What are the responsibilities and job description for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Associate position at Utility Services Of Vermont?
The Role
We're looking for someone with a computer science or software engineering background to join our compliance consulting team. You'll learn NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) reliability standards and help electric utilities meet complex regulatory requirements, and then identify opportunities to build automations, better workflows, and tools to save the team time that can be spent on more high-value client work.
As you learn to navigate NERC compliance and prove your ability to manage client work effectively, you'll pursue technical projects that improve how we operate. This is an opportunity to build niche expertise in an industry projected for massive growth as the grid modernizes, as well as working on something that genuinely matters: keeping critical infrastructure secure and reliable.
About Us
We're a growing compliance and security consulting firm based in Vermont, specializing in helping electric utilities navigate the complex landscape of the NERC reliability standards and improve their cyber and physical security. The electric sector is experiencing unprecedented transformation, and we're looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
What are the NERC CIP Standards?
The NERC CIP Reliability Standards are mandatory cybersecurity and physical security requirements governing the North American power grid. They were developed after major blackouts revealed vulnerabilities in the power grid, and they apply to electric utilities, power plants, grid operators, and other entities responsible for keeping the lights on. The NERC Reliability Standards cover everything from access controls and incident response to supply chain security and personnel training. Compliance isn't optional - utilities face steep fines for violations, and the standards are constantly evolving as new technologies and threats emerge, and the grid becomes more complex.
What You'll Do
• Learn NERC CIP reliability standards and evolving electric utility industry needs
• Participate in client documentation development and calls to understand real-world compliance challenges
• Analyze compliance documentation with attention to detail and critical thinking
• Identify opportunities and develop tools to improve our internal processes
Who You Are
• Recent graduate (or soon-to-be graduate) in Computer Science, Software Engineering,
or related field
• Strong problem-solving skills and high agency (i.e. ability to identify what skills are needed
for a given problem and learning them)
• Experience with and understanding of AI tools (for coding and non-coding uses)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly regarding technical content
• Curious across disciplines; comfortable learning about electrical engineering, regulatory
frameworks, and business operations
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Excited about staying in or returning to Vermont
Why This Opportunity
• Join a dynamic, growing team where your contributions have immediate impact
• Develop rare, valuable expertise at the intersection of technology and critical infrastructure
• Work in an industry with increasing demand
• Help design and build tools and systems from the ground up
• Room to chart your own path as the company and industry grow
• Vermont-based role in a state where tech opportunities are limited
Compensation
$55,000 - $70,000
Salary : $55,000 - $70,000