Job Description:

Responsible for the data/communications operating environments used within the Transmission OT networks at the Primary and Backup Control Centers. Ensures proposed changes to the Transmission OT environment are appropriate for the Transmission OT network and compatible with existing system architecture. Coordinates network architecture, network operations, and computer operations with other Tri-State Information Systems departments and with other concerned departments at Tri-State. Responsible for monitoring network and security events and assuring compliance with NERC Cyber Security requirements related to the Transmission OT network.

Note:

There is one position available and the position will be filled at one of four job grade levels: Transmission OT Network Architect I, job grade 7; Transmission OT Network Architect II, job grade 8, Transmission OT Network Architect III, job grade 9; or Senior OT Network Architect, job grade 10. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected, and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes:

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 50%, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Senior Transmission OT Network Architect

Hiring Salary Range: $110,000-151,000

Transmission OT Network Architect III

Hiring Salary Range: $100,000-$135,000

Transmission OT Network Architect II

Hiring Salary Range: $86,000-$116,000

Transmission OT Network Architect I

Hiring Salary Range: $78,000-$105,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain appropriate network operations standards and architecture models including hubs, routers, switches, protocols, firewalls, and network access devices (such as dial-in, RAS, VPN) keeping in mind normal system uses, emergency and disaster needs, and system security.

• Prepare status reports for the manager on assigned projects.

• Assure compliance with NERC Cyber Security requirements to include development and on-going administration of Transmission OT policies and procedures.

• Customize networks and devices based on requirements from users, vendor architectures to meet NERC/WECC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) regulations for control systems.

• Establish benchmarks for network testing in conjunction with Transmission OT management and in accordance with Transmission OT CIP procedures.

• Provide technical assistance, resolve problems and client questions regarding all Tri-State supported and vendor‑supplied network software and hardware used for support of the Transmission OT network and associated applications.

• Monitor network and security events and generate periodic security reports.

• Monitor, resolve and/or repair all Transmission OT network hardware and software problems; schedule vendor repairs for any problems that cannot be resolved in‑house.

• Perform research and investigate network operating environment developments to maintain the efficient functioning of Transmission OT computer hardware and software.

• Provide assistance in the preparation of the annual budget.

• Adhere to and demonstrate compliance with appropriate electric utility industry regulatory requirements.

• Attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of development in regulations, laws, standards and best practices applicable to the functional area including, but not limited to, Standards of Conduct, Environmental, Employment Law, NERC Reliability Standards and Safety. Must be familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of Corporate Policy C-54, Compliance

• Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.

• Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help with the automation of system monitoring and compliance procedures.

• Generate compliance reports related to the network security and event monitoring routinely.

• Work irregular hours, to include responsibility for the rotating department on-call duty requirement.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Training

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education.

• Training and/or equivalent experience in the networking related areas of electric utility real time systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Ability to apply and strong knowledge of, principles and practices of computer science and networking concepts.

• Ability to apply principles and practices of basic computer hardware, operating systems, and software applications.

• Ability to apply principles of network design and architecture, network protocols, network security and encryption and routing protocols

• Ability to write code or scripts for automation

• Ability to make clear, consistent, and timely decisions.

• Ability to maintain clear and open communication with peers and customers.

• Ability to maintain cooperation and collaboration.

• Ability to work in partnership with other teams and functional areas.

• Ability to deliver high quality and innovative service to internal/external customers.

• Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical employees and others.

• Knowledge of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

• Knowledge of Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS)

• Knowledge of process control and supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA)

• Knowledge of operating systems security policies and logging mechanisms and local firewalls

• Knowledge of operating systems advanced security tools such as Security Enhanced Linux (SE Linux)

• Knowledge of change management and configuration management principles

Experience:

• Eight (8) or more years of Information Technology (IT) or Operation Technology (OT) experience and/or holding one or more of the recognized networking certificates or equivalent experience

• Windows Server and Active Directory

• LINUX Systems

• FortiOS and Cisco IOS

• Virtualization technologies (VMWare and Hyper-V)

• Tripwire

• Splunk

• Security and networking tools such as Nessus, Nagios, Cyberark, RSA, etc.

• Backup software management tools

• Those with less experience will be hired at the Transmission OT Network Architect I, II, or III job grade level, as appropriate.

Other:

• Willingness to travel as needed for meetings, conferences and training (Must possess a valid driver’s license.)

About Us:

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with 45 members, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.

Tri-State was founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity. Headquartered in Westminster, Colo., approximately 1,200 people are employed by Tri-State across five states.

Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas and hydropower, with a rapidly increasing supply generated from wind and solar. Tri-State delivers power to its members through a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and over 5,700 miles of high voltage transmission lines. Tri-State's transformative Responsible Energy Plan is reducing emissions, increasing renewable resources, developing new energy services and delivering more flexibility for its members.

Job Identification: 5

Job Category: Transmission Operations

Posting Date: 2023-12-14T19:10:47+00:00

Job Schedule: Full time

Hiring Salary Range: $78,000-$151,000

Locations: 1100 W 116th Ave, Westminster, CO, 80234, US

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.