IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist

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 currently seeking a skilled and experienced IT professional to join our team as a System Administration – Senior Specialist in Shoreline, WA. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining, securing, and modernizing the technology infrastructure that supports the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and its interconnected Tunnel Fire and Life Safety networks. Your expertise will help ensure these essential systems remain reliable, resilient, and secure in support of Washington’s transportation operations and the safety of the traveling public.

As a senior technical resource, you will lead system and network administration efforts, oversee infrastructure enhancements and upgrades, and develop strategies to identify, mitigate, and prevent security risks and vulnerabilities. You will provide technical guidance, establish standards and best practices, lead daily operational activities, and develop effective processes for troubleshooting complex issues and resolving infrastructure challenges. From strengthening network and file storage capabilities to advancing cybersecurity practices across computers, applications, cloud resources, networks, and data, you will help drive continuous improvement and ensure technology solutions align with WSDOT Technology Services policies and standards.

What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the 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.
• Design, procure, implement, maintain, troubleshoot, and update data center, server, network, and storage infrastructure.
• Utilizes specialized tools. equipment and software dedicated to traffic and roadway management and tunnels fire and life safety systems, including ramp meter systems, traffic cameras, traffic data stations, variable message signs, central software control, and other WSDOT web-based applications and systems.
• Collaborate with extremal agencies, including Washington State Patrol (WSP), cities, counties, and the media, in the development and maintenance of systems facilitating the sharing of WSDOT traffic data and video (Traffic Busters).
• Define and implement strategies for integrating disparate operating system environments within in-house developed traffic software.
• Analyze and resolve highly complex problems, such as incompatibility issues between products requiring integration and conflicts arising from the addition of new/replacement hardware or software versions.
• 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.
• Collaborate and apply updates together with application administrators to establish a stable platform for multiple applications, including TMS, FactoryTalk, Sidera, Cameleon, Genetec, Synology Surveillance System, and any other required applications.
• 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.

Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Systems Administration, Troubleshooting, and Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex IT system issues, analyze problems, identify effective solutions, and make independent decisions regarding technical issues, workflows, and work priorities.

• IT Hardware, Software, and Technical Support: Knowledge of IT hardware and software installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, with the ability to independently perform technical work and provide technical consultation and guidance.

• Microsoft Technologies and Enterprise Applications: Knowledge and experience supporting Microsoft 365 (M365), Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, Active Directory Group Policy Management, iOS devices, and standard Adobe products.

• IT Project Management: Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage IT projects that affect division-wide or agency-wide operations, including prioritizing activities, coordinating resources, and supporting successful project implementation.

• Technical Consulting and Customer Service: Ability to provide technical consultation and customer-focused IT support, assess customer needs, communicate technical information effectively, and deliver solutions that support organizational objectives.

• Communication and Collaboration: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively with team members, technical partners, and customers.

• Workload and Time Management: Ability to organize and prioritize competing assignments, manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and adjust work plans in response to changing operational needs.

• Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Practices: Ability to contribute to a professional work environment that promotes respect, equal opportunity, and positive working relationships through appropriate workplace conduct and collaboration.

• 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.
• 24/7 availability for TMC operation and COOP responsibilities, particularly during peak commute hours on weekdays.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Cybersecurity and Threat Management: Knowledge and ability to apply cybersecurity practices in one or more areas, including vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application security, network security, incident response and handling, antivirus and malware management, and security assessments.
• IT Project Management and Systems Implementation: Knowledge of project management principles and best practices, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and implement IT systems and infrastructure projects to achieve technical and operational objectives.
• Cybersecurity Standards and Compliance: Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and requirements, including WaTech Security Standards, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), CIS Critical Security Controls, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and the ability to apply applicable requirements to IT systems and infrastructure.
• Transportation Systems Management and Technology: Knowledge of transportation systems management and the technologies used to support transportation operations, system reliability, and traffic management.
• Industrial Control Systems and SCADA Technologies: Knowledge and experience with FactoryTalk or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and their supporting technologies.
• IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Certifications: Demonstrated technical knowledge in server administration and cybersecurity, supported by certifications such as CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent credentials.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position may offer flexible/hybrid remote work options. However, it will be required to report in person to both the SR 99 tunnel in Seattle and the WSDOT Shoreline building several days a week. The first several months of employment will be fully in person in Shoreline for training.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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.
• 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 www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected] . Please be sure to reference IT System Administration Senior Specialist #13460 in the subject line.