personal computer and common office software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).Please select your level of proficiency based on the following descriptions:Advanced:A person with this level of skills is able to produce very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements; a wide range of graphic effects, and use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data. Has full mastery of Macro commands and skills to tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons.Intermediate:A person with this level of skills is able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. Able to use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. Makes interactive presentations by using hyperlinks and action buttons.Basic:A person with this level of skills is able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page setup. Has the ability to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and is able to create a simple presentation in PowerPoint, run it, and print it.Entry Level:A person with this level of skills has the ability to open, create, save and modify documents in Word, send and receive email in Outlook and create spreadsheets in Excel. Format documents for printing, comfortable using the printer menu to preview documents. Has ability to change the font, the margins, ins

• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Basic
• Entry Level
• Not proficient

09

In which of the following concepts do you have strong knowledge and/or professional experience?(Select all that apply)

• Public sector, library, government, enterprise, or multi-site technology support experience.
• Experience with IT governance, audit readiness, Network Address Translation, cybersecurity compliance, Palo Alto Next Generation Firewall, Active Directory, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Domain Name System, vendor coordination, SolarWinds, and enterprise technology service delivery.
• None of the above.

10

If you made a selection in regard to the previous question, please describe your professional knowledge and/or experience. NOTE: Please DO NOT use "See Resume" as we do not use resumes for qualifications.(Type N/A if not applicable)
11

Which of the following certifications and licenses do you currently have?Select all that apply.Please be sure to document all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.

• CompTIA Network+
• Security+
• Server+
• Cisco CCNA
• Microsoft
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• Other certification related to systems administration, network administration, cybersecurity, or IT service management
• None of the Above

12

An unofficial copy of your college transcript is required along with your application. (Please scan your transcripts and attach to this application before submitting).

• Yes, I have attached a copy of my complete transcripts.
• No, I have not attached the required transcript. I understand that this may result in disqualification from the employment process.
• N/A (not applicable)

13

Clerical Test AcknowledgementI understand this position requires the HRT Clerical Skills Test scores to be on file before my application can move forward through the application process. I understand if I do not already have scores on file, I will need to complete the HRT Clerical Skills Test within five (5) days of receiving the invitation to apply from HRT. I understand that if I do not complete the HRT Clerical Skills Test my application will be invalid/disqualified.

• I acknowledge and understand the above instructions.
• I acknowledge that I currently have test scores on file.

14

This position requires possession of a valid Texas-issued driver's license. Do you currently have this required licensure?Please include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.

• Yes, I have a valid Texas Driver's License
• No, but I will commit to obtaining a valid Texas Driver's License prior to start date if hired
• No, I am ineligible and/or decline to obtain this type of licensure

15

In which of the following combinations of languages are you bilingual and fluent?Select all that apply:

• English and Spanish
• English and Vietnamese
• English and Chinese
• English and Arabic
• English and Urdu
• English and Tagalog
• English and Other Language(s)
• None of the Above

Required Question