Hourly Student Worker

GL- 10-02-08-365000-50999

PI - Mark Maynard (David Keely)

Cyber Range Technician

Department: Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII)
Employment Type: Hourly Student Worker
Reports To: Cyber Range Manager / OCII Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Cyber Range Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and administration of OCII's cyber range environment. This position provides hands-on technical assistance with configuring virtual environments, supporting cybersecurity training exercises, maintaining hardware and software systems, and assisting faculty, staff, and students participating in cyber education and workforce development activities. The Cyber Range Technician gains practical experience in cybersecurity operations, systems administration, networking, and technical troubleshooting in a collaborative learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of cyber range infrastructure and virtual environments.
• Support cybersecurity exercises, simulations, competitions, and training events.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, and connectivity issues within the cyber range environment.
• Monitor system performance and report issues to OCII staff.
• Assist with deployment and testing of cybersecurity tools, applications, and virtual machines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of configurations, procedures, and technical activities.
• Provide technical support to faculty, staff, students, and external participants during cyber range events.
• Assist with inventory management and organization of cyber range equipment and technology resources.
• Perform routine system updates, backups, and maintenance activities under supervision.
• Follow university and OCII policies regarding information security, data protection, and appropriate technology use.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment as a student at the university.
• Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies and technical procedures quickly.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in cybersecurity, networking, Linux, Windows administration, or cloud technologies.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or similar platforms.
• Experience participating in cybersecurity competitions, cyber defense exercises, or capture-the-flag (CTF) events.
• Basic scripting knowledge (PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar).
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, including network security, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical troubleshooting and analytical thinking.
• Basic networking concepts and protocols.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and document work accurately.
• Customer service mindset and willingness to assist users with varying technical skill levels.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to maintaining secure computing practices.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently operate computers and other technology equipment.
• Frequently communicate with faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Occasionally move and transport computer equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Ability to access equipment located in offices, classrooms, and data center/laboratory environments.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office, laboratory, or technology support environment. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours to support cybersecurity competitions, training exercises, special events, or cyber range operations.

Learning Outcomes

Students serving as Cyber Range Technicians will have the opportunity to:

• Develop hands-on cybersecurity and information technology skills.
• Gain experience supporting enterprise and virtual computing environments.
• Strengthen problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Apply classroom concepts to real-world cybersecurity operations and training scenarios.
• Build professional experience relevant to careers in cybersecurity, systems administration, and information technology.