Sr. IT Specialist, Cloud Hosting

**Key Responsibilities:

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- Oversee the operation and maintenance of cloud infrastructure across platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- Continuously monitor cloud environments for performance metrics, security vulnerabilities, and availability issues. Quickly address incidents, troubleshoot problems, and resolve service re quests to maintain system integrity.
- Implement security protocols, including encryption, access controls, and compliance measures, to safeguard cloud data and infrastructure from unauthorized access and threats.
- Analyse and optimize cloud resources to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure that the infrastructure scales according to business needs.
- Assist in planning and executing cloud migration projects, ensuring mínimal disruption to services, data integrity, and alignment with business objectives.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation on cloud configurations, architectures, processes, and procedures. Provide regular reports on cloud performance, usage, and cost management.
- Plan, implement, and test backup and disaster recovery strategies to ensure business continuity and data protection in case of unexpected events.
- Ensure that cloud infrastructure complies with relevant industry regulations, standards, and internal policies, supporting audits and regulatory reviews.
- Provide expert advice during the design and implementation of new cloud solutions, ensuring they meet both technical requirements and business goals.
- Stay updated with the latest cloud technologies, trends, and best practices. Recommend and implement improvements to enhance cloud infrastructure performance, security, and cost-efficiency.

**Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

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- Extensive experience with major cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
- In-depth understanding of cloud architecture, services, and deployment models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
- Strong knowledge of cloud networking concepts, including VPC, VPN, DNS, load balancing, and CDN.
- Proficiency in implementing cloud security measures such as identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and security monitoring tools.
- Solid experience in managing and administering cloud-based servers, storage, and databases.
- Knowledge of Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems in a cloud environment.
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash for automating cloud tasks.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible.
- Ability to monitor cloud infrastructure performance using tools like CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, or Google Stackdriver.
- Skills in optimizing cloud resources to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
- Experience in designing and implementing backup, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions in a cloud environment.
- Understanding of compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks (e.g., NCA, SAMA, CITC) related to cloud services.
- Ability to ensure cloud environments adhere to industry standards and internal policies.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex cloud-related issues.
- Experience in managing incidents and conducting root cause analysis to prevent future occurrences.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional IT teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Experience in documenting processes, configurations, and solutions clearly and concisely.
- Commitment to staying current with evolving cloud technologies, tools, and best practices.
- Ability to adapt to changing business requirements and integrate new technologies into existing cloud environments.
- Relevant cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect.

**Qualifications **& Experience:

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- University degree in Network/Electrical Engineering or Information Technology or related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in the IT Industry with AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect.
- Project management certification - (Desirable)
- ITIL Service Delivery management certification is preferred

**Minimum Clearance Required to Start**:
Not Applicable/None

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran.