Security Infrastructure Engineer

Johnston County Public Schools; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnston County Public Schools Technology Services – Smithfield, NC seeks a Security Infrastructure Engineer to safeguard the district’s technology and data. You will implement security policies, monitor networks, and respond to incidents across K-12 schools.

The role requires solid knowledge of Windows Server, AD, Azure/Entra ID, Google Workspace for Education, firewalls, and scripting. It is a 12-month, full-time position with pay grade 82 and immediate starting date.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-4 years of experience in IT systems, networking, cybersecurity, or related roles.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure/Entra ID, Google Workspace, firewalls, and basic scripting.
• Understanding of NIST CSF, CIS Controls, and K-12 security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Monitor district networks, servers, cloud platforms, and endpoints for security alerts.
• Analyze logs, conduct threat assessments, and manage alerts from SIEM, firewall, endpoint protection, and email security systems.
• Lead or assist with investigations, containment, remediation, and recovery of security incidents.
• Maintain and tune security tools such as firewalls, DNS filtering, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanners, and identity security tools.
• Manage secure user access practices across Active Directory, Azure/Entra ID, Google Workspace for Education, and district applications.
• Enforce MFA, password policies, and least-privilege access; conduct regular access reviews.
• Ensure district compliance with NC DPI requirements, NIST CSF, CIS Controls, FERPA, CIPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Develop cybersecurity awareness training for staff and provide guidance to administrators.

Skills

Security monitoring

Incident response

Policy enforcement

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Scripting basics

Cloud platforms (Azure/Entra ID)

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in IT, Cybersecurity, CS, or related field

Tools

Windows Server

Active Directory

Azure/Entra ID

Google Workspace for Education

Firewalls

Vulnerability scanners

SIEM / IDP tooling

Job description

Johnston County Public Schools Technology Services - Smithfield, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

Security Infrastructure Engineer

Job Details

Job ID: 5531385
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Feb 10, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

DATE: Feb 10, 2026

POSITION: Security Infrastructure Engineer

LOCATION: Technology - District Technology Office

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Technology

SALARY: Pay Grade 82

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

Effective: 5/1/2026

Position Summary

The Information Security Specialist is responsible for safeguarding the district’s technology infrastructure, data, and systems by developing, implementing, and maintaining security policies, tools, and best practices. This position monitors for threats, responds to incidents, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and supports secure technology operations across all K-12 schools within the district. The role requires strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges in public education.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Cybersecurity Operations

• Monitor district networks, servers, cloud platforms, and endpoints for security alerts, anomalies, and indicators of compromise.
• Analyze logs, conduct threat assessments, and manage alerts from SIEM, firewall, endpoint protection, and email security systems.
• Lead or assist with investigations, containment, remediation, and recovery of security incidents.
• Maintain and tune security tools such as firewalls, DNS filtering, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanners, and identity security tools.

Identity & Access Management

• Manage secure user access practices across Active Directory, Azure/Entra ID, Google Workspace for Education, and district applications.
• Enforce MFA, password policies, and least-privilege access.
• Conduct regular access reviews and support account lifecycle processes.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure district compliance with NC DPI requirements, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, FERPA, CIPA, and other applicable regulations.
• Conduct annual risk assessments and participate in external audits.
• Maintain documentation for policies, procedures, recovery plans, and incident response.

Security Awareness & Training

• Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness training for staff, including phishing simulations and safe computing practices.
• Provide guidance to school administrators, technology facilitators, and support staff on secure use of district technology resources.

Systems & Network Security

• Assist in hardening servers, switches, wireless systems, cloud resources, and network infrastructure.
• Support secure configuration and patch management across district devices.
• Review and validate vendor security controls for third-party applications and integrations.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Maintain and test data backup systems, restoration procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
• Participate in district continuity planning for critical technology services.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-4 years of experience in IT systems, networking, cybersecurity, or related roles.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure/Entra ID, Google Workspace, firewalls, and basic scripting.
• Understanding of NIST CSF, CIS Controls, and K-12 security best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in K-12 or public sector IT.
• Certifications such as Security+, CySA+, SSCP, CCNA Security, Microsoft Security Analyst, or equivalent.
• Experience with SIEM tools, EDR solutions, vulnerability management platforms, and cloud security.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff and administrators.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a school environment.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, install or inspect equipment, and travel between district locations.
• Office setting with occasional on-site work in schools and data closets.

Salary & Work Schedule

• 12-month position (full-time).
• Salary based on NC public school salary schedule / district supplemental scale.

DISCLAIMERS: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Kristina Benson , Certified Hiring Director
• 2320 US 70 Bus Hwy E.
• Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]