POSITION SUMMARY

We seek a skilled Network Administrator to join our team and oversee the network support services New Horizon Electric Cooperative (NHEC) provides to its member cooperatives and other electric cooperatives within South Carolina.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, along with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve network issues within Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) network environments. This role requires excellent communication skills, as the Network Administrator will collaborate closely with other stakeholders to ensure network reliability and support operational functionality.

INDIRECT INFLUENCES

The Network Administrator indirectly influences employees in the Network Services, Metering Services, Electronic Services, Telecommunications, Dynamic Scheduling, and SCADA areas with regards to equipment design, installation, maintenance, and reporting. Works with all company employees to increase use, effectiveness, and knowledge of IT skills, as needed.  

OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS

The Network Specialist interacts with employees at the five member cooperatives, and non-member organizations to administer shared computer networks, as well as, third party vendors and consultants who provide products and services.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The tasks listed below represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

·         Design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking devices.

·         Configure and optimize network settings to ensure maximum performance, reliability, and security.

·         Monitor network performance and troubleshoot bandwidth bottlenecks, network latency, and connectivity problems.

·         Analyzes network efficiency by conducting network tests and running diagnostics to forecast performance thresholds.

·         Implement and maintain network security measures to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.

·         Coordinate with IT, engineering, and operations teams to integrate new devices and technologies into their networks, ensuring compatibility and reliability.

·         Perform routine maintenance tasks such as software updates, patches, and firmware upgrades on network equipment.

·         Create and maintain network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and procedures.

·         Provide technical support and assistance to field technicians and other staff in diagnosing and resolving network-related issues.

·         Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends in networking and cybersecurity to recommend and implement improvements.

·         Participate in the planning and executing of network expansion projects and upgrades to support the company's growth and modernization initiatives.

Remain on call as scheduled or needed to assist with outages during and after normal work hours. Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

·         An associate degree in information technology systems, computer science, or a related field and experience in information technology systems or a related area, with five years of network-related work experience.

·         Relevant work experience may be substituted for the associate degree on a year-for-year basis.

·         Network-related certifications are a plus and may contribute to the work experience.

·         Proven experience as a Network Administrator or similar role, focusing on managing complex network infrastructures.

·         Strong understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, Ethernet, MPLS, and VPNs, as well as experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus).

• Hands-on experience with network equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, etc.

• Familiarity with network performance monitoring and management solutions. (Wireshark, SNMP monitoring, etc.).

• Familiarity with network security principles and best practices, including encryption, authentication, and access control.

• Experience with the creation, configuration, and management of Industrial Control Systems networks is desired.

• Must possess a working knowledge of typical WAN/LAN concepts, including a familiarity with cybersecurity-related principles such as segmentation, network access controls, and firewall management.

About New Horizon Electric Cooperative Inc

New Horizon Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, nonprofit cooperative with five electric membership cooperatives in the upstate of South Carolina.

Connections working at New Horizon Electric Cooperative Inc