IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist

State of Washington • King County - Shoreline, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a senior IT professional to maintain, secure, and modernize the technology infrastructure supporting the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and interconnected Tunnel Fire and Life Safety networks. The role supports reliable, resilient, and secure systems for Washington transportation operations and public safety. It leads system and network administration, infrastructure enhancements and upgrades, security-risk mitigation, operational activities, technical standards, and complex troubleshooting. The position also advances cybersecurity across computers, applications, cloud resources, networks, and data in accordance with WSDOT Technology Services policies and standards.

The position is based in Shoreline, Washington, and may offer flexible or hybrid remote work. It requires in-person reporting to the SR 99 tunnel in Seattle and the WSDOT Shoreline building several days per week; the first several months are fully in person in Shoreline for training. The role requires 24/7 availability for TMC operations and COOP responsibilities, particularly during weekday peak commute hours. A valid driver’s license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles are required.

Requirements

• Ability to troubleshoot complex IT system issues, analyze problems, identify effective solutions, and make independent technical decisions about issues, workflows, and priorities.
• Knowledge of IT hardware and software installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, and ability to perform technical work independently and provide technical guidance.
• Knowledge and experience supporting Microsoft 365, Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, Active Directory Group Policy Management, iOS devices, and standard Adobe products.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage IT projects affecting division-wide or agency-wide operations, including prioritizing activities and coordinating resources.
• Ability to provide customer-focused technical consultation and support, assess needs, communicate technical information, and deliver solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing, and to work independently and collaboratively with team members, technical partners, and customers.
• Ability to organize and prioritize assignments, manage time, meet deadlines, and adapt work plans to changing operational needs.
• Ability to contribute to a respectful workplace, support equal opportunity, and maintain positive working relationships.
• Commitment to learning and growth, and a service-oriented approach to meeting others’ needs.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Availability 24/7 for TMC operations and COOP responsibilities, particularly during weekday peak commute hours.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and ability to apply cybersecurity practices in areas such as vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application and network security, incident response, antivirus and malware management, and security assessments.
• Knowledge of project-management principles and practices, with ability to plan, coordinate, and implement IT systems and infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and requirements, including WaTech Security Standards, PCI DSS, CIS Critical Security Controls, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ability to apply them to IT systems and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of transportation systems management and technologies that support transportation operations, reliability, and traffic management.
• Knowledge and experience with FactoryTalk or SCADA systems and supporting technologies.
• Technical knowledge of server administration and cybersecurity supported by certifications such as CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent credentials.

Responsibilities

• Perform network and system administration for diverse technologies and services within the NWR TMC.
• Oversee server operating systems, applications, databases, interfaces, and virtualization.
• Design, procure, implement, maintain, troubleshoot, and update data center, server, network, and storage infrastructure.
• Use specialized tools, equipment, and software for traffic and roadway management and tunnel fire and life safety systems, including ramp meters, traffic cameras, traffic data stations, variable message signs, central software control, and WSDOT web-based applications and systems.
• Collaborate with external agencies, including Washington State Patrol, cities, counties, and media, to develop and maintain systems that share WSDOT traffic data and video (Traffic Busters).
• Define and implement strategies to integrate disparate operating-system environments within in-house-developed traffic software.
• Analyze and resolve complex issues, including product incompatibilities and conflicts caused by new or replacement hardware or software versions.
• Administer infrastructure instances using automated technologies, including server virtualization and video management or industrial automation.
• Integrate, distribute, maintain, design, and support TMC servers, interfaces, and application environments.
• Coordinate application updates with application administrators to provide a stable platform for TMS, FactoryTalk, Sidera, Cameleon, Genetec, Synology Surveillance System, and other required applications.
• Provide technical consultation and act as a liaison to customers and partners to ensure system designs, implementations, and maintenance are viable from the TMC perspective.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage IT projects that affect division-wide or agency-wide operations.
• Provide technical support and consultation, assess customer needs, and communicate technical information effectively.
• Organize and prioritize competing assignments, meet deadlines, and adjust work plans as operational needs change.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace and demonstrate a commitment to learning and service.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
• Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs and government discounts at participating colleges.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed