Security and Network Architect

St. Lucie County, FL - Fort Pierce, FL

Full-time - Senior

Fort Pierce, FL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The County IT Security Architect is a senior-level position responsible for the strategic planning, design, and implementation of a comprehensive security framework that safeguards the county's IT infrastructure and digital assets. This role is pivotal in ensuring that all county systems, networks, and data are protected against current and emerging cybersecurity threats. The Security and Network Architect will lead the development of robust security protocols, policies, and procedures that align with federal, state, and local regulations while also addressing the unique security challenges of a county government environment. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex network systems to ensure robust, scalable, and secure network infrastructure. This role involves analyzing organizational needs, developing network strategies, and overseeing network architecture and design to support business operations and objectives. This position serves as a key advisor to county leadership on cybersecurity, responsible for conducting risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing strategies to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other threats. This role involves leading continuous monitoring, improving security measures, and managing the county's response to security incidents to ensure minimal disruption to operations. Collaborating with IT, legal, law enforcement, and external agencies, the IT Security and Network Architect integrates security best practices across all county operations. A forward-thinking approach is essential, staying ahead of industry trends and evolving threats to implement cutting-edge solutions. The architect also plays a critical role in educating county employees and stakeholders, fostering a strong culture of cybersecurity. This position will operate under the general direction of the IT Network Security Telecom Manager. During escalation periods or disaster recovery can operate under the direction of the Information Technology CIO, Director, or designee. Responsibilities may require working evenings and weekends, sometimes with little advanced notice.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the county's IT security architecture, ensuring it is robust, scalable, and adaptable to evolving threats.
• Develop and design network solutions that meet the organization's requirements for performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate security risks across all IT systems and platforms.
• Create and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures that comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, configurations, and procedures.
• Lead the response to security incidents, including the investigation, containment, and remediation of breaches.
• Design and enforce network security measures to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement security technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, encryption tools, and identity management solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including data protection laws.
• Work closely with other IT departments, county agencies, and external partners to integrate security best practices.
• Oversee security-related projects from conception through implementation.
• Stay informed of the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.

Requirements

• Four (4) year degree required, B.S. in Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in IT security with network architecture, design, and implementation.
• Four (4) years in a security architecture role.
• Experience in government or public sector environments is highly desirable.
• A valid Florida driver's license is required with a good driving record.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or equivalent are required.

Nice-to-haves

• A master's degree is preferred.
• Advanced certifications such as SABSA or TOGAF for Security Architecture are a plus.
• One of the following advanced certifications is preferred: SABSA Certification, TOGAF Certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), GIAC Security Architecture (GDSA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities