What are the responsibilities and job description for the SDC Associate Technician position at State of Washington?
Description
SDC Associate Technician
(IT Network and Telecommunications-Entry)
WaTech: Leading the way in technology!
Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.
About The Opportunity
This position is part of the State Data Center (SDC) Facilities Operations team within WaTech’s Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) division. The SDC program safeguards and maintains the state's technology investments while directing and coordinating the implementation and operation of services provided through the State Data Center and Quincy Data Center. State agencies depend on these facilities to support the continuous operation of Washington's most critical information systems and communications networks. This position reports to the State Data Center Facility Operations Supervisor.
As a State Data Center (SDC) Associate Technician, you will help maintain the infrastructure that powers essential government services across Washington. You will support the installation, maintenance, and operation of critical network infrastructure within the state's two mission-critical data center facilities and the Equinix node site. Your responsibilities will include equipment installation, network and carrier circuit provisioning, cabling, network connectivity troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues to ensure reliable operations.
In this role, you will contribute directly to the availability and reliability of statewide enterprise systems that agencies use to serve residents, businesses, and communities. Working closely with the Facility Manager and Facility Operations Supervisor, you will help assess operational needs, coordinate the procurement of equipment and materials, and provision resources that strengthen data center performance and resiliency.
The SDC Associate Technician follows established state policies, agency standards, and procedures related to facility operations, vendor management, and purchasing. Through this work, you will help ensure the security, stability, and continuous operation of Washington state's critical technology infrastructure.
Duties
Some Of What To Expect With This Role
Here’s what we’re looking for:
Telework: This position requires daily onsite/in person presence at WaTech's Olympia, Washington office.
We Value Diversity And Different Perspectives
WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
What WaTech Offers
As an employee of WaTech, you’ll have access to an outstanding employee benefits package that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.
While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country’s most scenic national parks, we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please visit our website.
Additional Information About This Role
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. In addition to completing your online application, please also include the following attachments:
Reminders
Recruitment Process
The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate’s specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to recruitment@watech.wa.gov
If you’d like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or Human.Resources@watech.wa.gov.Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #1. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
03
Which of the following do you have two years of experience with?
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #3. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
05
Do you have two years of Information Technology (IT) purchasing and procurement experience. This includes purchasing or providing IT services and equipment, specifying network equipment and design, IT billing, or similar duties?
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #5. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
07
Please select the option that best describes your BICSI Installer 1 technician certification?
Do you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT, etc.)?
How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.
SDC Associate Technician
(IT Network and Telecommunications-Entry)
WaTech: Leading the way in technology!
Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.
About The Opportunity
This position is part of the State Data Center (SDC) Facilities Operations team within WaTech’s Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) division. The SDC program safeguards and maintains the state's technology investments while directing and coordinating the implementation and operation of services provided through the State Data Center and Quincy Data Center. State agencies depend on these facilities to support the continuous operation of Washington's most critical information systems and communications networks. This position reports to the State Data Center Facility Operations Supervisor.
As a State Data Center (SDC) Associate Technician, you will help maintain the infrastructure that powers essential government services across Washington. You will support the installation, maintenance, and operation of critical network infrastructure within the state's two mission-critical data center facilities and the Equinix node site. Your responsibilities will include equipment installation, network and carrier circuit provisioning, cabling, network connectivity troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues to ensure reliable operations.
In this role, you will contribute directly to the availability and reliability of statewide enterprise systems that agencies use to serve residents, businesses, and communities. Working closely with the Facility Manager and Facility Operations Supervisor, you will help assess operational needs, coordinate the procurement of equipment and materials, and provision resources that strengthen data center performance and resiliency.
The SDC Associate Technician follows established state policies, agency standards, and procedures related to facility operations, vendor management, and purchasing. Through this work, you will help ensure the security, stability, and continuous operation of Washington state's critical technology infrastructure.
Duties
Some Of What To Expect With This Role
- Serve as the entry-level Space Management technician within the SDC, QDC, and Equinix node site.
- Maintain and enhance the SDC/QDC mission critical internal datacenter cabling for customers who support and ensure the business, financial applications, voice, email, internet and SGN access always remain available.
- Review cabling cut sheets, input cable ID information, and print wrap-around labels.
