***To be considered, you must submit an Inland Power Application, Resume, and Cover letter to [email protected]. The application can be found on our website.***
Purpose of Position
The Network Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network-connected infrastructure across corporate, field, and operational technology (OT) environments. The primary focus of this role is Layer 1 (physical infrastructure) and Layer 2 (switching and connectivity) support, with secondary responsibilities involving basic Layer 3 networking and IP connectivity troubleshooting.
This position supports critical utility infrastructure including SCADA-connected devices, remote telemetry systems, field communications equipment, IoT sensors, weather stations, security cameras, access control systems, radio networks, and other operational endpoints. The Network Technician serves as the hands-on field and infrastructure resource responsible for ensuring reliable connectivity between operational devices and enterprise systems.
This position is part of the IT team and will be expected to resolve escalated service desk tickets as assigned after they have been triaged. They will also be expected to work collaboratively with the rest of the team and contribute as needed. The ideal candidate combines strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to work in both office and field environments supporting critical business and utility operations.
Core Competencies
1. Quality Work: Produce thorough, high-quality work with minimal errors. Seek feedback, make corrections as needed. Identify problems and solve them. Strive to improve processes. Work collaboratively with co-workers to implement systematic changes.
2. Productivity: Complete assigned work in a timely fashion. Utilize slow periods productively. Produce amount and volume at expected speed.
3. Technical Skills/Job Knowledge: Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of technical skills in area of expertise, technology, products, and/or processes involved. Duly perform assigned duties. Keep current on federal, state and local regulatory changes and be competent with all technology necessary to perform job.
4. Communication: Clearly convey oral and written communication. Keep others informed of activities and problems in timely manner. Listen well; respond appropriately and respectfully.
5. Teamwork/Ability to Work with Others: Demonstrate the ability to work in a positive manner with co-workers and/or members with differing backgrounds, opinions, capabilities, etc. Willingly share skills, competencies, and knowledge with others. Establish and maintain strong, effective working relationships. Contribute effectively to group efforts. Promote harmony; agree to disagree without damaging relationships.
6. Accountability: Maintain excellent attendance and provide additional assistance after normal working hours when needed. Be reliable, prepared and accept responsibility for work and actions.
7. Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, high ethical standards, and respect for all co-workers and membership.
8. Professionalism: Address internal and external members with courtesy and respect. Dress in work attire appropriate to the position. Communicate business information in a timely fashion, using means of communication appropriate to the situation.
9. Support of Cooperative Goals: Support cooperative goals and adhere to all policies and procedures. Contribute effectively in support of the cooperative.
10. Problem-Solving: Use sound logic and methodology to solve problems. Explore multiple sources for answers, as required. Be able to identify hidden problems and propose solutions.
Job Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
· · Install, maintain, test, and document copper, fiber optic, and wireless communications infrastructure with qualified electrical worker when applicable.
· Troubleshoot physical connectivity issues involving cabling, patch panels, transceivers, network hardware, and power systems.
· Install, configure and maintain network equipment in data closets, substations, remote facilities, field offices, and communications enclosures with qualified electrical worker when applicable.
· Support communications infrastructure connecting SCADA systems, telemetry devices, RTUs, PLCs, and other operational equipment.
· Install, configure and maintain cellular gateways, wireless bridges, and remote networking hardware with qualified electrical worker when applicable.
· Install and maintain weather stations, cameras, environmental sensors, metering devices, access control systems, and other IoT endpoints with qualified electrical worker when applicable.
· Monitor network performance, availability, and reliability across all corporate and field locations.
· Configure and support VLANs, static/dynamic routing, switching, IP addressing (DHCP/DNS), VPNs, and firewall rules.
· Support network security practices, including patch management, vulnerability mitigation, and access control monitoring.
· Coordinate with third-party vendors, telecommunication carriers, and ISPs to resolve service interruptions and coordinate installs.
· Assist in developing and testing business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) plans; respond to network outages as required.
· Practice proactive network asset management, maintaining active inventories, configuration backups, and warranty details.
· Provide tier-2 escalation support for service desk requests.
· Execute technology changes, upgrades, and system deployments in alignment with established IT change management standards.
· Troubleshoot complex technical issues using remote tools, diagnostics, and structured root-cause analysis.
General Responsibilities
· Collaborate with the IT team and business units to deliver practical, user-focused technology solutions.
· Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, curiosity, and a customer-service mindset in all interactions.
· Actively contribute ideas for continuous improvement of IT services, operational processes, system documentation, and end-user experience.
· Stay current with technology trends, security practices, networking concepts, and tools relevant to IPL’s environment.
· Pursue continuous improvement through training, certification, mentoring, and hands-on learning.
Minimum Qualifications & Job Requirements
Required Qualifications:
· 3+ years of experience as a Network Technician or similar technical role.
· Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI model, DNS, DHCP, routing/switching, wireless standards, basic security concepts).
· Hands-on familiarity with Windows client OS, active directory/identity concepts, and mobile operating systems.
· Proven ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, and network connectivity issues using structured methods.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of documenting technical processes.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Active industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, or Fortinet NSE.
· Practical experience configuring and managing Fortinet devices including firewalls, routers, IPsec/SSL VPNs, and wireless controllers.
· Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Azure AD / Entra ID, and cloud networking/identity integrations.
· Experience supporting multi-site environments, electric utility operational technology (OT/SCADA networks), or critical infrastructure.
· Familiarity with network monitoring tools and IT Service Management (ITSM) ticketing platforms.
The Network Technician shall have full authority to carry out these duties and responsibilities in conformity with established policies and procedures and shall utilize time in such a way as to fulfill the objectives of this position and the cooperative.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
· Availability for after-hours maintenance windows, emergency outage responses, or scheduled rotation.
· Local travel to supported IPL facilities and field locations as needed.
· Work environments include standard offices, server rooms, wiring closets, and operational field locations such as pole mounted control units and substations.
Physical requirement: Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and regularly lift/move IT equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If your credentials and interest match this job, please send your completed application, cover letter and resume to: [email protected] or mail them to, Inland Power & Light Company, 10110 W. Hallett Rd., Spokane WA 99224-7435, Attn: Human Resources.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA
Inland Power & Light is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers (www.inlandpower.com/careers) page in English and Spanish.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Inland Power will provide reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible. Please contact the HR department at Inland Power if you would like assistance.
DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
Inland Power & Light will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.
PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)
BENEFITS
Medical, vision, dental, 401(k), HSA/HRA, retirement plan, PTO, EAP, paid holidays, and disability insurance programs.
Pay: $93,303.00 - $116,629.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
