IT Systems Engineer, Lead

Full Job Description

Requirements

Why it's a great opportunity: In this role you will lead the team designing, implementing, and maintaining modern infrastructure and application delivery platforms through Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), secure code repository management, and automated deployment practices.

The team will support the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) by ensuring that code is developed, reviewed, tested, and deployed using standardized, secure, and repeatable processes.

Additionally, the team manages code repositories, develops and maintains infrastructure templates, implements CI/CD pipelines, and supports automated deployments across cloud and on-premises environments.

This team contributes to cloud architecture and design by collaborating with infrastructure, networking, and security teams to ensure scalable, resilient, and secure solutions aligned with enterprise standards.

You will use your expertise to lead DevOps and cloud architecture efforts, including DevSecOps practices, infrastructure automation with Terraform and Ansible, Kubernetes management, cloud environments, team training, and cloud migration initiatives.

Through automation, governance, and collaboration, this position helps enable reliable application delivery, operational efficiency, and a strong cybersecurity posture for the organization.

The Information Technology Division’s 130 staff are responsible for building, operating, and maintaining the technologies that power essential public services in Pierce County.

We provide diverse technology solutions including commercial applications, geographic information systems, and sophisticated custom software, supported by a robust hybrid infrastructure combining both on-premises and cloud-based platforms, and all secured by a reliable network.

Our team thrives in a positive, collaborative environment combined with continual learning and development to enable our highly impactful work.

Join us and be part of a division where your contributions truly make a difference.

Why it's a great department: The Finance Department delivers enterprise-wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship.

Finance staff provide a broad portfolio of high-impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management.

Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise-level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities.

Guided by leadership values that emphasize collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning, the Finance Department offers a supportive, innovative, and team-oriented environment where employees can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on County operations and the community.

Learn more about the Finance Department here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from combining your technical, analytical, and customer-oriented IT experience with outstanding leadership, communication, presentation, and customer service.

Being able to effectively communicate work done for DevOps, Cloud Architecture, Server Systems, Telecommunication Systems, User Systems, Network Systems, and Data Center Facilities withcustomers, fellow IT leaders, and stakeholders across the organization will further ensure your success.

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success.

This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Provide highly skilled operational support for a variety of server platforms that may include server hardware, storage and backup complexes, operating systems and peripherals that support mission critical County systems.
• Provide advanced level technical strategic planning and implementation of new server technology standards within expertise areas.
• Provide advanced level back end application and database system implementation and operational support.
• May oversee employee performance for IT Systems Engineers providing server support.
• Provide highly skilled operational support for all Pierce County data networks including networking hardware, operating systems, cabling and peripherals that support mission critical County systems.
• Provide advanced level technical strategic planning and implementation of new networking technology standards to assure County’s bandwidth and uptime needs are continually met.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• Six or more years of information technology experience required AND
• A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in information technology, computer sciences, business, public administration or related field.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?