Senior Cloud Specialist (Public Cloud)

Job Title: Senior Cloud Specialist (Public Cloud)

Location: Jackson, MS (Onsite)

Duration: 3 years

Position Overview

The Cloud Specialist contractor supports the design, implementation, and day-to-day operations of the agency’s public cloud environment under the direction of the Public Cloud Specialist Team Lead. This role plays a critical part in maintaining secure, scalable, and compliant cloud infrastructure while supporting modernization and hybrid integration initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with public cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, along with solid foundations in infrastructure, automation, and enterprise IT operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, deployment, and maintenance of public cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure).
• Provision, configure, and manage cloud-based virtual machines and services.
• Assist with cloud migration efforts and hybrid integration with on-premises systems.
• Implement Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Terraform, ARM, or CloudFormation.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using PowerShell, Python, or Bash.
• Monitor cloud environments for performance, availability, and security.
• Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure and application issues in cloud environments.
• Apply and maintain security configurations aligned with compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, IRS 1075).
• Collaborate with infrastructure, development, and security teams.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
• Participate in deployment validation and post-implementation testing.
  
  

Required Technical Skills

Cloud Platforms & Operating Systems

• AWS or Microsoft Azure – Advanced (5–6 years)
• Cloud VM Management – Advanced (provisioning, configuration, maintenance)
• Windows Server – Advanced (Active Directory integration)
• Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu) – Advanced (administration & troubleshooting)
  
  

Programming & Automation

• PowerShell – Intermediate (automation & administration)
• Python or Bash – Intermediate (scripting & troubleshooting)
  
  

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Tools: Terraform, ARM Templates, CloudFormation – Intermediate
• Experience deploying and managing cloud infrastructure through code
  
  

Networking & Security

• Understanding of:
• DNS, routing, firewalls
• Identity & Access Management (IAM)
• Data protection and access control
• Familiarity with compliance standards:
• NIST
• IRS Publication 1075
  

Infrastructure & Hardware

• Virtual Infrastructure (VMware/Hypervisor) – Intermediate
• Server Hardware Fundamentals – Intermediate
• Storage Systems (SAN/NAS/Backup Appliances like Cohesity) – Intermediate
  
  

Database & Storage

• Cloud Database Services (Azure SQL / AWS RDS) – Intermediate
• SQL Server / Relational Databases – Intermediate (Preferred)
• Database Backup & Recovery Concepts – Intermediate (Preferred)
  
  

DevOps & Methodologies

• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Cloud Architecture & Deployment Best Practices – Intermediate
• IT Service Management (Incident, Change, Problem Management) – Intermediate
  
  

Monitoring & Performance

• Experience with:
• Cloud monitoring tools
• Logging frameworks
• Performance tuning and optimization
  

Testing & Validation

• Deployment validation and post-implementation testing – Intermediate
• Ability to verify cloud resources and configurations after deployment
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience with hybrid cloud environments integrating on-prem and cloud systems
• Experience in enterprise-scale cloud deployments
• Familiarity with backup and disaster recovery strategies in cloud environments
• Prior government or regulated industry experience
• Minimum 5–6 years of experience working with public cloud platforms (AWS/Azure)
• Hands-on experience in cloud deployment, operations, and support in enterprise environments
  
  

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical teams
• Detail-oriented with a focus on security and compliance