Cybersecurity Specialist

Cybersecurity Specialist

Non-Union Position
IS Security & Analytics Staff 1; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)


Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT, Exempt
Posting # 5561


About Us:

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.


In addition to environmental stewardship, we're also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.

NOTE:

Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of two days per week. Specific in-office days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work.

The Role:

You'll be a member of the Security Operations Team and collaborate with our team on projects and operational work, as part of our security program to meet Transportation Security Administration Security Directives. This a key role in a technology organization maturing its processes and modernizing its technology and you will work closely with Network, Cloud, and other technical teams.


The primary purpose of this position is to ensure Information Technology & Services (IT&S) Department is compliant with state and federal regulations by identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, monitoring, and reporting on the effectiveness of operational controls within Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. Your responsibilities would include people, process, and technology.

This position will be based at our office in downtown Portland, OR.

Per regulatory requirements, this role requires US citizenship due to the potential need for access to restricted cybersecurity-related information. Proof of US citizenship will include visual verification of the person's US birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, US passport, or US passport ID card during the onboarding process

Day to Day:

Security Consulting

• Research, evaluate, design, test, recommend, plan, implement, and administer new or updated security technologies.
• Collaborate on projects with staff and vendors to ensure that security issues are addressed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review system designs and identify areas for security improvements, including cloud and network systems.
• Provide ad hoc consulting on tactical security topics.
• Develop and revise cybersecurity policies and standards.

Connectivity and Automation Focus

• Serve as the lead integration specialist for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) log collection
• Administer email and Domain Name System (DNS) security tools.
• Develop automation for security integrations, detections, and responses.
• SAP familiarity is a bonus.

Security Monitoring and Incident Response

• Review alerts from security monitoring tools.
• Respond to security incidents, including leading the response for smaller incidents.
• Apply NW Natural context to potential incidents to better understand them.
• Liaise between incident response leads and subject matter experts.
• Research and assess new threats and vulnerabilities.
• While the security monitoring and incident response responsibilities mean that there is an after-hours component to this role, typically it is less than one hour per week.

General

• Evaluate security risks and their impact to NW Natural.
• Create technical documentation for other analysts and teams.
• Present technical solutions or recommendations to peers and leadership and provide updates on technical issues.
• Level 3: Provide training to less experienced team members and colleagues
• Level 4: Mentor less experienced team members and colleagues

Come on your first day with:

• Minimum five years of information security experience required for Level 3. Minimum eight years of experience in information security with focus on advanced skills and complex designs required for Level 4.
• Bachelor's degree in information security, related industry certifications, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ITIL Foundations certified or successful completion within 90 days of starting.
• US Citizenship required.

Technical Competency

• A solid understanding of network and information security priorities, protocols, and concepts.
• Scripting knowledge (e.g., PowerShell, Python, or Bash).
• In-depth knowledge of information security principles and considerable practical experience.
• Technical knowledge of mainstream Windows and Linux operating systems, complex applications, identity and access management technologies, SIEM, or endpoint security solutions.

Occupational Personality

• You'll interact with NW Natural's personnel at various levels to understand business imperatives.
• Technical communication skills will be key to your success. Your written and verbal communication skills will help you succeed, as will your ability to communicate security concepts and situations to audiences with varying levels of familiarity with these concepts.
• Leadership abilities with the capability to direct other technical staff on security initiatives and guide team members.
• You'll get to work with minimal supervision. Strong analytical skills to analyze security requirements and relate them to appropriate security controls.
• Your ability to manage expectations appropriately will help and build long-term relationships.
• You'll remain current with industry trends and evolving threats.

What we offer:

Health & Wellness -

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Up to 23 Vacation Days
• 80 Hours of Sick Time
• 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
• 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room

Financial -

• Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
• Wellness incentive program

Discounts -

• 20% off natural gas service
• Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
• TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
• Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless

Base salary range: $110,250.00 - $157,100.00 (Level 3) or $123,500.00 - $175,950.00 (Level 4) per year, depending on qualifications

Annual Target Incentive: Level 3, 12.0% target
Level 4, 12.0% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% - 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.


Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.

Deadline: 7/21/26

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural's Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates' diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.