IT Systems Administration (Senior Specialist)

State of Washington•King County - Shoreline, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist IT System Administrator to join their team in Shoreline, WA. This role serves as a technical leader responsible for administering, maintaining, securing, and modernizing the systems and networks that support the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and adjacent Tunnel Fire and Life Safety systems. The position requires advanced technical knowledge across multiple IT disciplines to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of mission-critical infrastructure supporting Washington's transportation network. The IT Systems Administrator will play a key role in maintaining 24/7 operational readiness by managing servers, workstations, networking, and storage environments, while driving continuous improvements aligned with WSDOT Technology Services standards, policies, and strategic objectives.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve systems administration issues in complex technological environments.
Ability to analyze technical problems, prioritize work, and exercise sound judgment when making independent decisions regarding workflows, system operations, and competing priorities.
Ability to communicate technical and non-technical information effectively through verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
Skilled in collaborating with stakeholders, providing technical guidance, and delivering customer-focused solutions.
Demonstrated knowledge of information technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, operating systems, and enterprise technologies.
Ability to independently install, configure, maintain, and support IT hardware and software while providing technical consultation and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to support and administer enterprise technology environments, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, Active Directory Group Policy, mobile device platforms, and standard productivity software.
Ability to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and support end-user computing environments.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement technology projects with organization-wide impacts.
Skilled in evaluating business needs, providing technical consultation, managing project activities, and delivering customer-centered technology solutions.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to contribute to and support a professional work environment that promotes respect, inclusion, equal opportunity, and collaboration among diverse employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a state vehicle as required to support business needs.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices, including one or more of the following areas: vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application security, network security, incident response, malware protection, security monitoring, or security assessments.
Ability to identify risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and support the protection of organizational technology assets.
Knowledge of project management principles and best practices with the ability to support, coordinate, or lead technology implementation efforts.
Ability to plan activities, manage timelines, collaborate with stakeholders, and contribute to successful project outcomes.
Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to apply security controls and best practices that align with recognized frameworks and standards such as state security requirements, industry security standards, and risk management frameworks.
Knowledge of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) principles, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or related transportation technologies.
Ability to support technology solutions that enhance transportation operations, safety, and system reliability.
Relevant industry-recognized certifications or demonstrated equivalent knowledge in systems administration, cybersecurity, networking, or related technology disciplines.
Knowledge of industrial control systems, operational technology environments, or automation platforms, including the ability to support, administer, troubleshoot, or integrate systems used for monitoring and controlling critical infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Perform Network and System Administration for a diverse range of technologies and services within the NWR TMC focused on the SR99 tunnel.
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 within the SR 99 tunnel.
Utilize 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 external 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.
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.
Collaborates with a broad range of peer entities.