Sr. Systems Administrator

The Sr. Systems Administrator position reports to the Technology Manager and will provide technical services for the company. This position requires working with peers and vendors and will be responsible for technical support of the SCADA/EMS system, networks, and security to prevent threats to infrastructure. This position will be responsible for the following within the scope of their duties: problem resolution; ensure high systems availability; identify and document needed additions and changes; evaluate and apply patches; installation of upgrades; change management, baseline management, evidence collection, and timely after hours support when urgent. This position ensures compliance with the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards (as well as the other NERC Reliability Standards as applicable) in collaboration with the Operations, Asset Management, and Compliance departments.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain servers, PCs, and network-related equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless systems including: OS patches, firmware upgrades, and configuration changes to all WETT IT systems, including Corporate, Operations, and Substation Networks as required.
• Perform vulnerability scanning/monitoring, baseline, and evidence collection for critical assets to ensure NERC CIP compliance.
• Ensure reliable systems backups and recovery operations.
• Maintain anti-virus software for BES Cyber systems and Corporate Environment.
• Enforce security policies for Corporate and Operations networks and provide senior management of security risks.
• Maintain and monitor system and network infrastructure availability and perform preventive maintenance to enhance system availability and stability.
• Provide occasional after hours support of the EMS/SCADA and Corporate Systems.
• Assist with development of, and abide by procedures for, increasing Cyber Security (NERC and ERCOT compliant), Change Management and other IT processes.
• Participate in related industry forums and training to continuously update knowledge base.

Major Activities/Key Challenges

• Perform analysis to ensure system compliance with best practices and security guidelines.
• Plan for growth and capacity utilization.
• Troubleshoot system problems and engage vendor support as necessary.
• Participate in Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery planning and drills.
• Monitor and maintain WETT’s telecommunication systems to ensure minimal downtime including telephone, internal data networks and external networks, routers and switches, firewalls, and file/web servers.
• Provide investigation, root cause analysis, and problem resolution.
• Create or improve processes for operations.
• Occasional travel to West Texas substation locations.

Essential Knowledge & Skills/Education

• Minimum five years Windows system administrator/network administrator experience in a lead role.
• Solid understanding of Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Security, system hardening and threat monitoring.
• Strong VMware experience.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networks: Layer 2 and routing protocols (OSPF and BGP).
• Powershell scripting experience.
• Experience configuring routers, switches, and firewalls (Cisco and Palo Alto experience preferred).
• Familiarity with ManageEngine Desktop Central, Tripwire, Nessus, Nmap, LogRhythm, DUO two-factor authentication, and other security software.
• Ability to communicate technical issues fluently using English, in verbal and written formats.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems or Electrical Engineering or related degree in engineering or engineering technology preferred.
• Proficient skill with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills working with management, team members, system operators and staff.
• This is a highly visible position and candidates must be self-motivated.
• Experience with OSI SCADA or knowledge and experience with other SCADA/EMS systems preferred but not required.
• Security certifications (SANS, Security+, CISSP, etc.) preferred but not required.
• NERC CIP knowledge and/or experience preferred but not required.