Job description

Job Title: IT Systems Specialist Location: Billings MT Job Type: Full-Time Job Overview Our mid-size oil and gas exploration company seeks an IT Systems Specialist to join our IT department. This person will play a key role in the design, implementation, and management of our enterprise-grade technology systems. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with extensive experience in managing virtualized server environments, industry-specific applications, and cybersecurity tools. This position requires a self-motivated professional capable of working independently as well as coordinating with various departments and vendors. About Us: Ballard Petroleum Holdings, LLC is a privately held, independent energy company primarily engaged in the development of oil and natural gas reserves in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming using horizontal drilling and waterflood technologies. The Company is currently the 7th largest oil producer in the Powder River Basin (2024). Our IT department plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of all business units, supporting 28 employees in the Billings office and 17 employees in the Gillette, WY, field office. The Company’s founding partnership was formed in 1992. Key Responsibilities • Infrastructure Management: Administer and maintain 30 VMware virtual servers running primarily Windows Server, ensuring high availability, performance, and scalability. • Application Support: Manage and support a suite of standard Microsoft 365 business applications, Microsoft SQL Server-based databases and oil and gas industry-specific applications. • System Upgrades and Maintenance: Plan, execute, and test upgrades for servers, applications, and related software, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. • Backup and Recovery: Oversee backup operations using Veeam Backup & Replication, ensuring data integrity and rapid recovery in case of system failures. • Vendor Coordination: Engage and manage third-party vendors for infrequent, specialized IT tasks, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery of services. • Technology Planning: Assess current IT systems, recommend upgrades or replacements, and design solutions to meet evolving business needs. • Troubleshooting and Support: Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, account, and network issues, providing timely support to end-users and applications. Work with all levels of users and provide training as needed. • Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of IT systems, configurations, and processes to ensure continuity and compliance. • Cybersecurity: Prioritize security in all job functions. Assist with maintaining, configuring, and improving security tools, including antivirus, application control, and email security, to protect against malware and other cyber threats. • Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure IT operations adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements specific to the oil and gas sector. Qualifications • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. • Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in IT systems administration, with at least 5 years managing virtualized environments (VMware preferred). • Technical Skills: o Expertise in Windows Server administration and VMware virtualization. o Proficiency in managing Microsoft SQL Server databases for application support. o Experience with Veeam Backup & Replication, SOPHOS, Barracuda, and ThreatLocker or similar backup and cybersecurity tools. o Familiarity with oil and gas industry-specific applications (e.g., geologic modeling, reservoir management, or production tracking software). o Strong understanding of network infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, and LAN/WAN configurations. • Soft Skills: o Self-starter with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. o Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. o Excellent communication skills to interact with non-technical staff, vendors, and senior management. • Industry Knowledge: Experience in the oil and gas sector is highly desirable, with an understanding of its operational and regulatory requirements. Work Environment • Full-time, on-site position with occasional after-hours or weekend work for system upgrades or emergency support. • Opportunity to shape the IT strategy of a growing oil and gas exploration company. • Collaborative environment with direct access to senior leadership. How to Apply Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to: Julie Swanson, IT Administrator Careers@ballardpetroleum.com We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce.

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