IT Systems Administrator

Careerwebsite; Carrington (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is looking for a Senior IT Systems Administrator to ensure stability, security, and performance of core IT and OT systems. You will manage servers, virtualization, networking, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 environments from our Carrington/Cando offices.

You will lead disaster recovery, contribute to technology road maps, and drive security improvements with a focus on documentation and training. Strong communication and a proactive mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in systems administration, network engineering or a related IT infrastructure role.
• Experience with Cisco Meraki, Veeam, Hyper-V, NISC, SQL, Power BI, scripting, Windows Server, Linux.

Responsibilities

• Architect & Manage Core Infrastructure
• Lead Network
• Security Operations
• Oversee Communication Systems
• Support Operational Technology
• Own Disaster Recovery & Incident Response
• Evaluate Emerging Tech & AI
• Escalation Support & Training
• Document & Improve
• The above responsibilities are a guide and are not all-inclusive for the responsibilities of the position.

Skills

Security best practices

Automation

Documentation

M365/AD/DNS/DHCP

Network/IT & OT

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

Veeam

Hyper-V

Cisco Meraki

Power BI

Dell PowerEdge

Cisco Firewalls

Job description

Join our team as a Senior IT Systems Administrator to ensure the stability, security, and performance of our core IT and OT systems. We are currently modernizing our Cooperatives IT systems, making this an exciting time to come aboard!

Work out of our Cando OR Carrington office. Competitive salary & benefits package, including health insurance, 401k, pension, and paid vacation.

In this role, you will manage and maintain our servers, virtualization platforms, networking infrastructure, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 environments. You will provide proactive technical support, troubleshoot complex issues alongside team members and deliver comprehensive training to users. Additionally, you will support disaster recovery processes, contribute to future technology road mapping and upgrade planning and adhere to industry best practices. Success in this position requires strong documentation habits, a commitment to organizational values and security standards and a drive for continuous improvement.

Essential Duties

• Architect & Manage Core Infrastructure
• Lead Network
• Security Operations
• Oversee Communication Systems
• Support Operational Technology
• Own Disaster Recovery & Incident Response
• Evaluate Emerging Tech & AI
• Escalation Support & Training
• Document & Improve
• The above responsibilities are a guide and are not all-inclusive for the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

• Core Skills: A forward-thinking leader dedicated to security best practices, technology automation, detailed documentation, and aligning tech solutions with organizational values.
• Resilience & Security Expertise: Proven experience designing disaster recovery processes and leading or participating in cybersecurity incident response.
• Network & OT Expertise: Direct experience managing VLAN routing, firewall deployments, supporting both IT and OT environments.
• Technical Expertise: Proven hands-on experience managing M365 environments, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP and enterprise networks.
• Strong Work Ethic: Candidates must be self-motivated, detail oriented, organized, with the ability to prioritize both short- and long-term objectives.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Must have the ability to communicate in a clear courteous, professional manner when working with the members, contractors and fellow employees in both a technical and non-technical manner.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to be certified is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license with a good driving record.

Education / Experience

• Education: A Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration, network engineering or a related IT infrastructure role.
• Experience with any of the following applications/tools a plus: Cisco Meraki, Veeam, Hyper-V, NISC, SQL, Power BI, scripting, Windows Server, Linux.
• Experience with Dell PowerEdge Servers, Cisco Firewalls and Switches a plus.
• Experience in electrical utility industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of security standards FERC/NERC, NIST SP 800-53 and/or NIST SP 800-82 a plus.
• Experience requirements may be adjusted if the appropriate formal education and applicable work experience are demonstrated.

Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer