Network Operations Center Spec

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

Location: This position is onsite at the One Energy Plaza location in Jackson, Michigan.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Network Operations Center (NOC) Specialist is responsible for executing the team's operational tasks, monitoring the company's key technologies, and contributing toward continuous process improvement. Individuals in this role are expected to have broad knowledge across multiple IT domains and networking concepts, a proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This position executes operational tasks within defined Operational Level Agreements (OLAs), maintains situational awareness of the company's technology environment, initiates triage for detected issues, and performs assigned maintenance and configuration changes. Team members at this career level will have opportunities to demonstrate independent problem-solving skills, take increased ownership of the team's operational work delivery, and broaden their technical understanding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Continuously monitor network systems, servers, and applications for performance issues. Monitor incident and change ticket queues to anticipate potential business impacts.
• Initiate triage when issues are detected, perform process and technology troubleshooting, and coordinate resolution with internal and external stakeholders.
• Execute the coordination and implementation of assigned network maintenance, system upgrades, and configuration changes.
• Create, prioritize, and assign tickets to appropriate workgroups when issues arise or preventive maintenance is required.
• Assist in identifying solutions using monitoring and automation tools to enhance team delivery and proactively detect and address network and infrastructure issues.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Independently fulfill standard and non-standard service requests within established SLAs.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of knowledge base articles to assist users with standard procedures and troubleshooting.
• Monitor team KPIs and metrics and engage in problem solving when targets aren't met.
• Partner with Junior Network Monitoring Team members and provide escalation support for defined issues.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Understanding of enterprise compute technologies, including cloud computing, directory services, virtualization, and both Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Broad knowledge of enterprise IT network technologies, including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, routing, switching, VPNs, Layer 7 firewalls, packet capture tools, and authentication protocols.
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours, including nights and weekends.
• Demonstrates excellent teamwork and embodies the virtues of being humble, hungry, and people-smart.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
• High School Diploma and 2 (two) or more years of prior experience in Network Operations, Infrastructure Operations, System Administration, or a related IT role.

PREFERRED
• Associate’s degree in Information Technology or related field of study.
• CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA)

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.