Ferries System Administrator (Senior/Specialist)

Salary: $99,351 - 133,610 per year Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of cloud infrastructure, enterprise systems administration, identity and access management, virtualization, networking, and cybersecurity.
• Experience administering complex cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Ability to independently analyze complex technical issues, evaluate options, and implement effective infrastructure solutions.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity controls, identity management, vulnerability management, PCI and Cardholder Data Environment requirements, and technology risk management.
• Knowledge of infrastructure planning, technology evaluation, lifecycle replacement, modernization, operational readiness, and supportability.
• Ability to assess technical challenges and risks and develop practical solutions that balance reliability, security, supportability, and business needs.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, consultation, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to staff, project teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and a service-oriented approach.
• Valid drivers license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
• Preferred: Knowledge of Microsoft Azure, AWS, cloud networking, cloud security, and cloud governance.
• Preferred: Experience in maritime, transportation, industrial, operational technology, or other highly available operational environments.
• Preferred: Knowledge of PCI, Cardholder Data Environment requirements, cybersecurity compliance, or regulated technology environments.
• Preferred: Knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, infrastructure resiliency, security monitoring, or vulnerability management.
• Preferred: Relevant certifications in systems administration, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, or operational technology, such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Security+, or Network+.

• Independently administer, maintain, secure, and optimize enterprise server, storage, cloud, identity, virtualization, and supporting infrastructure platforms.
• Lead engineering, optimization, modernization, and lifecycle management of infrastructure and cloud technologies supporting Washington State Ferries operations.
• Serve as the primary technical specialist for WSF cloud environments, administering Azure and AWS resources, cloud networking, identity services, resiliency, monitoring, governance, and cost management.
• Apply agency cybersecurity standards, regulatory requirements, and PCI security requirements to enterprise infrastructure environments.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain security controls protecting infrastructure, systems, applications, cloud resources, and data.
• Provide technical leadership for infrastructure projects, cloud initiatives, deployments, migrations, and implementations.
• Engineer and implement technology solutions for ferry operations, business applications, physical security, communications, and revenue collection systems.
• Lead planning, testing, implementation, migration, upgrade, and operational acceptance for infrastructure and cloud projects.
• Act as a senior technical resource and escalation point for complex infrastructure issues, operational support, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Complete additional projects, assignments, and tasks as directed.

• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• Cisco
• Support
• Network
• Security
• VMware
• LESS
• Web

More:

We are the Washington State Department of Transportation, a multimodal agency that plans, designs, builds, and operates transportation systems statewide. Our work includes maintaining more than 20,000 lane miles of highway and 4,100 bridges, supporting active transportation, and operating Washington State Ferries. We are hiring a permanent, full-time senior System Administrator for our Technology Services Divisions Washington State Ferries Infrastructure Support team. The team supports technology used by more than 2,000 employees across headquarters, terminals, vessels, and other facilities, collaborating with cybersecurity, application, field services, project, vendor, and business teams. The role supports 24/7 operations across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments and requires travel to terminals, vessels, maintenance facilities, and other WSDOT locations. The position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work. The annual salary range is $99,351–$133,610, including the approved 5% King County salary premium. We offer flexible schedule options, eligible telework, up to 25 vacation days annually for full-time employees, 12 paid holidays, tuition assistance, healthcare choices, retirement programs, and other state employee benefits. We value an inclusive workplace where employees are respected and empowered to contribute.

last updated 42 week of 2026