What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist position at State of Washington?
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an IT Systems Administrator (Senior/Specialist) to support the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and Tunnel Fire and Life Safety networks by administering, maintaining, and enhancing critical systems and network infrastructure in alignment with agency technology and security standards. In this role, you will apply advanced technical knowledge to sustain daily operations, modernize infrastructure, and implement strategies to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities across servers, networks, cloud resources, and data systems, while promoting security best practices and ensuring reliable 24/7 functionality of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and IT/OT environments. The role includes leading system upgrades, remediation efforts, and problem analysis, managing system inventory and lifecycle activities, coordinating with internal partners, and providing consultation on ITS design to ensure compatibility, security, and long-term sustainability. A strong candidate will possess advanced systems and network administration expertise, knowledge of cybersecurity principles, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, experience supporting complex and mission-critical environments, effective communication and coordination skills, and the ability to lead technical initiatives while ensuring operational reliability and security.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist will:
- Perform Network and System Administration for a diverse range of technologies and services within the NWR TMC.
- Oversee all aspects of Server Operating Systems, Applications, Databases, Interfaces, and Virtualization.
- Administer infrastructure instances through automated technologies (e.g. server virtualization, video management industrial automation, etc.).
- Integrate, distribute, maintain, design, and provide support for TMC servers, interfaces, and application environments.
- Provide technical consultation, serving as a liaison to diverse customers and partners to ensure the viability of system design, implementation, and maintenance from the TMC perspective for the agency.
- Collaborate with a broad range of peer entities internal and external to WSDOT.
- Act as a technical lead cornerstone for escalating network issues and ensure a prompt response to TMC escalations.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Systems Administration & Problem Solving: Demonstrated experience with system administration troubleshooting skills and problem solving with an ability to make independent decisions and judgements about workflows and work priorities.
- Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
- Technical Implementation & Consulting: Technical and operational experience providing consultation and independently installing, configuring, and maintaining IT hardware and software.
- Enterprise Technology Support: Experience supporting enterprise environments as both an individual contributor and team member, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Active Directory Group Policy, iOS, and Adobe products.
- Project Management & Customer Service: Experience planning and managing IT projects impacting divisions or agencies, including providing technical consultation and delivering services within a customer-focused technology environment.
- Time and task management: Demonstrated ability to complete assignments within established timelines and manage priorities across concurrent projects and vendor engagements. Skilled in working independently and proactively to ensure high-quality outcomes in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations at any time, either independently or as part of a team.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Extensive Cybersecurity Technologies: Working knowledge of cybersecurity technologies such as vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application security, network security, incident response and handling, anti-virus/malware management, and/or security assessments.
- Project Management Practices: Working knowledge, experience, or education with project management principles and best practices for successfully leading efforts related to systems implementations.
- Cybersecurity Frameworks & Standards: Working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements such as WaTech Security Standards, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, CIS Critical Security Controls, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
- Transportation Systems Technology: Experience with Transportation Systems Management and associated technologies.
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS/SCADA): Experience working with FactoryTalk or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) frameworks.
- Relevant industry certifications, such as CompTIA Server , Security , or similar.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed
- The role entails 24/7 availability for TMC operation and COOP responsibilities, particularly during peak commute hours on weekdays.
- The position may involve working emergency shifts assigned and responding to emergency situations at any time, either independently or as part of a team.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13460e in the subject line.
Salary : $97,398 - $130,989