IT Cybersecurity Specialist

The IT Cybersecurity Specialist helps protect, monitor, and continuously strengthen the Cooperative’s cybersecurity posture.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, manage, and continuously improve cybersecurity controls across networks, systems, endpoints, applications, and cloud services.
• Monitor security tools and platforms to identify, investigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents.
• Administer and support security technologies including firewalls, endpoint protection, identity and access management, vulnerability scanning, and logging/monitoring solutions.
• Perform regular risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and security reviews; coordinate remediation with IT staff and vendors.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce cybersecurity policies, standards, procedures, and security baselines aligned with industry best practices.
• Maintain current cybersecurity documentation, including incident reports, risk assessments, and security architecture diagrams.
• Support incident response activities, including investigation, containment, recovery, and post-incident analysis.
• Apply and promote cybersecurity frameworks and best practices, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework and CIS Controls, when implementing and evaluating controls.
• Support cybersecurity input to disaster recovery, business continuity, and data protection initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend cybersecurity tools, technologies, and process improvements aligned with organizational objectives.
• Review proposed technology solutions, projects, and system changes to ensure cybersecurity requirements are implemented.
• Communicate cybersecurity risks and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop and support cybersecurity awareness and training initiatives to promote a security culture.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Provide emergency response coverage as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, IT, MIS, or a related field, plus five (5) years of experience as a Cybersecurity Specialist or related role.
• Alternative: thirteen (13) years of experience as a Cybersecurity Specialist or related role in lieu of education.
• Industry certifications preferred: CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CISSP, ISACA CISM, EC-Council CEH, or equivalent.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
• Must be eligible and remain insured as a driver under the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.
• Knowledge of current cybersecurity threats, trends, and defensive techniques.
• Strong understanding of network security, endpoint security, identity and access management, and security monitoring.
• Experience with cybersecurity documentation, policies, risk assessments, and vulnerability management.
• Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and related cybersecurity frameworks/standards.
• Familiarity with LAN, WAN, cloud, and mobile-based systems.
• Ability to analyze security data and respond effectively to incidents.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Technologies

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• CIS Controls
• CompTIA Security+
• ISC2 CISSP
• ISACA CISM
• EC-Council CEH
• Firewalls
• Endpoint protection
• Identity and access management
• Vulnerability scanning
• Logging/monitoring solutions
• LAN
• WAN
• Cloud
• Mobile-based systems

Benefits

• Group medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employer-sponsored medical clinic
• Life and long-term disability insurance programs
• Defined benefit retirement
• 401K savings plans
• Tuition reimbursement

Location

• Onsite: Shelbyville, TN

Job Dimensions

• Internal responsibility: Collaborates with internal departments and IT staff to ensure cybersecurity controls are integrated into business operations, projects, and processes; serves as a subject matter expert on cybersecurity risks, controls, and best practices while supporting business continuity and operational resilience.
• External responsibility: Coordinates with external vendors, service providers, auditors, and business partners regarding cybersecurity tools, assessments, and services; provides technical oversight to ensure external solutions and services align with the Cooperative’s cybersecurity standards, risk management objectives, and operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods while working on a computer or reviewing systems data.
• Regular use of hands and fingers for typing and handling documents or technical tools.
• Visual acuity required to read and interpret complex spreadsheets, reports, and system dashboards.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and in written communications.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, or lift up to 50 pounds (examples: laptops, network hardware, backup batteries).
• May require extended focus and concentration when analyzing data or configuring systems.

Work Environment

• Primarily a quiet, professional office environment with standard climate control and lighting.
• Frequent use of computers, cybersecurity monitoring platforms, network management tools, phones, and office equipment.
• Occasional meetings with internal departments in person or virtually.
• Limited travel may be required for training, vendor meetings, or collaboration with other office locations.
• Periods of increased pressure during reporting cycles, audits, or system implementation phases.