IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist | Non-permanent

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world’s longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT Technology Services Division (TSD) is currently seeking an IT Systems Administrator – Senior/Specialist to serve on the Washington State Ferris (WSF) Infrastructure Services team in Seattle, WA. This position will serve as a Systems Administrator, as a subject matter expert for WSDOT’s Cardholder Data Environment (CDE), as well as supporting our HQ facility, terminals, vessels, shipyard, and cloud services. WSDOT’s CDE environment encompasses all hardware, software, and mobile devices that process or support our revenue collection of 191 million dollars and safely transport 25 million passengers a year at our 20-terminals across six counties in the Puget Sound region, including Sidney B.C., and Ferries Headquarters in Seattle. Due to customer credit card information being processed in the CDE environment, this position has oversight and impact to ensure WSDOT is fully compliant with Payment Card Industry Document Security Standards, as well as other related security frameworks and policies. The successful candidate will apply expert technical knowledge to independently identify and resolve complex problems with on-premises, IaaS, SaaS and PaaS server, network and telecom infrastructure systems and related components, and will support division and agency customers with standard computing resources, customized hardware, and software solutions as required to meet the business and strategic goals of WSDOT. This Systems Administrator role meets critical needs for employees to use agency computing resources to carry out their mission of operating and improving the state’s transportation systems and ensuring the safety of the traveling public in a 24/7 environment.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT Systems Administrator will:

• Serve as a Senior Systems Administrator for Washington State Ferries, independently supporting WSF business processes.
• Lead the design, deployment, and implementation of procedures and resources to modernize the WSF IT infrastructure in accordance with agency standards.
• Test and deploy production configuration changes across the WSF enterprise environment.
• Administer Group Policy and Active Directory at the Division level, serving as the highest point of escalation for unresolved infrastructure systems support issues.
• Organize resources and users into groups based on roles, hierarchies, geographies, and other relevant attributes for role-based security models.
• Serve as the Division technical specialist for the agency Software Deployment and Imaging Teams.
• Define and maintain the agency-standard DaaS operating system images, sources, configurations, and access policies.
• Independently install, maintain, and resolve hardware and software problems by replacing components, using specialized technical tools and test equipment to diagnose and resolve faults.
• Provide training, advice, and guidance to technical and non-technical users in the use of software, hardware, and peripheral devices; communicate with a diverse set of customers and peers.

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

• Six (6) years prior work experience in systems administration or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience in system administration.
• Six (6) years of experience translating business requirements and functions into technical requirements.
• Six (6) years of experience providing technical consulting and performing installation of IT hardware and software.
• Six (6) years of experience supporting Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Azure, and common industry virtualization solutions.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle in Washington State.
• Ability to move and transport various pieces of computer-related equipment that may weigh up to 35 pounds.
• Possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess a valid US passport, or the ability to obtain the passport (or EDL) within six (6) months of employment.
• Knowledge of:
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCIDSS) compliance requirements
  • Server computer hardware, software, architecture, and operational theory
  • Microsoft Operating systems, applications, management and technical tools
  • Imaging, group policies, and task sequence
  • Networked computing environment and infrastructure
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager
  • Software Packaging and scripting
  • Must understand QA practices and methodologies, test execution, test preparation, and defect tracking.
  • Preparation of test plans, perform testing, troubleshoot technical issues, and estimate the effort necessary to deploy and maintain systems based on project schedules and task status.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Recognized industry certifications in skillsets pertaining to systems administration.
• CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications.
• Recognized industry certifications in skillsets pertaining to network and communications administration.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes 

• This is a non-permanent opportunity, anticipated to last until June 30, 2025.
• Regular travel to various sites throughout the region and occasional travel to other sites across the state and internationally with possible overnight stays are required.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.
• 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 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 via email.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-03589 in the subject line