Operational Technology Network Analyst

Gainesville Regional Utilities; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gainesville Regional Utilities seeks an Operational Technology Network Analyst to support a robust SmartGrid environment, focusing on OT/SCADA systems, security, and regulatory compliance. The role operates on-site and off-site in a secure 24/7/365 environment and collaborates with IT security, SCADA engineers, and vendors to implement secure OT solutions.

Required are an associates or higher in CS/IS/Network/Cybersecurity with relevant experience; travel to remote facilities may be involved.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of communication and data network principles, including fiber optics, voice processing, video processing.
• Foundational knowledge of network administration, physical and electronic security, disaster recovery techniques, and technical problem-solving.
• Basic understanding or willingness to learn common OT communication protocols (ICCP, DNP3, Modbus, OPC) and their use in industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and supports server infrastructure, including virtualized environments, cloud systems, Windows/Linux servers, databases, and storage for OT/SCADA.
• Supports configuration and maintenance of OT network systems, including LAN, WAN, VLAN, wireless, and VPN connectivity.
• Assists with firewall updates, segmentation strategies, and troubleshooting to ensure secure communications.

Education

Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, network systems, cybersecurity or related engineering field

Job description

Career Opportunities: Operational Technology Network Analyst (801)

This position performs advanced, complex technical and analytical work to support a robust multi-facility SmartGrid environment. Work is performed on-site and off-site in a secure, monitored 24/7/365 environment. This role supports the reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance of the bulk electric system, real-time operational systems including SCADA, ICCP, virtualization, and secure communication paths necessary to deliver energy services. Work requires a key technical expert supporting design, security, administration and optimization of Operational Technology and systems supporting critical infrastructure.

Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its lack of supervisory and design responsibility, and basic technical and analytical knowledge and skill in communication/data networks, virtual infrastructure and system security monitoring software.

Examples of Work

Essential Functions:

Monitors and supports server infrastructure, including virtualized environments, cloud systems, Windows/Linux servers, databases, and storage for SCADA and other OT applications within a CIP environment.

Supports configuration and maintenance of OT network systems, including LAN, WAN, VLAN, wireless, and VPN connectivity.

Assists with firewall updates, segmentation strategies, and troubleshooting to ensure secure and reliable communications.

Follows established change-management, configuration-control, preventative-maintenance, and access-control processes in compliance with GRU Cyber Security Policy and NERC CIP requirements.

Assists in setting up and managing server environments such as virtual machines, operating systems, and storage platforms used by OT and SCADA systems.

Collaborates with senior OT staff, IT security, SCADA engineers, and vendors to implement secure and scalable OT solutions.

Participates in system-disruption simulations and follows disaster-recovery, mitigation, and restoration procedures for natural disasters, technical failures, or human interference.

Supports risk assessments, Cyber Vulnerability Assessments, and participates in penetration-testing activities to strengthen OT security.

Assists in maintaining security systems including firewalls, VPNs, IDS, encryption, log-analysis tools, and antivirus technologies in accordance with regulatory standards.

Provides responsive technical support for network, hardware, software, and security issues, including after-hours work and travel to remote facilities.

Examples of Work (continued)

Education

Associate’s degree in a Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field required plus experience as listed in the Experience Section below or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in computer science, information systems, network systems, cybersecurity or a related engineering field preferred with experience requirements listed in the Experience Section below.

Experience

With Associate’s degree: four (4) years of experience in at least two of the following areas: data communications, computer networks/systems/security, or communication projects.

With Bachelor’s degree: Two (2) years of experience in at least two of the following areas: data communications, computer networks/systems/security, or communication projects.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered if it provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Adaptability, Flexibility, Fostering Innovation

Contributes to Achieving GRU's Mission: GRU will provide safe, reliable, competitive utility services in an environmentally responsible manner and will actively contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in our community

Customer Focus

Problem-solving, Analysis, & Reasoning

Self-Management

Professional Technical Competency

Certifications

Valid Florida Class E Driver's License required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic knowledge of communication and data network principles, including fiber optics, voice processing, video processing, and some understanding of radio transmission systems.

Foundational knowledge of network administration, physical and electronic security, disaster recovery techniques, and technical problem-solving.

Basic understanding or willingness to learncommon OT communication protocols (e.g., ICCP, DNP3, Modbus, OPC) and how they are used in industrial control systems.

Abilityto followprocesses and procedures for network systems change management, configuration control, preventative maintenance, access controlin accordance withthe GRU Cyber Security Policy and the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.

Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.

Ability and willingness to follow proper safety practices and use tools and test equipment to ensure the safety of systems, hardware, self, and others.

Openness to coaching and mentoring; willing to take initiative on assigned tasks while learning to support OT projects and continuous improvement efforts.

Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the public while maintaining professionalism and integrity to ensure trust and security.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with customers, coworkers, supervisors, and managers, and to manage work assignments to ensure high-quality performance.

Ability to make sound decisions, maintain positive working relationships, participate in process improvements, stay current on software and hardware systems, and apply customer service and security principles to protect people, data, and property.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (continued)

Physical Requirements

Climbing - Rarely/Never

Driving - Occasionally

Fine Manipulation - Occasionally

Far Vision Acuity - Occasionally

Foot or Leg Controls - Occasionally

Gross Manipulation - Occasionally

Hearing - Often

Keyboarding - Continually

Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Occasionally

Near Visual Acuity - Often

Peripheral Vision - Often

Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs. - Occasionally

Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Occasionally

Reaching Overhead-Occasionally

Speaking - Often

Standing or Walking - Occasionally

Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Occasionally

Required to work during emergency conditions.