Cloud Specialist

We are seeking an advanced Cloud Specialist to lead cloud migration and infrastructure modernization initiatives for the Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH). This role focuses on architecting, migrating, and optimizing on-premises applications, server workloads, and databases to public cloud platforms (Azure/AWS) while ensuring robust security, compliance, performance, and cost-efficiency.

• Client: State of Mississippi – Department of Archives & History (MDAH)
• Location: Jackson, MS 39201 (200 North St / 3771 Eastwood Dr)
• Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST, 40 hours/week)
• Role Type: Contract (11/01/2026 – 06/30/2027, minimum 1-year total engagement expected)
• Interview Process: Webcam or Remote Interview
• Background Requirement: Standard Criminal Background Check required

Key Responsibilities

• Cloud Architecture & Migration: Design and deploy scalable IaaS and PaaS environments; lead end-to-end migrations of legacy on-premises applications, databases, and server workloads to AWS/Azure.
• Security & Compliance: Establish data protection, access controls, and network security policies within Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs); design controls aligned with public sector audit tools and regulatory guidelines.
• Automation & Infrastructure: Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python, Bash, or PowerShell to streamline cloud provisioning, configuration management, and deployment workflows.
• Systems Administration: Manage hybrid environments combining Windows Server, Active Directory, and Linux platforms alongside public cloud infrastructure.
• Optimization & Performance: Monitor cloud metrics to proactively resolve bottlenecks, optimize resource utilization, and drive architectural cost efficiencies.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Cloud Platforms (Azure / AWS): 5+ years of hands-on SME-level experience architecting, building, and managing AWS or Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure.
• Windows Server & Active Directory: 5+ years of advanced experience managing Windows Server environments and enterprise directory structures.
• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShell for infrastructure automation.
• Cloud Networking & Security: Practical understanding of VPCs, subnets, firewalls, routing, and endpoint security within cloud environments.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Linux Administration: Advanced experience administering Enterprise Linux OS distributions.
• Public Sector Experience: Prior experience delivering cloud migration initiatives within government or regulated industry environments.