- Perform basic retrofits and upgrades to structured cabling (fiber optic cable, coax, category cables) panels, rails, and raceway products to support existing data center infrastructure.
- Read and interpret equipment elevations and Visio maps.
- Conduct cable testing and certifyall fiber/copper media installed meets EIA/TIA 568 (Electrical Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association 568 standards).
- Purchase IT equipment and manage receiving, storage, shipping, and inventory control for the SDC, QDC, and Equinix node site.
- Serves as the primary intake and receiver of customer and vendor materials shipped to the State Data Centers across multiple technology disciplines.
- Schedule and oversee physical inventories monthly and advise management as necessary on inventory levels while taking into consideration market conditions, price trends, strikes, transportation problems, etc.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Four years of Information Technology (IT) experience in one of the following areas: System Administration, Network Architecture and Design, Network Operations Support, Network Infrastructure, Coordinating IT Acquisitions, or a related field. This experience must include two years in one of the following areas:
- IT/Telecommunications equipment installation, repair, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Installing, maintaining, repairing, and testing fiber optic and copper cabling systems, IT hardware servers, switches, and routers.
- An associate degree in engineering, information technology or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
- Two years of Information Technology (IT) purchasing and procurement experience. This includes purchasing or providing IT services and equipment, specifying network equipment and design, IT billing, or similar duties.
- Must possess and/or acquire (and maintain) within six months of employment the BICSI Installer 1 technician certification.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Knowledge of project management principles.
- Proven ability to manage multiple, simultaneous work streams.
- Excellent analytical skills, planning, and organization.
Telework: This position requires daily onsite/in person presence at WaTech's Olympia, Washington office.
We Value Diversity And Different Perspectives
WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
What WaTech Offers
As an employee of WaTech, you’ll have access to an outstanding employee benefits package that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.
While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country’s most scenic national parks, we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please visit our website.
Additional Information About This Role
- This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
- This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. In addition to completing your online application, please also include the following attachments:
- A current resume detailing your applicable experience, training and/or education.
- A letter of interest highlighting how your experience aligns with the outlined job posting.
Reminders
- A real person is reviewing your application material. It is in your best interest to complete the application in its entirety and review thoroughly before submitting. You will not be eligible to re-apply for this posting for 30 days.
- Applications with missing or incomplete fields, or supplemental question responses such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.
- WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. WaTech does not use the E-Verify system. We are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov.
- Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number and date of birth prior to submittal.)
Recruitment Process
The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate’s specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to recruitment@watech.wa.gov
If you’d like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or Human.Resources@watech.wa.gov.Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:
- I have four years of Information Technology (IT) experience in one of the following areas: System Administration, Network Architecture and Design, Network Operations Support, Network Infrastructure, Coordinating IT Acquisitions, or a related field.
- I have two years of Information Technology (IT) experience in one of the following areas: System Administration, Network Architecture and Design, Network Operations Support, Network Infrastructure, Coordinating IT Acquisitions, or a related field AND an associate degree in engineering, information technology or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
- I do not have the required experience and/or education, but I am willing to learn.
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #1. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
03
Which of the following do you have two years of experience with?
- IT/Telecommunications equipment installation, repair, configuration, and troubleshooting.
- Installing, maintaining, repairing, and testing fiber optic and copper cabling systems, IT hardware servers, switches, and routers.
- I do not have experience with any of these.
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #3. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
05
Do you have two years of Information Technology (IT) purchasing and procurement experience. This includes purchasing or providing IT services and equipment, specifying network equipment and design, IT billing, or similar duties?
- Yes
- No
Please explain how you gained the experience in question #5. If this does not apply, use “N/A”
07
Please select the option that best describes your BICSI Installer 1 technician certification?
- I have a BICSI Installer 1 technician certification.
- I do not have a BICSI Installer 1 technician certification, but I understand that I must acquire and maintain it within six months of employment.
- I do not a BICSI Installer 1 technician certification, and I am not willing to acquire/obtain and maintain it within six months of employment.
Do you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT, etc.)?
- Yes
- No
How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.
- Business Resource Group (BRG)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Governmentjobs.com
- Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
- Job Fair
- WaTech employee
- WaTech website
- WorkSource
- Other
- Required Question