IT Network & Telecommunications - Senior/Specialist

Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications Specialist

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!

WSDOT is seeking a senior-level Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications specialist to support critical transportation infrastructure systems that keep Washington moving safely and efficiently. This position will provide advanced technical support, administration, security, and lifecycle management of the Northwest Region's (NWR) OT network infrastructure, including fiber optic, copper, and wireless communication systems that connect Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and roadway operations throughout the region. In a 24/7 operational environment, this role will ensure the reliability, availability, and resilience of communications systems supporting traffic signals, dynamic message signs, ramp meters, tolling corridors, and tunnel life safety systems, including ventilation, fire detection, incident response, and emergency communications. The Network and Telecommunications Senior/Specialist also plays a key role in safeguarding OT environments through proactive network monitoring, vulnerability identification, incident response, and collaboration with regional and statewide technology teams to maintain secure, dependable, and resilient transportation operations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist will:

• Procure, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network equipment and communication infrastructure.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement physical and network connectivity for field-based OT environments, including structured cabling and device deployment, in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and vendor partners.
• Provide technical support for telecommunications and network systems supporting the NWR.
• Troubleshoot and investigate reported issues within OT and ITS networks.
• Support network and communications infrastructure and collaborate with infrastructure teams and partners to address technical challenges and provide operational support, as needed.
• Travel to field work sites, including ITS hub locations, tunnels, and other facilities, to support the maintenance and repair of NWR network and telecommunications infrastructure, transporting necessary tools and equipment to perform troubleshooting and repair of networking systems.
• Support inventory management for maintenance and traffic divisions, including tracking, maintenance, and lifecycle oversight of assets.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel to and from sites, long and short distances, in day and night conditions with varying weather conditions.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation, including the ability to respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week while on-call.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networking equipment, telecommunications technologies, and WSDOT ITS network design principles and infrastructure standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical teams, stakeholders, partner agencies, and operational staff.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and research emerging technologies, product trends, system compatibilities, and industry best practices to support operational goals and compliance with applicable standards.