Network Architecture Lead - IT Architecture Senior/Specialist - Permanent - 2026-08704

Title- Network Architecture Lead Classification- IT Architecture Senior/Specialist Job Status- Full-Time – Permanent WDFW Program- Directors Office - Information Technology Services Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption: Mountain Goat – Photo Credit: Anour Esa

Lead the agency’s network infrastructure in this senior level role, where you’ll develop technology strategies that keep offices, field teams, and critical operations securely and reliably connected.

You’ll guide major network architecture and modernization initiatives, develop long-term technology roadmaps, and provide technical leadership to build a resilient, high-performing network.

What to Expect: Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Network Architecture & Strategy Lead,

Network Architecture and Technology Strategy:

• Develop and maintain the agency’s enterprise network architecture and multi-year technology roadmap.
• Define current-state and target-state network architectures.
• Develop architectural standards, patterns, and reference designs for network infrastructure.
• Ensure network architecture aligns with Washington State Enterprise strategy and DFW CIO IT strategy, cybersecurity requirements, cloud strategy, and agency business needs.

Network Modernization and Transformation:

• Lead or provide architectural direction for major network modernization initiatives.
• Develop modernization strategies for aging network equipment, connectivity, WAN, wireless, data centers, and remote locations.
• Evaluate traditional WAN against SD-WAN, cloud networking, internet-based connectivity, and other modern approaches.
• Develop strategies for integrating on-premises, cloud, field, and remote-office environments.

Network Resilience, Continuity and Disaster Recovery:

• Develop network resilience strategies for critical agency services.
• Create recovery operating procedures and train Network Engineers for Disaster Recovery efforts.

Cybersecurity Architecture:

• Incorporate cybersecurity principles into network architecture and design.
• Partner with cybersecurity staff to implement segmentation, zero-trust principles, secure remote access, identity-aware networking, and other security controls.

Cloud and Hybrid Network Architecture:

• Develop architecture for connectivity between agency facilities, data centers, cloud environments, 3rd party SAAS services, field work locations, and staff home offices.
• Design secure and resilient AWS/Azure/State Datacenter connectivity.

Field and Remote Connectivity:

• Develop connectivity strategies for geographically dispersed offices, hatcheries, wildlife areas, enforcement facilities, field stations, and other remote locations.

Network Engineering Standards and Governance:

• Establish and maintain network engineering standards and configuration standards that are consistent with Federal, State, and agency policies, standards, and strategies.
• Provide technical leadership for network-related projects.

Technical Leadership for Network Engineers:

• Serve as the senior technical authority and mentor for network engineering staff.

Network Performance and Capacity Management:

• Establish network performance and capacity-management practices.
• Identify emerging capacity constraints.

Vendor and Technology Evaluation:

• Evaluate network products, services, and technologies.
• Conduct technical evaluations and proof-of-concept activities.

Project and Business Engagement:

• Serve as the network architecture lead for major IT and business projects.

Documentation and Configuration Management:

• Maintain authoritative network architecture documentation. Establish standards for documenting network dependencies and configurations.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards: Office setting typically at the Natural Resources Building (NRB) in Olympia, Washington. May be required to work in tight spaces, data closets and datacenter. Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer and extended periods of looking at computer monitor, sitting or standing.

Schedule: This position is full-time, working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule includes the potential for occasional evening or weekend work and variable hours as needed. Alternative schedules may be considered based on business needs.

Travel Requirements: Some travel will be required to regional and other remote offices.

Customer Interactions: Interact with WDFW staff, WaTech, ISPproviders and vendors.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.

And all the following (may be gained concurrently)

• Eight (8) years of recent, progressively responsible professional experience designing, implementing, engineering, or operating complex enterprise networks.

• Three (3) years of recent experience performing network architecture responsibilities, including target-state architecture, standards, major network designs, or technology roadmaps.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Leadership Training.

• Five (5) years of professional experience with enterprise routing, switching, LAN/WAN, wireless, VPN, network services, and network infrastructure.

• Three (3) years planning or leading network modernization, infrastructure lifecycle, migration, or technology refresh initiatives.

• Two (2) years designing or supporting network connectivity between on-premises infrastructure, cloud environments, and external services.

• Three (3) years incorporating network security, segmentation, high availability, redundancy, disaster recovery, or resilience into network designs.

• Two (2) years developing investment recommendations, risk assessments, or business cases related to infrastructure or network technology.

• Three (3) years providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers, conducting design reviews, establishing standards, or directing complex technical work.

• Three (3) years communicating complex technical concepts, risks, alternatives, and recommendations to technical staff, managers, executives, and nontechnical stakeholders.

• Two (2) years designing or supporting network architectures across geographically dispersed, remote, or operationally diverse locations.

• Two (2) years AWS Networking experience and certification.

Your application must include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WFSE: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].

• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.• Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.

• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)

• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected].

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-08704.

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