Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for an Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern located at the Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska. This intern position will require on-site presence in the Columbus, NE, office and is not eligible for a remote or hybrid working arrangement. Position closes December 18th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.  This is a temporary position with a start date to be determined based on student availability. This intern role has the capacity to be part-time during the school year with the expectation of full-time work when school is not is session.

This position will report to the OT Infrastructure Supervisor.

Position Summary

The Operational Technology Infrastructure Intern is an entry-level role designed to provide student interns with a broad range of experiences that support servers and workstations in an Operational Technology environment. The intern will gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced Operational Technology Systems Analysts deploying and maintaining servers and workstations, assisting in monitoring security systems, supporting the development and implementation of security policies and procedures, and working closely with experienced professionals and learning about industry best practices while gaining knowledge on emerging threats in the industry.

Education, Training and Experience

Applicant must be working toward an associate or bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. The Intern must be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college/university carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The internship/training must be in the student's field of study. College credit may apply to some internships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrates strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Strong understanding of systems analysis and design as well as database and networking concepts
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Highest level of integrity and honesty with the ability to protect sensitive, confidential information related to security practices

Licenses and/or Certifications

None required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Gain exposure to security requirements and the implementation of security controls within servers and workstations.

Assist with support of security products including firewalls, switches, endpoint detection and response, vulnerability management, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

Assist with patching and updating servers and workstations.

Interact with professionals from various departments, such as IT, development, and management, to understand the organization's overall security needs and objectives.

Learn how to communicate effectively about operational technology and cyber security concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced operational technology professionals who will provide insights and knowledge to help you grow in the field.

Stay updated on the latest cyber security trends, threats, and best practices through team discussions, training sessions, and independent research.

Apply theoretical knowledge from your coursework to real-world scenarios and challenges.

Contribute to improving the organization's operational technology reliability and cyber security posture, which has a direct impact on its operations, data protection, and reputation.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Customer Focus Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion Integrity/Excellence Public Service/Environmental Stewardship Safety

Salary Information 

Hourly rate:  $ $28.72 per hour (based on undergrad completion level)

Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska)  Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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