Systems Administrator

Who We Are

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is Southern California’s locally operated not-for-profit default electricity provider for 35 communities within Los Angeles and Ventura counties and the 4th largest electricity provider in the State of California. We provide clean renewable energy at competitive rates to over three million residents and businesses through approximately one million customer accounts.

What You’ll Do

CPA is seeking a Systems Administrator responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of cloud-based systems and infrastructure, including but not limited to AWS, Microsoft 365, and other systems.

This role involves managing cloud resources, ensuring optimal performance, implementing security measures, and providing support to CPA staff. This role requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

Who You’ll Work With

The Systems Administrator reports to the Director, Data and Systems. You will work closely with the Data and Systems team and cross functionally with other departments. Communication and collaboration with external stakeholders may also occur.

Commitment to Diversity

At CPA, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We represent a diverse customer base and intend to hire employees that reflect our communities. Clean Power Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Culture

CPA fosters a culture of open communication, responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and exceptional judgment. As a small team that has quickly built the largest Community Choice Aggregation program in the country, high levels of trust, collaboration, and mission alignment are key factors in success. We value fact-based creativity in our work, accountability with our stakeholders, and promote ethical engagement and diversity with our brand.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. AWS expertise preferred.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Understanding of database management systems,
• Understanding of networking, security, and virtualization technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience troubleshooting systems.

• Skilled in database programming and software installation. 

• Familiar with a range of software and hardware. 

• Experience in an energy trading/transaction-based environment is preferred. 

Successful Candidates Must Demonstrate the Following Abilities 

• Enjoy engaging with passionate internal and external stakeholders. 

• Be a strong communicator who can write compellingly and clearly. 
• Demonstrate good judgement and integrity.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Have a strong work ethic and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Work well on diverse teams and be highly collaborative.
• Translate complex technical information into non-technical messages for stakeholders. 

• Be able to organize and carry out projects with minimal instruction. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Cloud Infrastructure Management:

• Deploy, configure, and manage cloud resources across platforms such as AWS, Microsoft 365, and Snowflake.
• Implement and manage VPCs, EC2 instances, EBS volumes, S3 storage, RDS instances, and other cloud services.
• Monitor cloud environments to ensure high availability, performance, and security.

Security and Compliance:

• Ensure cloud infrastructure complies with security policies and best practices.
• Establish cybersecurity policies and technical documentation.
• Implement and manage cloud and systems cybersecurity measures, including security groups, firewalls, VPN, data encryption in transit and at rest, and identity and access management.
• Manage audits with third party vendors and provide internal security audit support.
• Perform regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Automation and Scripting:

• Develop and maintain automation scripts using tools such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
• Automate routine tasks to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• Provide Databricks and ETL systems administration support as needed,
• Ensure data encryption both in transit and at rest of CPA datasets.

Monitoring and Performance Optimization:

• Optimize resource utilization and cost-efficiency.
• Monitor cloud systems and applications to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to cloud infrastructure and services.

Backup and Disaster Recovery:

• Implement, document, and manage backup and disaster recovery solutions for cloud-based systems.
• Ensure data integrity and availability through regular backup testing and validation.

Collaboration and Support:

• Document cloud architectures, procedures, and configurations.
• Provide technical support and guidance to users and team members.
• Collaborate with Data & Systems staff to design and implement cloud solutions.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including but not limited to auditors.

Continuous Learning:

• Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in systems administration.
• Within six months of hire, obtain AWS associate-level systems administration certification.
• Make recommendations to advance, enhance, and protect CPAs infrastructure and Data and Systems operations.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications 

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of 7 years of experience in data design, management, and storage work  
• OR 11 years of experience in information technology, computer science, and/or information systems 
• Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator) preferred. 

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Start-up experience is highly desired.  

Work Location

This position is eligible for either Hybrid or Remote options. The Hybrid option requires 2-3 assigned days in the Downtown Los Angeles office and includes a transportation allowance. The Remote & Hybrid options require in-person attendance at organization or team-wide events 3 times per year for 3-5 days per event. Full-time staff are required to work during CPA’s office hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm PST.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $174,340.58-$272,408.69  with exact compensation to be determined by Clean Power Alliance, dependent on experience. Benefits include health care, a 401(k)-like match program, paid vacation, and sick leave. This is not a civil service position; however, all CPA employees are required to submit a Statement of Economic Interests form, also known as the Form 700.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply on CPA’s Career Page. The start date for the position is as soon as possible and will remain open until filled.