IT Systems Administrator

Clay Today; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Pension

Paid vacation

Job summary

Northern Plains Electric Cooperative seeks a Senior IT Systems Administrator to ensure the stability, security, and performance of its core IT and OT systems. You will manage servers, virtualization platforms, networking infrastructure, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 environments.

You will provide proactive technical support, troubleshoot complex issues, and deliver training to users. This role emphasizes disaster recovery, security compliance, and future tech roadmapping, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
• 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.
• 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.

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

Skills

Security

Disaster recovery

AD & M365

Networking

Documentation

Scripting

Windows Server

Linux

Power BI

Cybersecurity incident response

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Cisco Meraki

Veeam

Hyper-V

NISC

SQL

Power BI

Windows Server

Linux

Dell PowerEdge Servers

Cisco Firewalls

Switches

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 Cooperative’s 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 driver’s license with a good driving record.

Education / Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s 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