Information Security Specialist

Texas ESC Region 16•Amarillo, TX

18h

About The Position

The Information Security Specialist supports Region 16 Education Service Center’s Information Security Team in providing security services to the organization and contracted local education agencies (LEAs). The role supports services offered through Region 16 ESC’s Cybersecurity Services contract options and helps create, manage, and maintain information security practices, policies, and documents that protect the organization’s critical assets. The position requires knowledge of network and Internet security, security education and policy, and data classification. The specialist assists with security problem-solving, recommendations, cybersecurity awareness training, risk assessments, vulnerability scanning and remediation, and security of hardware, software, networks, servers, and cloud systems. The role administers and oversees the security, operation, and management of the region16.net Office 365 tenant and Exchange email system; supports patching and upgrades; and oversees deployment of the Endpoint Detection and Response contract for LEAs. The specialist also helps develop enterprise security documentation and practices in alignment with applicable standards, works with technical staff and clients, and keeps current with information security technologies and regulatory environments. The role requires periodic districtwide and statewide travel and a work schedule that provides availability for network and device support seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Occasional prolonged or irregular hours may be required. Regular attendance, confidentiality, professional conduct, and support for the ESC’s mission and policies are essential.

Requirements

A degree in a Computer Science field or equivalent experience.
CompTIA Security+ certification or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience in communication.
Demonstrated experience with professional or technical writing.
Demonstrated technical skills and experience with various computers and networks.
Demonstrated experience documenting and maintaining configuration and process information.
Knowledge of network security, Internet security, security education, security policy, and data classification.
Ability to learn and share new knowledge.
Highly self-motivated and directed.
Ability to problem-solve.
Team- and service-oriented approach.
Ability to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing and walking, occasional bending or stooping, pushing or pulling, twisting, reaching, and repetitive hand motions and keyboarding.
Ability to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying under 15 pounds and occasional heavy lifting and carrying of 45 pounds or more.
Ability to work inside, tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel, and work with regular exposure to noise.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, and work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion.
Periodic travel is required.
Ability to maintain a functioning, accessible cell phone as deemed appropriate by the Chief Technology Officer.
Ability to maintain a work schedule that provides seven-day, 24-hour availability for support of related networks and devices.

Nice To Haves

CompTIA PenTest+ certification or equivalent experience.
An industry-recognized network certification, such as CompTIA Network+ or CCNA.
An industry-recognized operating system certification, such as Microsoft, Linux, or equivalent.
Knowledge of Office 365 and G-Suite for Education cloud platforms.
Work experience in a K-12 education environment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Information Security Team and/or contracted LEAs with services offered through Region 16 ESC’s Cybersecurity Services contract.
Help the Information Security Team and/or contracted LEAs solve security-related problems and recommend improvements.
Assist with planning and managing annual cybersecurity awareness training and reporting required by House Bill 3834.
Provide technical support regarding hardware and software security and the deployment, configuration, and management of network-based or host-based firewalls.
Assist with planning and conducting cybersecurity risk assessments and mitigation planning required by Senate Bill 820.
Assist with planning and conducting internal and external vulnerability scans and providing remediation.
Administer and oversee the security, operation, and management of the region16.net Office 365 tenant and Exchange email system, including configuration, access control, and security best practices.
Work with internal and external clients to develop and implement patching, update, and upgrade procedures.
Assist the Network Security Administrator with applying security updates and patches to esc16.net and region16.net servers and equipment.
Oversee implementation, configuration, and deployment of the Endpoint Detection and Response contract for LEAs.
Assist the Network Security Administrator in creating, adopting, and implementing enterprise security documents and practices under the direction of the Director of Technology Services or designee and in alignment with state, federal, and industry standards.
Assist the Network Security Administrator in evaluating appropriate enterprise resources and solutions.
Assist the ESC in implementing information security practices, policies, and procedures.
Work with technical staff on enterprise technology development to secure information, computer, network, and processing systems where necessary.
Maintain open communication and confidentiality with clients.
Research and stay current on information security technologies and regulatory environments.
Maintain a work schedule providing seven-day, 24-hour availability for support of related networks and devices.
Provide technology assistance as identified by the advisory committee and Technology Services clients.
Maintain a functioning cell phone and remain accessible through it as deemed appropriate by the Chief Technology Officer.
Report to work ready to perform responsibilities and maintain regular attendance.
Perform duties that directly or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
Maintain professional confidentiality regarding ESC matters and support the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
Follow ESC safety rules and policies and perform professional responsibilities according to ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
Manage time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
Meet supervisor-defined proficiency levels for required technology skills, incorporate appropriate technology into daily work, and continue developing technology skills.
Perform other duties as assigned.