Security Operations Cloud Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role: Cloud specialist
Location: 100% Onsite in Jackson, MS
Contract role
Education: Must have - Bachelor's
Job description:
The Cloud Specialist contractor supports the design, implementation, and operation of the agency's public cloud environment under the direction of the Public Cloud Specialist Team Lead. This role is responsible for deploying and maintaining cloud infrastructure, assisting with cloud migrations, supporting integration with on-premises systems, and implementing automation and infrastructure-as-code solutions. The contractor works closely with infrastructure, development, and security teams to ensure cloud services are secure, scalable, and aligned with agency standards and regulatory requirements such as NIST and IRS 1075. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, applying security configurations, and maintaining documentation. The role requires experience with public cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, knowledge of networking and security fundamentals, and familiarity with scripting or automation tools, with preferred experience in hybrid environments, compliance frameworks, and enterprise cloud deployments.
Required Skills/Experience:
Minimum of 5-6 years of experience working with public cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure including deployment and support of cloud services. Knowledge of core cloud components including compute storage networking and identity and access management. Experience with scripting or automation using tools such as PowerShell Python or Bash. Understanding of basic networking concepts including DNS routing and firewalls. Familiarity with security fundamentals including access control and data protection. Ability to troubleshoot and support cloud-based systems in an enterprise environment.
Preferred/Not Required:
Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform ARM or CloudFormation. Familiarity with hybrid environments integrating on-premises systems with cloud services. Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks such as NIST or IRS Publication 1075. Experience with cloud monitoring logging and performance tools.
Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions in cloud environments. Exposure to DevOps practices including CI/CD pipelines. Strong documentation and communication skills.
Skill Matrix:
Operating Systems Cloud Platform OS Management (AWS/Azure VM environments) Advanced Required Provisioning configuration and maintenance of cloud virtual machines Windows Server Advanced Required Management of Windows-based workloads and Active Directory integration Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu) Advanced Required Administration troubleshooting and support of cloud-hosted systems
Programming Language/Development Tools PowerShell Intermediate Required Automation scripting and system administration tasks Python or Bash Scripting Intermediate Required Automation troubleshooting and task execution Infrastructure as Code (Terraform / ARM / CloudFormation) Intermediate Required Basic deployment and management of cloud infrastructure
Hardware Virtual Infrastructure (VMware/Hypervisor) Intermediate Required Understanding of virtualized environments and cloud/on-prem integration Server Hardware Fundamentals Intermediate Required Basic knowledge of server components storage and performance concepts Storage Systems (SAN/NAS/Backup Appliances) Intermediate Required Familiarity with storage concepts and backup platforms (e.g., Cohesity)
Database Systems/Database Tools SQL Server / Relational Databases Intermediate Preferred Basic database support backup and connectivity troubleshooting Cloud Database Services (Azure SQL / AWS RDS) Intermediate Required Understanding of managed database services in cloud environments Database Backup and Recovery Concepts Intermediate Preferred Knowledge of backup strategies recovery and data protection
Framework/SLD/Methodology Infrastructure as Code (Terraform / ARM / CloudFormation) Intermediate Preferred Basic deployment and automation of cloud infrastructure Cloud Architecture and Deployment Best Practices Intermediate Required Understanding of scalable secure and reliable cloud design principles IT Service Management (Change / Incident / Problem Management) Intermediate Required Familiarity with structured IT operations and service delivery processes
QA/Testing - Approaches, Application Deployment Validation and Post-Implementation Testing Intermediate Required Verify cloud resources and configurations after deployment.