IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist to support the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of the agency's statewide telecommunications and network infrastructure. In this role, you will analyze business and technical requirements, develop and implement network solutions, oversee the installation and configuration of fiber optic, Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, Intranet (LAN), and telecommunications systems, and ensure the reliable connectivity of critical voice, data, and video systems that support transportation operations across Washington. As a trusted senior specialist, you will provide technical expertise to WSDOT and partner agencies, helping optimize network performance, reliability, security, and interoperability while supporting the infrastructure that connects traffic management devices, roadside technologies, and other mission-critical systems. Strong candidates will possess proficiency in enterprise networking and telecommunications, knowledge of fiber optic and LAN/WAN technologies, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable, and resilient network solutions. Network Services provides technical expertise, management, and strategic leadership for the agency’s Enterprise Telecommunications Services (i.e. WAN, LAN, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)), Optical Fiber Services, Telephony, and Voice Services. This Network Technician position works in the Circuit Management and Fiber Operations area. Thurston County-based staff travel statewide, maintaining services for over 230 sites in support of all agency business units.

Requirements

Progressive experience in IT network engineering methods, network configuration, design, management and troubleshooting of network technologies.
Ability to design, configure, implement, manage, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure.
Advanced experience installing, configuring, testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and analyzing fiber optic infrastructure and networks.
Ability to perform fiber network architecture analysis and develop innovative solutions to ensure reliable, resilient connectivity.
Experience independently diagnosing and resolving complex network, telecommunications, and fiber optic issues using specialized tools, testing equipment, and industry best practices.
Ability to professionally and respectfully communicate, in writing and verbally, with a diverse set of customers and peers.
Demonstrated ability to actively listen, understand customer needs, recommend effective solutions, and build collaborative working relationships.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, leadership, business partners, and external stakeholders to support agency technology initiatives and achieve shared objectives.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as needed, to respond to critical lT-related systems and networks.
Ability to be on standing-by status on a rotating schedule and provide after-hours support.
Must be willing to travel and spend after-hours time on projects that can sometimes be far away from duty station.
Overnight travel is often required.
Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential for unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels. (This credential requires a federal background check).

Nice To Haves

Advanced level of experience and knowledge in information technology typically obtained through a combination of years of experience and formal education in an IT, Computer Science field or something similar.
Expert knowledge of Fusion splicing, both single strand splicing and ribbon splicing, OTDR operations and reading of the traces, Power meter and other fiber optic testing.
Working knowledge of Cisco routers and switches.
Experience working in a public/private work environment.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and design the interconnection and integration of critical systems for telecommunications, voice/data/video transfer and the fiber optics infrastructure for connectivity, potentially statewide.
Work with other division technical staff and leaders to bring all divisions under a uniform networked system of fiber optics infrastructure to ensure critical system connectivity leveraging common tactics techniques, and procedures.
Develop, plan and design network modifications and enhancements.
Evaluate integration of systems, connectivity capabilities and limitations of data transmission modes and media.
Evaluate and determine type of communication system(s) to be networked; assess geographic layout, transmission equipment required, and fiber network over which it will operate.
Design and configure networks and interfaces and integration to other network systems considering service requirements in the planning and design.
Research emerging network technologies, hardware/software, available for realignment and/or improvement of the network and integration with optical fiber infrastructure.
Present viable networking solution options including advantages and limitations.
Ensure rigorous application of cybersecurity.
Lead network infrastructure IT projects; analyze business requirements, design, plan, and lead IT projects.
Establish project scope, stakeholder groups, timeline, deliverables.
Configure, install, test, maintain, and manage networked systems statewide; monitor network, identify, and resolve interconnectivity and operational problems.