IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist

About WSDOT The 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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking an IT Systems Administrator (Senior/Specialist) for a vacancy in Shoreline, WA. The position’s duties include Windows server administration, Active Directory administration, server backup and restore, application management, VMWare, cloud services, network diagnostics and troubleshooting, and operational technology management in an active directory environment. A strong candidate will possess advanced systems and network administration expertise, strong troubleshooting skills, and experience supporting complex and mission-critical environments. What to Expect The NWR Technology Services provides services to over 2000 employees among 61 sites in a six-county area, including NWR and the agency’s Urban Mobility, Access and Mega Programs Division in the Puget Sound area that are making multi-modal investments in partnership with local agencies on WSDOT’s facilities. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist will:

• Create and define automated workflows and installation routines for System Administration across a wide variety of technologies and services for NWR.
• Provide System Administration for a wide variety of technologies and services to WSDOT business areas.
• Independently work on all levels of assignment that involve the administration of IT and operational technology (OT) systems, services, and applications.
• Monitor Infrastructure event log and server performance to analyze trends and identify issues.
• Configure, install, and maintain OS platforms, such as Window and Linux.
• Maintain security patching on all OS platforms and applications.
• Provide quality assurance expertise through skilled support for life cycle and complex trouble issues in management and administration of network infrastructure.
• Work with HQ Network Operations to procure, dispose, configure, deploy, and troubleshoot network equipment and cabling.
• Transport IT hardware, tools, and related materials to and from installation, maintenance, and removal sites.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for escalating network issues; provide timely response to customer escalations.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expert consultation for large-scale projects and enterprise systems that have an impact on an entire division or agency.

Qualifications

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

• Systems Administration & Problem Solving: Demonstrated experience with Active directory and Azure system administration, troubleshooting, and problem solving with an ability to make independent decisions and judgements about workflows and work priorities.
• Technical Implementation & Consulting: Technical and operational experience providing consultation and independently installing, configuring, and maintaining IT hardware and software.
• Enterprise Technology Support: Experience supporting enterprise environments as both an individual contributor and team member, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Active Directory Group Policy, iOS, and Adobe products.
• Project Management & Customer Service: Experience planning and managing IT projects impacting divisions or agencies, including providing technical consultation and delivering services within a customer-focused technology environment.
• Time and Task Management: Demonstrated ability to complete assignments within established timelines and manage priorities across concurrent projects and vendor engagements. Skilled in working independently and proactively to ensure high-quality outcomes in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• 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 respond to emergency situations at any time, either independently or as part of a team.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Extensive Cybersecurity Technologies: Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity technologies such as vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application security, network security, incident response and handling, anti-virus/malware management, and/or security assessments.
• Project Management Practices: Working knowledge, experience, or education with project management principles and best practices for successfully leading efforts related to systems implementations.
• Cybersecurity Frameworks & Standards: Working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements such as WaTech Security Standards, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, CIS Critical Security Controls, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Network Infrastructure Administration: Experience with Cisco and Palo Alto networking equipment.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County and the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• This recruitment process will include two rounds of interviews.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. The successful candidate will work onsite at least two (2) days each week to support operational and team needs, with telework available for the balance of the week in alignment with agency policy and business requirements.
• This position requires regular travel to various sites throughout the region. Travel includes occasional travel to other sites across the state with possible overnight stays.
• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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 Benefitsfor 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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05569-1 in the subject line.