IT/OT Systems Administrator

About Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA) is a joint-public agency dedicated to serving the energy needs of municipal electric utilities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Founded to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power, KYMEA provides wholesale power supply, energy market services, and operational support to its member communities. KYMEAs mission is to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services to the communities we serve through collaboration and operational excellence. Our portfolio includes diverse generation resourcesfrom renewable energy projects to traditionalpower facilitiesensuring resiliency and long-term stability for the communities we serve. At KYMEA, we value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. We are proud to support local growth, provide meaningful career opportunities, and play a vital role in energizing Kentuckys communities. Position Title: IT/OT Systems Administrator Department: Market Operations Supervisor: Vice President of Market Analytics FLSA Status: Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The IT/OT Systems Administrator is responsible for the administration, support, and security of the companys Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and underlying communication networks. This role bridges traditional informational technology (IT) with operational technology (OT), ensuring the reliability, performance, and protection of KYMEAs critical infrastructure. The administrator will collaborate closely with both IT and Operations to deliver seamless, secure, and innovative solutions. RESPONSIBILITIES: A. System Administration: 1. Manage, maintain, and support all SCADA components, including servers, workstations, databases, and associated hardware/software. B. Network & Communications Management: 1. Administer, monitor, and troubleshoot networks and communication systems (e.g., TCP/IP/Ethernet, radio, fiber optic, cellular) connecting remote sites and control centers. C. Cybersecurity & Compliance: 1. Implement and maintain robust OT/ICS cybersecurity controls, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention, and compliance with standards such as NERC CIP (energy). 2. Support implementation and maintenance of industry-required cybersecurity controls in coordination with the Security Service Partner. 3. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to network and system vulnerabilities. D. Troubleshooting and Support: 1. Diagnose and resolve complex SCADA hardware, software, and communication protocol issues (Modbus, DNP3, OPC, ICCP). Provide 24/7 on-call support for urgent operational needs. E. System Maintenance and Upgrades: 1. Plan and execute system expansions, upgrades, and integrations in partnership with engineers, integrators, and operations staff. 2. Track applicable purchase order-related purchases and advise accounting on completeness status. F. Documentation and Reporting: 1. Maintain comprehensive system documentation (network diagrams, configurations, operational procedures) and prepare reports for performance monitoring, risk management, and audits. G. Emergency Response: 1. Provide training, technical guidance, and end-user support to operations personnel and other stakeholders. 2. Support emergency response planning for outages and network disruptions. 3. Support coordination and performance of emergency response drills, including coordination with remote locations. 4. Perform other duties as required. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills. 2. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with various personnel and technical groups (including KYMEA employees, contractors, and other KYMEA partners). 3. Ability to read and comprehend processes, technical documents, specifications, and drawings, and other diagrams. 4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 5. Ability to plan, delegate, direct, and review the work of third-party partners and contractors. 6. Proficiency with customary computer programs, including database software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, other applicable network and asset management systems, and software. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 1. Two-year Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of a high school diploma (or GED) and a minimum of five years of relevant experience is considered. 2. Threefive years of hands-on experience in SCADA administration, industrial control systems (ICS), or operational technology (OT) with familiarity with one or more major SCADA systems (e.g., AVEVA Wonderware, GE iFIX, Siemens WinCC, Inductive Automation Ignition). 3. Strong knowledge of Modbus, DNP3, ICCP, OPC-UA, and other industrial communication protocols. 4. Proven experience in network design, configuration, and troubleshooting (switches, routers, firewalls) 5. Knowledge of OT/ICS cybersecurity frameworks and best practices. 6. Perform some SCADA system programming in the form of scripting languages (SQL, Python, PowerShell, etc.), strongly preferred. CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS: 1. Valid driver's license. 2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 3. Palo Alto certification (PCNSE) 4. Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA) 5. Certified Power Technology (CPT)-optional PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Work performed in both office and industrial settings. 2. Moderate fieldwork required at remote facilities requiring travel within Kentucky. 3. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 4. Prolonged periods of walking and/or standing. 5. Frequent reaching and/or climbing. 6. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds regularly, occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. 7. Must be available for after-hours emergency response. SUPERVISES: 1. N/A This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change at the discretion of KYMEA. The successful candidate must be willing to participate in and pass a pre-employment background check and drug test to the satisfaction of KYMEA.