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Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern

Columbus, NE, US, 68602-0499

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for an Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern located at the Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska. This intern position will require on-site presence in the Columbus, NE, office and is not eligible for a remote or hybrid working arrangement. Position closes December 18th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. This is a temporary position with a start date to be determined based on student availability. This intern role has the capacity to be part-time during the school year with the expectation of full-time work when school is not is session.

This position will report to the OT Infrastructure Supervisor.

Position Summary

The Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern is an entry-level role designed to provide student interns with a broad range of experiences that support servers and workstations in an Operational Technology environment. The intern will gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced Operational Technology Systems Analysts deploying and maintaining servers and workstations, assisting in monitoring security systems, supporting the development and implementation of security policies and procedures, and working closely with experienced professionals and learning about industry best practices while gaining knowledge on emerging threats in the industry.

Education, Training and Experience

Applicant must be working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. The Intern must be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college/university carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The internship/training must be in the student's field of study. College credit may apply to some internships.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrates strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Highly organized and detail oriented
Strong understanding of systems analysis and design as well as database and networking concepts
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Highest level of integrity and honesty with the ability to protect sensitive, confidential information related to security practices

Licenses and/or Certifications

None required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Gain exposure to security requirements and the implementation of security controls within servers and workstations.

Assist with support of security products including firewalls, switches, endpoint detection and response, vulnerability management, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

Assist with patching and updating servers and workstations.

Interact with professionals from various departments, such as IT, development, and management, to understand the organization's overall security needs and objectives.

Learn how to communicate effectively about operational technology and cyber security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced operational technology professionals who will provide insights and knowledge to help you grow in the field.

Stay updated on the latest cyber security trends, threats, and best practices through team discussions, training sessions, and independent research.

Apply theoretical knowledge from your coursework to real-world scenarios and challenges.

Contribute to improving the organization's operational technology reliability and cyber security posture, which has a direct impact on its operations, data protection, and reputation.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus

Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion

Integrity/Excellence

Public Service/Environmental Stewardship

Safety

Salary Information

Hourly rate: $24.89 - $28.72 per hour (based on undergrad completion level)

Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD — quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.

Salary

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.

Retirement Savings

NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options – a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee’s hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.

Health & Wellness

At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.

Other Benefits

Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.

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