Cloud Administrator 1 at Central Research – LOWELL, Arkansas

Position Summary:

The Cloud Administrator 1 is responsible for supporting, managing, and maintaining enterprise cloud environments across Microsoft Azure and AWS, along with providing on premises and in office technical support as needed. This role combines hands on cloud operations, monitoring, security compliance, automation, and user support activities.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail oriented, and effective in a collaborative environment. This role supports virtual infrastructure, cloud services, identity platforms, and hybrid workloads. Security, compliance, and adherence to federal standards must be applied to all configurations and operational activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Cloud Infrastructure & Platform OperationsDeploy, administer, and maintain Azure and AWS services, including virtual machines, storage accounts, networking components, identity services, and cloud native applications. Manage hybrid cloud infrastructure and assist with integrations between on premises systems and cloud platforms (e.g., Azure AD Connect, VPN/Gateway configurations). Monitor cloud resources for performance, cost optimization, and operational availability.Assist in lifecycle management, patching, and configuration of cloud and virtualized systems. Security, Compliance & Governance Implement and maintain cloud security controls aligned with federal and organizational policies. Perform vulnerability remediation follow up, documentation, and reporting. Identify noncompliance using DISA STIGs, CIS and other required frameworks. Track and monitor virus activity through the Incident Response Program, documenting security and DR events per policy.Support ongoing updates to incident response and disaster recovery plans. Conduct continuous monitoring and periodic audits for FISMA, HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITRUST, ISO 27001, and other regulatory standards. Schedule and distribute recurring cybersecurity reports. Automation & Optimization Assist with developing automated processes for provisioning, monitoring, configuration management, and security enforcement (PowerShell, Python, cloud native automation tools). Support Infrastructure as Code (IaC) efforts using modern tooling (ARM/Bicep, Terraform, CloudFormation preferred). Collaboration & Cross Team SupportWork closely with infrastructure, security, telephony, and operations teams to ensure reliable and compliant cloud service delivery. Participate in planning sessions for new cloud initiatives and provide recommendations based on best practices. In Office / On Premises Support Activities Provide in office technical support as needed, including workstation support, hardware troubleshooting, network assistance, and onsite support for IT teams or leadership.Support local incident response, device configuration, and troubleshooting activities requiring physical presence. Assist with equipment deployment, inventory tasks, and hands on support for hybrid infrastructure components.

Minimum Requirements (Education & Experience):

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, IT, or related field (experience may substitute for degree).

Strong understanding of cloud technologies such as virtualization, containerization, and orchestration.

Experience with scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, or similar).

U.S. Citizenship (per contract requirement).

Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Ability to obtain and maintain a 6c Public Trust clearance.

Must NOT be in default on any Federal Student Loans or defaulted loans that are guaranteed by the federal government (typically 270 days past due).Felonies or misdemeanors within the last 7 years could cause an issue in obtaining a security clearance.Applicants who have monies in non-medical Collections exceeding $7,500 could also cause an issue in obtaining the required security clearance.Must be a US Citizen

Preferred Requirements (Education & Experience):

AWS, Azure, or M365 certifications.

Military or DoD background in network security or similar environment.

Experience in Federal Government, DoD, Department of Education servicing centers, or financial/insurance industries.

Hands on experience with security frameworks such as NIST 800 53, PCI, ISO, and ITIL.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot real time network and system issues.

Understanding of distributed computing, networking concepts, and cloud architectures.

Strong grasp of data center and cloud technologies.

Ability to relay technical information in a clear, understandable format to diverse audiences.

Familiarity with PCI controls, ITIL practices, ISO frameworks, and NIST guidelines.

Other Requirements/Information:

Travel up to 10% may be required.

Other duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.

BYOD and ability to respond to on-call needs is required.

EEO Statement:

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Know Your Rights Poster can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.

Please note: We are currently unable to consider applicants residing in California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and the city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your understanding.