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Job Analysis:
The Cybersecurity Specialist at Wolverine Power Cooperative is fundamentally hired to safeguard the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of critical energy infrastructure that powers the local communities. This role blends technical acumen with strategic foresight to mitigate emerging cybersecurity threats, ensure regulatory compliance particularly with standards such as NIST CSF and NERC CIP, and foster a culture of proactive security throughout the organization. Primary responsibilities include continuous monitoring of security systems like SIEM, intrusion prevention, and vulnerability management tools, swift incident response, and collaboration with both internal teams and external partners to maintain a resilient security posture. The role demands not only strong hands-on expertise in cybersecurity frameworks and tools but also excellent communication and organizational skills to navigate the cooperative’s complex ecosystem. Challenges faced will likely revolve around managing and prioritizing risks within a critical infrastructure environment, interpreting evolving regulatory requirements, addressing sophisticated cyber threats, and balancing day-to-day operational demands with long-term strategic initiatives. Success in this position entails building trust and confidence in the security framework, minimizing downtime or breaches, and enabling uninterrupted, reliable power delivery to members. A candidate who is autonomous yet collaborative, technically savvy yet strategically minded, and communicative yet detail-oriented will thrive in this role, especially within the mission-driven and member-focused context of Wolverine.
Company Analysis:
Wolverine Power Cooperative occupies a vital niche in Michigan’s electric utility sector as a not-for-profit, member-owned generation and transmission cooperative. Its long-standing history since 1948 and commitment to affordable, reliable power signal a stable, mission-driven organization that values service to communities over purely commercial objectives. This positioning implies the cybersecurity specialist role carries significant responsibility and influence, as protecting critical infrastructure directly impacts member-consumers and operational continuity. The culture appears rooted in collaboration, entrepreneurial problem-solving, and a broad commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing personal accountability and community impact. Being headquartered in a brand-new facility with a moderate employee base distributed across multiple locations suggests an environment that is structured but also dynamic, balancing tradition with modernization. The cybersecurity role likely sits at a pivotal intersection between IT, operations, and regulatory compliance teams, requiring visibility with leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Strategically, this hire aligns with Wolverine’s goal to safeguard its expansive energy assets against growing cybersecurity threats while supporting operational excellence and compliance. It is both a growth and stabilization hire—aimed at enhancing security posture in a highly regulated, critical sector. Candidates should therefore expect a role that is technically challenging, yet deeply purpose-driven, and amplified by a supportive culture focused on community well-being and long-term resilience.