Brief Posting 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 NB18; Transmission OT Network Architect II, job grade NB20; Transmission OT Network Architect III, job grade NB22, or Senior Transmission OT Network Architect, job grade NB23. 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: $107,000-$134,000

Transmission OT Network Architect III

Hiring Salary Range: $97,000-$122,000

Transmission OT Network Architect II

Hiring Salary Range: $80,000-$101,000

Transmission OT Network Architect I

Hiring Salary Range: $66,000-$83,000

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

Job Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND 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.

SUCCESS FACTORS/JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Planning: Ability to think ahead and plan within timelines and resources; develop scopes, plan and schedule work; set priorities and goals; anticipate and adjust for problems; evaluate workloads; measure and evaluate performance against established goals.

• Time management: the ability to successfully plan and implement objectives within established timelines and work schedules.

• Ability to analyze problems and develop effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels.

• Technical skills in the application of principles and practices of computer science and information systems including basic computer hardware, software applications, and operating systems.

• Demonstrate behavior consistent with company values.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strong team player.

• Advanced knowledge of networking concepts and network security.

REQUIRED JOB 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.)

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• None

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is primarily required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

• Mental demands: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is required to read, write, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, direct/supervise others, present information to others and work under pressure.

• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is exposed to moderate level of noise. Majority of duties are performed indoors primarily at a desk.

Additional Details

All employees interested in this position may apply online at the Tri-State Intranet site.

Click on Job Postings, then click on the iRecruitment link, Log In, then click on the iRecruitment Employee Candidate link and then click on Search for jobs.

Company Description

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.

Interested? Here is how to Apply:

Go to www.tristategt.org/ and click on the 'Careers' Link. Search for Job and click 'Apply Now' Icon. You will be required to register in order to apply.

Tri-State: Join the people behind the power. Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes medical, dental, retirement and life insurance. Please visit our careers site at www.tristategt.org/careers/ for more details.

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran