IT Operations Infrastructure Specialist (Cloud / Hybrid / Operations) - Primary

Reports to: Apex Engagement Manager (delivery) / CDFW DTD Task Manager (day-to-day direction), Summary: Serve as the primary technical resource providing expert operations and infrastructure support across a diverse hybrid environment including on-premises Windows/VMware and Microsoft Azure/Microsoft 365. This role participates in-and often leads-planning, evaluation, recommendations, engineering, and implementation of secure, modern, and stable infrastructure services, including high performance computing (HPC) enabling capabilities in Azure, while executing day-to-day IT service requests through the department's service management ticketing system., Lead and execute infrastructure planning and implementation activities across cloud and on-prem environments, including evaluation of new technologies and enhancements to existing services.

Administer and support Azure environments: resource provisioning, identity integration (Entra ID), subscription/resource governance, cost optimization, and secure configuration of cloud services.

Support and administer on-premises Windows Server infrastructure including Active Directory, DNS, VMware virtualization, patching processes, and coordination of backups/restore activities.

Support hybrid environment administration ensuring synchronization of identity/accounts and data access between on-prem and Microsoft 365/Azure environments.

Implement and improve monitoring, alerting, and operational readiness (dashboards, runbooks, escalation paths) in coordination with security and operations stakeholders.

Perform ticket-based operational work using the department's service management system (e.g., account creation, account permissions, large file transfers, server administration, monitoring/alert follow-up, NAS administration).

Provide automation through extensive use of PowerShell for repeatable administrative tasks and operational reporting, with documented and secure scripting practices.

Act as a technical liaison with internal partners and vendors; participate in meetings/briefings; provide status reporting, documentation, and knowledge transfer to State staff.

Tools / technologies: Microsoft Azure (IaaS and core services), Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, VMware vSphere/ESXi, PowerShell, monitoring/event management tools (e.g., Azure Monitor/Log Analytics and/or client-standard tools), network fundamentals for hybrid connectivity, backup/restore tooling (client-standard), ITSM/ticketing (client-standard), MS Teams (Lists/Planner/OneNote), MS Office/Visio/Project.

Within the last 8 years: 3+ years providing service and support within large, diverse enterprise environments.

Within the last 8 years: 3+ years supporting IT operations across service management, cloud management, network management, automation, event management, performance optimization, remote workforce tools, and security best practices.

Within the last 8 years: 2+ years implementing and supporting infrastructure/application/performance/security monitoring solutions.

Within the last 8 years: 2+ years deploying, managing, maintaining, and enhancing Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure services.

Within the last 10 years: 4+ years deploying, managing, and maintaining enterprise technologies including networking, virtualization, identity management, security services, backup/DR, and large file/storage platforms.

Within the last 10 years: 4+ years managing enterprise projects using project management methods and tools.

Demonstrated advanced PowerShell capability supporting administrative automation.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience supporting or enabling HPC workloads in Azure (compute selection, scaling patterns, high-throughput storage, data transfer, performance tuning).

Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform and/or Bicep/ARM) and Git-based deployment workflows.

Experience with hybrid connectivity patterns (VPN/ExpressRoute) and Azure networking fundamentals (VNets, NSGs, routing).

Experience with security monitoring practices and collaboration with security operations.

Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate; Azure Solutions Architect Expert; ITIL Foundation; VMware VCP) or equivalent experience.

Typical deliverables / outputs: Documented designs and recommendations; implementation plans and schedules; approved change records; runbooks/SOPs; PowerShell automation scripts with documentation; monitoring dashboards/alert definitions; weekly status reports; knowledge transfer materials and walkthrough sessions.

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.