Cando or Carrington, ND

Join our team as a Senior IT Systems Administrator to ensure the stability, security, and performance of our core IT and OT systems. We are currently modernizing our Cooperative’s IT systems, making this an exciting time to come aboard!

In this role, you will manage and maintain our servers, virtualization platforms, networking infrastructure, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 environments. You will provide proactive technical support, troubleshoot complex issues alongside team members and deliver comprehensive training to users.  Additionally, you will support disaster recovery processes, contribute to future technology road mapping and upgrade planning and adhere to industry best practices. Success in this position requires strong documentation habits, a commitment to organizational values and security standards and a drive for continuous improvement.

Essential Duties

• Architect & Manage Core Infrastructure: Maintain and optimize servers, virtualization platforms, Active Directory and Microsoft 365 environments.
• Lead Network: Manage organization-wide networking and VLANs for secure network segmentation, configure and monitor firewalls.
• Security Operations: Ensure best practices are enforced within our environment, MFA compliance, monitor security platforms, XDR systems and interface with SOC to protect both IT and OT environments.
• Oversee Communication Systems: Administer and support enterprise communication systems including; VOIP phone, two-way radio and substation communication systems.
• Support Operational Technology (OT): Oversee and secure OT systems (SCADA, AMI, Facility, Security) ensuring high availability and safe integration with IT infrastructure.
• Own Disaster Recovery & Incident Response: Design, test, and execute comprehensive disaster recovery plans and serve as a technical lead during security incident response efforts to minimize downtime and contain threats.
• Evaluate Emerging Tech & AI: Proactively evaluate and test AI tools and automation software to improve organizational efficiency, reporting, security and workflow automation.
• Escalation Support & Training: Provide advanced, tier-2 and tier-3 technical troubleshooting and user training via phone, remotely and on-site.
• Document & Improve: Establish detailed documentation practices for IT/OT workflows and drive continuous improvement across all processes.

The above responsibilities are a guide and are not all-inclusive for the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

• Core Skills: A forward-thinking leader dedicated to security best practices, technology automation, detailed documentation, and aligning tech solutions with organizational values.
• Resilience & Security Expertise: Proven experience designing disaster recovery processes and leading or participating in cybersecurity incident response.   
• Network & OT Expertise: Direct experience managing VLAN routing, firewall deployments, supporting both IT and OT environments.
• Technical Expertise: Proven hands-on experience managing M365 environments, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP and enterprise networks.
• Strong Work Ethic: Candidates must be self-motivated, detail oriented, organized, with the ability to prioritize both short- and long-term objectives.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Must have the ability to communicate in a clear courteous, professional manner when working with the members, contractors and fellow employees in both a technical and non-technical manner.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to be certified is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Education / Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration, network engineering or a related IT infrastructure role.
• Experience with any of the following applications/tools a plus: Cisco Meraki, Veeam, Hyper-V, NISC, SQL, Power BI, scripting, Windows Server, Linux.
• Experience with Dell PowerEdge Servers, Cisco Firewalls and Switches a plus.
• Experience in electrical utility industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of security standards FERC/NERC, NIST SP 800-53 and/or NIST SP 800-82 a plus.
• Experience requirements may be adjusted if the appropriate formal education and applicable work experience are demonstrated.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based in either the Cooperative’s Cando or Carrington office with travel 1-2 days per week to non-primary site as needed.
• Hours associated with this position are normally 7-4pm or 8-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Additional hours may be required during emergencies or when workload requires.
• Position will require work to be performed primarily inside but occasionally outside under a variety of weather conditions.
• Travel throughout the Cooperative’s service territory is required occasionally.
• Infrequent overnight travel may be necessary.

Physical Demands

• Requires occasional lifting up to 50lbs and installing and removing network equipment. Heavier objects lifted with proper equipment following safe lifting practices.
• Occasionally required to twist, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and handle materials.
• Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manipulation and feeling.
• Frequently identifying and reading color-coded schematics and network documentation. 

Reporting / Supervision

            Reports to: Manager Information Technology      
 

Application Timeline

• Apply by October 26, 2026.
• To apply for the position, please fill out our NPEC application (see blue button below, labeled 'Job Application'). Send in completed NPEC application and resume to chrism@nplains.com or mail to:

Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
Attn: Mgr. of I.T.
PO Box 180
Carrington, ND 58421

• Any questions can be addressed by calling, 701-652-1843.

Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer

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Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer