IT Systems Administration – Expert

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe 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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!The OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking an IT Systems Administration – Expert to lead systems and network administration efforts within the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (TMC).

This position serves as the subject matter expert for tunnel SCADA systems and provides strategic oversight of complex, safety-critical infrastructure that supports real-time tunnel monitoring, traffic operations, and emergency response.

In this role, you will ensure the security, reliability, lifecycle preservation, and modernization of SCADA hardware, software, servers, workstations, and communication networks while supporting 24/7 operational availability.

You will collaborate with vendors and internal operational teams to align cybersecurity requirements, system configurations, and IT/OT integration, while managing patching, access controls, backups, diagnostics, and remediation efforts.

This position also translates enterprise directives into region-specific implementation plans, influences statewide IT/OT practices, and provides consultation on SCADA and ITS infrastructure upgrades across the agency.What to ExpectThis position generally demands heightened safety awareness and may involve exposure to critical, psychologically challenging incidents, such as collisions and trauma.Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT Systems Administration – Expert will:

• Administer complex server, network, and system environments supporting tunnel life safety systems, tolling systems, and ITS infrastructure within the Northwest Region TMC.
• Monitor system performance and operational status using diagnostic and performance monitoring tools to identify anomalies, resolve issues, and maximize uptime for 24/7 operations.
• Maintain and configure core ITS transport networks (Cisco), including Seattle ITS, Bellingham ITS, and TrafficBuster systems to ensure reliability, scalability, and fault tolerance.
• Lead regional alignment efforts by interpreting statewide directives and designing region-specific implementation plans that support modernization, compliance, and IT/OT integration.
• Support media connectivity systems by maintaining workstations, servers, and equipment that provide local outlets with live camera feeds and traffic map access.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, testing, and lifecycle upgrades of servers and network equipment to ensure compatibility with ITS infrastructure and compliance with agency standards.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices by conducting vulnerability assessments, applying security patches, managing access controls, and ensuring secure system availability across IT and OT assets.
• Design and administer virtualization environments (VMware and Hyper-V) by planning architecture, supporting hosted applications, troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues, and ensuring disaster recovery readiness.

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

• Systems and Network Administration: Advanced skills in network design and infrastructure alignment, network administration, server maintenance, virtualization, and ensuring real-time system updates for a large-scale network 24/7 operation with expertise in applications such as VMware/Hyper-V, Windows/Linux, and/or Cisco.
• Operational Technology Systems Integration and Management: Experience leading, deploying, and managing industrial control systems and/or OT cybersecurity frameworks, vendor coordination, root cause analysis, patching, updates, back-up, and recovery efforts with expertise in applications such as FactoryTalk, SIDERA, SCADA, Genetec, and Synology.
• IT/OT Convergence and Cybersecurity: Expert knowledge in cybersecurity with experience performing vulnerability assessments and deploying risk management strategies in network and system administration.
• Technical Consultation, Infrastructure Modernization, and Planning: Experience advocating for the implementation of network modernization, data center migration, and other strategic operational infrastructure needs through both an IT and modal operational perspective.
• Communication, Decision-making, and Accountability: Straightforward communication skills and experience in critical service prioritization in high-impact operations.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• Ability to provide 24/7 support as needed to ensure the continuous and reliable operation of the systems.

It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Systems Management Expertise: Demonstrated progressively responsible experience supporting Transportation Systems Management (TSM) operations and associated technologies.

In addition to:

• Possession of CompTIA Server+, Security+, or similar industry-recognized certifications.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• Occasional travel to remote TMCs (such as Bellingham and Lakewood) is required for meetings, trainings, or other work-related activities. Overnight stays may be necessary when working at remote facilities.

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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• 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 their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 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.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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 listed Recruiter.

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.Contact USFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13243e in the subject line.