UPSHUR RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS

TITLE: IT – SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR

GRADE: EXEMPT

NRECA JOB FAMILY: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

NRECA JOB CODE: 34-4341

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the Director of Information Technology (IT) the System Administrator - IT is primarily responsible for ensuring high levels of availability, security, and data integrity across IT infrastructure, including servers, network systems, databases, and enterprise applications. This role focuses on proactively supporting IT systems through automation, managing critical infrastructure, and collaborating with IT staff, cooperative business units, and vendors as directed to ensure proactive support that aligns with departmental requirements, organizational goals and best practices. The System Administrator - IT is expected to support the IT and Cooperative Mission through innovation and adoption of emerging technologies and continually seeking process improvements and efficiencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Supports the development and implementation of new and current policies, standards, and procedures both at the departmental and organizational level. Assists in the writing and documentation of technical specifications, system designs, procedures, and IT protocols to ensure system availability and business continuity as directed.
2. Actively contributes to the planning, design, and implementation of technology solutions that enhance the cooperative's operations and supports future IT infrastructure deployments. This includes initiatives such as cloud integration, capacity management, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Participates in the URECC Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) as directed.
3. Maintains and develops accurate records for IT systems, including asset inventory, licenses, system specifications, and maintenance schedules. Develops and implements change management protocols as required.
4. Assists in the day-to-day support and maintenance of applications, systems, servers, local and wide area network equipment, PCs, laptops, mobile devices, cloud infrastructure, virtual machines, domain services, and other technology platforms as assigned. Maintains the expertise needed to support existing technology infrastructure and ensure the secure and efficient implementation of future solutions in support of the URECC Strategic Technology Plan.
5. Actively participates and completes assigned IT Service Desk duties. Works harmoniously and efficiently to receive, triage, escalate, document, and resolve incoming IT Service Desk requests as assigned and within expected restoration windows. Ensures ongoing alignment of IT Service Desk duties with IT Department requirements and provides support across all systems including operational technology (OT), telecom, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), network infrastructure, end-user devices and support tiers as directed.
6. Performs regular system assessments and audits of IT infrastructure to identify security gaps, performance issues, and capacity concerns. Develops and presents actionable recommendations to resolve issues and implements approved solutions. Applies a proactive approach to system maintenance, and IT Service Desk request and issue resolution through root cause analysis, documentation, collaboration, communication, and the planning and implementation of effective solutions. Provides regular reports on progress, project status, and metrics as required to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
7. Effectively communicates project updates and IT Service Desk information in alignment with IT departmental requirements to IT staff, employees, vendors, and other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner. Supports ongoing coordination across departments, fostering harmonious collaboration to meet IT requirements and business needs.
8. Ensures a high level of system availability, security, and resilience through ongoing maintenance and testing of server and data backups. Monitors backup infrastructure, including cloud-based resources, to establish usage trends and perform capacity planning to ensure adequate resources are available and plan for future growth.
9. Ensures that system uptime goals are consistently achieved while maintaining high performance and security across URECC's datacenter infrastructure, including physical servers, virtual machines, network equipment, virtualization platforms, enterprise applications, cloud-based resources, and other technology systems. Assists with the evaluation, planning, communication, and coordination of system design, server build and configuration, upgrades, and updates to minimize business disruptions and prevent unplanned downtime which includes scheduled work outside of normal business hours.
10. Supports cross-departmental efforts to train, implement, and adopt new technologies, ensuring a seamless transition. Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for assigned technologies, URECC datacenter infrastructure, and projects. Must demonstrate ability to communicate and train effectively on an individual level as well as in a group setting.
11. Performs duty as project lead as assigned. Conducts effective and timely requirements gathering and performs duties across all stages of the project management process including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and project closure. Provides regular reports and updates on project status as directed.
12. Participates in the IT on-call program to ensure the 24x7x365 security, availability, and operational performance of all technology systems. Responds to end-user requests per IT protocols and within specified service restoration windows. Escalates issues to vendors, Director of IT, and other IT staff as required. As part of the IT on-call program, on-site support may be required when on duty.
13. Performs assigned cybersecurity related duties and serves as part of the URECC Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) which includes preparation, protection, detection identification, incident response, triage, threat hunting, containment, eradication, and recovery. Completes assigned role-based cybersecurity training and certification programs. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information and data as required.
14. Maintains knowledge and awareness of current and emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and technology trends through various means, including conferences, workshops, training, and other tools and resources. Participates in industry technology programs and networks to collaborate and discuss cybersecurity and technology issues, trends, and solutions. Provides regular updates to the Director of IT on opportunities, solutions, and risks.
15. May be required to perform other duties as assigned. Occasional travel and atypical working hours may be required.

JOB COMPETENCIES

1. Attention to Detail
2. Change Management
3. Collaborating with Others
4. Data Literacy
5. Fostering Communication
6. IT Project Management
7. IT Support Troubleshooting
8. Problem Solving

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration, or related field is required.
2. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive virtualization experience, network or system administration is required. Proven track record of successful system architecture design and infrastructure improvements.
3. Demonstrated experience in leading complex projects, applying project management concepts, processes, and standards. History of working as part of a team, fostering collaboration, and mentoring junior staff.
4. Must have demonstrated experience with various software, scripting, and technology platforms including, but not limited to:

• Windows domain services and features including Active Directory, Domain Controllers, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, Azure AD, file server/DFS, LDAPS, and others

• Office 365

• Virtualization platforms (VMWare, Hyper-V, etc.)

• PowerShell

• Network and system monitoring tools (PRTG, SolarWinds, etc.)

• Certificate lifecycle management and PKI

• Veeam

• Cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.)

• Windows, Linux, and MacOS

5. Must have experience in deploying, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network technologies such as: WLAN, OSPF, VLAN, BGP, VPN, and TCP/IP. Experience with system architectures and design of data, VOIP, core and access layer networks, and wireless technology is required.

6. Must have expertise and demonstrated experience in system resilience and hardening, disaster recovery solutions, applying cybersecurity standards and controls, and cybersecurity tools including but not limited to:

• Logging and monitoring platforms

• Wireshark, Nmap, Snort

• Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• YARA rule creation and implementation

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

• Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS)

• Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS)

• Microsoft Security Baselines, Compliance Toolkit, and server hardening techniques

• Cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, CIS Controls, etc.

• PowerShell

• Preferred expertise:

• NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards

• Python

• OT security solutions such as Dragos

• Microsoft Azure security tools

• Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)

7. System administration, cybersecurity, project management, and IT certifications such as:

• CompTIA Security+, A+, Network+, Project+

• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), GCIH, GCIA, GICSP, GPEN

• Veeam Certified Engineer (VMCE)

• VMware VCP-DCV, VCAP

• Microsoft Azure

• ITIL

8. Demonstrated knowledge of IT Service Desk and IT operations best practices, including expert knowledge of cybersecurity controls, storage, data protection, documentation, ticket resolution, knowledge base development, and disaster recovery protocols.

9. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks as directed in a high-pressure environment, apply critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and abilities.

10. Must possess and demonstrate a wide array of interpersonal skills, including but not limited to; verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, and problem-solving skills. Must be able to establish and maintain professional and harmonious interaction with employees and provide effective and timely responses and status updates as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This job operates primarily in a professional office environment but may include occasional field work at telecom and substation locations. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, multifunction devices (MFDs), and filing cabinets. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties and deadlines demand.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office work performed will primarily consist of sitting at a desk for extended periods of time; frequently operating a computer keyboard AND mouse; communicating by face-to-face visits as well as by telephone. Occasional reaching, stooping, or bending required. Vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

DIRECT

1. IT Department; including contract labor and vendors

2. Data Processing

3. Engineering

INDIRECT

1. All other departments and personnel, as needed or requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Reports to: Director of Information Technology

TEXT to APPLY: 903.636.8348, Use Code: URECCIT

About Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation

Why work for URECC? The bigger question is...why not? Nestled in the heart of East Texas, surrounded by beautiful piney woods and rolling hills, URECC is a growing electric cooperative whose mission and core values are centric to the daily lives of it's employees. URECC offers generous benefits that include, but are not limited to a full medical, dental, vision suite; multiple life insurances, including spouse, child, AD&D and business travel; Short-term & Long-term disability; 401k company match and defined benefit retirement plan. Come and see what makes us different.

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