Cyber Defense Analyst - (26142149)
Why should you keep reading and consider working here?
We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. The Department of Administration is a service-oriented organization that focuses on improving business operations and delivering leading edge service to our customers and business partners. With this in mind, we seek employees who have a passion for providing excellent customer service and understand the value it brings to an organization.
The State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD) of the Department of Administration has a mission to provide shared IT services to support the needs of the state and citizens of Montana. We offer an innovative and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and supported. In addition, our employees have the opportunity to be involved in some of the most exciting and innovative IT projects and initiatives in development within Montana state government.
What is this career opportunity?
The Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC) team is seeking an enthusiastic, IT minded individual looking to begin or further advance their career in Network Security within an enterprise level Security Center. You would be responsible for monitoring the State network, varying systems, and the State of Montana Data Center (SMDC) in Helena. You would provide 1st and 2nd level network and security support to ensure proper and continuous operation of all facilities and systems. You will be the first line of defense against cybersecurity threats, proactively monitoring and defending information systems. Training for staff is encouraged and provided to gain additional security knowledge and certifications.
This position currently has shared duties monitoring network operations and security. As the State of Montana moves towards IT centralization, this position will transition into a dedicated security monitoring role. The candidate will spend time learning the processes and procedures within the NOSC and help transition the security functions to a Security Operations Center (SOC).
A Cyber Defense Analyst is a technical security position in the NICE Framework. While we require IT knowledge, WE OFFER BOTH FORMAL TRAINING AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING TO DEVELOP THE NEEDED SKILLSETS. If you are a little short of the education, experience, or the certification requirements listed below; but you can meet them within six months, then we may consider hiring you as a training assignment.
The State of Montana Data Center (SMDC) is a 24x7x365 facility. We are currently hiring for Day shift, working the below schedule:
Monday-Friday 7 am – 4 pm
What are we looking for?
Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in networking / cyber security or similar.
Two years’ experience in an IT related occupation.
Security+ or the ability to achieve the certification within a year of hire.
Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Competencies:
Ability to:
Utilize documentation to resolve IT issues;
Monitor and Mitigate IT issues;
Analyze and interpret data from multiple sources;
Provide excellent customer service;
Effectively communicate to a broad and non-technical audience;
Adapt to shifting business requirements;
Work with minimal supervision, and be a self-starter;
Take ownership of new business process and incorporate it into SITSD’s mission.
Respond to and triage reported security alerts
Analyze network traffic, intrusion attempts, activity logs, and system alerts for trends and anomalies to identify potential compromise or breaches
Notify designated managers and cyber incident responders of suspected cyber incidents and articulate the event's history, status, and potential impact for further action in accordance with the organization's cyber incident response plan.
Knowledge of:
Computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
Cybersecurity and privacy principles.
Authentication, authorization, and access control methods.
Vulnerability information dissemination sources
Threat hunting principles and techniques
Various operating systems
New and emerging information technology (IT) and cybersecurity technologies.
Adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Does this sound like you?
If you feel you have the qualities to be successful in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please tell us about your passion for networking, cyber security, and or technology in general, and give us an idea of how you would be able to benefit the team.
What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?
Ø Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:
o Work/life Balance
o Health Coverage
o Retirement plans
o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
o And more…
Ø Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!
The Department of Administration participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Other important information to be aware of.
- This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.
Training Assignment: Not Applicable
Salary: $ 36.19 - 38.85 Hourly
Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)
Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan
Number of Openings: 1
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Type: Standard
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Primary Location: Helena
Agency: Department of Administration
Union: 000 - None
Posting Date: Aug 21, 2026, 4:13:27 PM
Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Sep 7, 2026, 12:59:00 AM
Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume
Contact Name: Megan Stearman |
Contact Email: [email protected] |
Contact Phone: 406.444.4620
Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
