Senior Cloud Specialist (Public Cloud)

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

• 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