Agency
NC State Highway Patrol
Division
NC State Highway Patrol
Job Classification Title
Operating Systems Software Programmer I (S)
Position Number
65043076
Grade
DT09
About Us
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol's primary mission is to reduce collisions and make the highways of North Carolina as safe as possible. The NCSHP has more than 1,600 troopers who cover nearly 80,000 miles of North Carolina roadways, more than any other state except Texas. In addition to enforcing the state's traffic laws, state troopers also guide traffic during hurricane evacuations, re-route traffic around hazardous chemical spills, and they stand ready should any act of terrorism occur. State Troopers are committed to protecting North Carolina's motoring public.
Description of Work
The NC State Highway Patrol is seeking an enthusiastic team member to join our Technical Services Unit as an Operating Systems Software Programmer. The Operating Systems Software Programmer position is primarily responsible for the security administration of the Highway Patrol’s statewide server infrastructure. Key responsibilities include planning, implementing, and managing security measures within Microsoft environments (Azure, 365, Windows Server), ensuring compliance with CJIS Security Policy and state regulations, and mitigating risks.
The role focuses on supporting secure server operations by collaborating with IT teams to uphold standards and regulatory requirements, alongside tasks such as analysis, design, documentation, and operational support that reinforce security across all systems.
In addition to these core duties, the position also supports server administration as a secondary responsibility, assisting with routine maintenance, configuration, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability across the statewide infrastructure.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits
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This position is located at:
3118 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
Management Prefers:
- Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate or Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate.
- Experience with PowerShell scripting for automation.
- Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft security technologies (Defender, Sentinel, Azure Security Center).
- Familiarity with CJIS Security Policy and law enforcement data protection requirements.
- Experience with Azure Active Directory, MFA, and Conditional Access.
- Thorough knowledge of modern server management principles, methodologies, and best practices
- Knowledge of secure system administration practices within regulated or public safety environments.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess organizational and procedural challenges and implement effective system improvements
- Ability to apply current and emerging technologies to enhance IT services and support agency goals
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to maintaining positive, professional working relationships
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical users
- Security Architecture, Implementation & Compliance
- Design, deploy, and maintain Microsoft security solutions—including Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Security Center, and Microsoft Sentinel—to safeguard server infrastructure and sensitive law enforcement data.
- Configure and manage Identity and Access Management (IAM) using Azure Active Directory (AAD), Conditional Access Policies, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect user accounts and restrict unauthorized access.
- Ensure all servers and systems strictly adhere to CJIS Security Policy requirements, including encryption, authentication, and auditing, to maintain regulatory compliance and data integrity.
- Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and compliance checks to proactively identify and address risks across the server environment.
- Security Monitoring & Incident Response
- Monitor security alerts and system logs using Microsoft Sentinel and other SIEM tools to detect and respond swiftly to threats impacting server operations.
- Lead investigations and coordinate responses to security incidents involving servers and IT infrastructure, ensuring timely resolution, thorough documentation, and implementation of preventive measures.
- Identify recurring security issues affecting server environments, perform root-cause analysis, and design solutions to mitigate future risks.
- Secure Server Administration
- Provide secure administration and operational support for enterprise IT services—including email systems, data storage platforms, VMware virtualization, Active Directory, and disaster recovery planning—while ensuring all activities align with security best practices and compliance mandates.
- Oversee software and hardware installations and support proprietary and third-party applications, with a focus on minimizing vulnerabilities and strengthening system defenses.
- IT Project Management with Security Focus
- Manage moderate to complex IT projects or project components related to security and server administration, including requirements gathering, secure design, implementation, and comprehensive documentation.
- Technical Consultation & Collaboration
- Provide expert security guidance and technical support to field users and Technical Services Unit peers, promoting secure server operations and best practices.
- Collaborate with internal teams to identify trends in hardware and software failures, lead resolution efforts, and champion security improvements across the infrastructure.
- Prepare detailed technical reports and present information in clear, concise written, oral, and presentation formats, emphasizing security findings and recommendations.
Note: Qualified recommended applicant(s) must undergo and successfully pass:
- Criminal Background Investigation
Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or an IT related field or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive experience in systems software programming;
OR
Associate degree in computer science or an IT related field or a closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of progressive experience in systems software programming;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.
https://www.ncshp.gov
The Mission of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is to protect our State with integrity, loyalty, and professionalism. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol will excel as a national leader in public service through innovative law enforcement, strategic preparedness, and community engagement.
The Highway Patrol’s Technical Services Unit supports all information technology needs of the organization and enables the Patrol’s public safety mission through secure, reliable, and resilient IT services.
We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. NCSHP supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
Application Resources
State of North Carolina Hiring Process Information here .
Be sure to complete the application in full . Resumes may be uploaded with your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.
All applicants must complete and submit a state application for employment using the Oline Application System for the State of North Carolina by 11:59pm on the night before the closing date listed or the application will be deemed untimely and will not be processed.
Please make sure that you have entered all necessary information on your application. Once you hit submit you will not be able to edit or reapply to this position to add information or attachments even if you withdraw your application.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), NCSHP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, NCSHP will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
Employment Eligibility
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and NCSHP that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) before or on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Angela Anita Avant-Jones
Recruiter Email:
[email protected]