Energy Management System Administrator

City of Lubbock; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lubbock is seeking an Energy Management System (EMS) Administrator to manage SCADA-EMS applications, OS, databases, networks, and OT infrastructure to keep the electric system reliable 24/7.

The role emphasizes NERC CIP compliance, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and incident response, with progression recognition for increasing technical proficiency, independence, and leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or four years of IT/OT experience.
• Experience with SCADA-EMS systems and OT networks.
• Knowledge of NERC CIP, cybersecurity, and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain SCADA/EMS servers, networks, and OT infrastructure.
• Ensure NERC CIP compliance through documentation, audits, and reporting.
• Maintain cybersecurity safeguards and incident response plans.
• Develop disaster recovery and continuity test plans.
• Collaborate with Operations, IT, Compliance, and vendors to resolve issues.
• At advanced levels, mentor staff and lead major EMS/cybersecurity initiatives.

Skills

SCADA-EMS experience

IT administration

Cybersecurity

Networking

Regulatory compliance

Audit support

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Oracle/SQL

Windows Server

Linux

Firewall management

Job description

As an Energy Management System (EMS) Administrator, you’ll administer and maintain the specialized applications, operating systems, databases, networks, cybersecurity controls, and hardware that support LP&L’s SCADA-EMS and operational technology environment. You’ll help ensure continuous and secure 24/7 electric system functionality while supporting NERC CIP compliance, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, system reliability, and emergency response.

This four-level career progression recognizes increasing technical proficiency, independence, cybersecurity and compliance responsibility, problem-solving capability, and ability to train and lead others with placement based on qualification and demonstrated proficiency.

• Administer, monitor, maintain, upgrade, optimize, and troubleshoot SCADA/EMS servers, workstations, applications, databases, networks, and supporting OT infrastructure; perform capacity planning and performance tuning.
• Execute assigned NERC CIP compliance responsibilities, including documentation, evidence collection, audits, reporting, RSAW reviews, policy and procedure reviews, and regulatory support.
• Maintain cybersecurity safeguards for EMS/OT assets, including network and firewall controls, security monitoring, assessments, and incident response preparation.
• Develop, maintain, and test disaster recovery and continuity capabilities; respond to system failures, emergencies, upgrades, drills, and restoration scenarios.
• Coordinate with Operations, Engineering, IT, Compliance, and vendors to resolve technical issues and support reliability, security, and evolving system requirements.
• At advanced levels, train and mentor administrators, lead complex technical initiatives, and provide senior EMS, cybersecurity, and compliance subject-matter leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Qualifications will vary based on the progression level at which the candidate is placed.
• Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications established for their assigned progression level.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, OR a minimum of four years of experience in IT administration, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, or electric utility OT SCADA/EMS systems.
• Maintain required continuing education, certifications, qualifications, and training for the assigned progression level.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Linux/Windows system administration and relational databases such as Oracle/SQL.
• Experience with NERC Operations, Planning, and CIP compliance practices, including audit administration, self-certification documentation, self-reports, and mitigation plans.
• Experience with IT security, networking, systems administration, application development, and Energy Management System operational processes and procedures.

Conditions of Employment:

• Meet NERC CIP-004 personnel risk assessment requirements and ongoing requirements.
• Critical Infrastructure: This position has been determined to have close contact with, or control of Critical Infrastructure components. This position is subject to extensive background checks and random drug screening.

• This position requires, in addition to any requirements of Human Resources (HR), and prior to a final job offer, per NERC CIP-004, the completion of a seven year criminal background check, identity verification (e.g. Social Security number verification), and the passing of a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA).
• Continued employment in this position will require the NERC CIP-004 requirements to be satisfactorily completed every seven years from date of employment, and/or last PRA.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of SCADA-EMS/OT environments, bulk electric system operations, and transmission, substation, and distribution systems sufficient to support assigned technical responsibilities.
• Knowledge of applicable NERC Reliability Standards, NERC CIP Standards, ERCOT requirements, BES Cyber Assets/BES Cyber Systems, and cybersecurity principles relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of networking, security event monitoring and response, server and software administration, system troubleshooting, and critical infrastructure security.

Abilities to:

• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, communicate technical information clearly, collaborate across teams, maintain accurate records and compliance evidence, and perform effectively during system disturbances or emergency conditions.
• At advanced levels, ability to train and mentor other EMS Administrators, lead cross-functional technical efforts, and serve as a subject matter expert for EMS administration and NERC CIP compliance.

Physical Requirements

• This position may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching above/at/below shoulder height, upper-trunk movement, and occasional crawling to inspect or support equipment.
• The position may require lifting and carrying equipment for up to 100 pounds.
• Work may include off-hours and 24/7 support responsibilities based on operational needs.