Network Associate Jobs in Gainesville, FL (NOW HIRING)

This position provides leadership and performs advanced, complex technical and analytical work to support a robust multi-facility SmartGrid environment. Work is performed on-site and off-site in a secure, monitored 24/7/365 environment. This role supports the reliability, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance of the bulk electric system, real-time operational systems including SCADA, ICCP, virtualization, and secure communication paths necessary to deliver energy services. Work requires a key technical expert supporting design, security, administration and optimization of Operational Technology and systems supporting critical infrastructure, while also providing technical guidance and coordination to team members.

Incumbents in this classification report to a designated manager and operate with minimal supervision. This position is distinguished by its supervisory and team leadership responsibilities, coordination of work activities, and mastery of advanced technical and analytical skills related to the planning, design, and administration of communication/data networks, computer systems, and supporting software. The role is further distinguished by its responsibility to lead complex technical efforts, influence team direction, and ensure consistent execution of standards, processes, and operational priorities.

Examples of Work

Essential Functions

Leads Operational Technology (OT) initiatives, including feasibility studies, capacity planning, performance analysis, and technology evaluations, and serves as project lead for network-related and system-related efforts.

Designs, installs, administers, operates, tests, and maintains multi-facility LAN, WAN, wireless, IVR, and IP networks, as well as servers, virtual/physical appliances, routers, switches, VLANs, and related hardware.

Develops and follows change-management, configuration-control, preventative-maintenance, and access-control processes in compliance with GRU Cyber Security Policy and NERC CIP requirements.

Installs, operates, and maintains physical plant security systems, including access controls, alarms, and wired/wireless security devices across multiple facilities.

Designs and maintains redundant systems and recovery procedures to ensure system integrity, disaster recovery capability, and operational continuity for critical network assets.

Plans and conducts simulations to test system resilience; develops disaster recovery and impact-reduction strategies for outages caused by natural disasters, technical failures, or human events.

Performs risk assessments and Cyber Vulnerability Assessments for the operational technology environment, including penetration testing and security evaluations.

Designs, implements, tests, and maintains physical and electronic security programs, technologies, and policies, while staying current with emerging threats and security alerts.

Provides technical support for network and security issues; operates and maintains security systems such as firewalls, VPNs, IDS, cryptographic tools, biometrics, antivirus, and logging systems; communicates security policies to users and supports regulatory compliance.

Assist in developing budgets and responsible in monitoring, managing project and operational budgets to ensure effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.

Examples of Work (continued)

Non-Essential Function

Develops and delivers training materials for end users and OT staff.

Conducts research on new technologies, products, and standards for improvement and procurement.

Performs cost-benefit and ROI analyses for proposed network components.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including after-hours work, training attendance, and travel to remote sites.

Education

Associate’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field required plus experience as listed in the Experience Section below or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in computer science, information systems, network systems, cybersecurity or a related engineering field preferred with experience requirements listed in the Experience Section below.

Experience

Bachelor’s degree: Six (6) years of experience in the following areas: data communications, computer networks/systems/security, or communication projects.

Associate’s degree: Eight (8) years of experience in the following areas: data communications, computer networks/systems/security, or communication projects.

Significant experience leading OT network operations within secure, multi-facility industrial or utility environments.

Proven background designing, implementing, and maintaining complex LAN/WAN, wireless, and IP network infrastructures and related security systems.

Demonstrated experience with regulatory-driven secure network environments, such as NERC CIP, including incident response and disaster-recovery planning.

Experience conducting risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and advanced troubleshooting of network and security systems.

Experience leading technical teams, coordinating cross-functional activities, and providing mentorship, documentation, and communication across operational groups.

GRU Competencies

Self-Management

Problem-solving, Analysis, & Reasoning

Professional Technical Competency

Role Specific Competencies

Problem-solving, Analysis, & Reasoning

Professional Technical Competency

Self-Management

Certifications

Valid Florida Class E Driver's License required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of communication and data networking technologies, including fiber optics, voice and video systems, with working familiarity in radio transmission concepts.

Extensive understanding of network administration, electronic and physical security practices, and disaster-recovery methodologies.

Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical manuals, schematics, engineering drawings, and related documentation.

Demonstrated adherence to safe work practices and proper use of tools, communication equipment, and diagnostic instruments to ensure the safety and integrity of systems and personnel.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, diagnose complex issues, and implement effective hardware and software solutions.

Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills, with the ability to maintain professionalism, integrity, and effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.

Ability to provide leadership, mentorship, and technical training to less experienced staff and new employees.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the capacity to plan, organize, and manage work activities efficiently.

Ability to lead and participate in process-improvement efforts, remain current with evolving technologies, and apply sound security and operational practices to safeguard systems, data, and physical assets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (continued)

Physical Requirements

• Climbing - Rarely/Never
• Far Vision Acuity - Occasionally
• Driving - Occasionally
• Fine Manipulation - Occasionally
• Foot or Leg Controls - Occasionally
• Gross Manipulation - Occasionally
• Hearing - Often
• Keyboarding - Continually
• Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Occasionally
• Near Visual Acuity - Often
• Normal Color Vision - Often
• Peripheral Vision - Often
• Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs.  - Occasionally
• Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Often
• Reaching Overhead-Often
• Sitting - Often
• Speaking - Often
• Standing or Walking - Occasionally
• Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Occasionally

Environmental Requirements

• May be required to work and attend meetings outside regular business hours.
• Required to be available for twenty-four hour call out and is considered a key responder required to respond to non-normal working hour emergency operational conditions.
• Required to work during emergency conditions.