Senior Cloud Specialist; Public Cloud

Overview

Job Title:
Senior Cloud Specialist (Public Cloud)

Location:

Jackson, MS (Onsite)

Duration: 3 years

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.

• 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 Cloud Formation.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Power Shell, 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.

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

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
  • Tools:
    Terraform, ARM Templates, Cloud Formation – 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)

• Dev Ops & Methodologies
  • Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and Dev Ops 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

• 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

• 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