Ferries System Administrator (IT System Admin - Senior/Specialist)

Salary : $99,351.00 - $133,610.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05213e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
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 a System Administrator to serve as a senior technical resource within the Technology Services Division (TSD) Washington State Ferries (WSF) Infrastructure Support team. As a senior Ferries System Administrator, you will provide technical leadership for the engineering, implementation, administration, modernization, security, and operational support of complex enterprise infrastructure systems supporting WSF's 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operations across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. In this role, you will also serve as a technical authority for assigned infrastructure platforms and provide consultation, escalation support, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, and lifecycle management for server, storage, virtualization, cloud, identity, networking, unified communications, and other enterprise technologies. We are seeking candidates that will bring advanced technical expertise, and the ability to lead infrastructure modernization and continuous improvement efforts while maintaining secure, resilient, and reliable technology services.
What to Expect

Within TSD, the WSF team supports the information technology systems, infrastructure, and services used by more than 2,000 Washington State Ferries employees across headquarters, terminals, vessels, and other facilities. The position works collaboratively with cybersecurity personnel, application teams, field services, project teams, vendors, and business stakeholders to ensure technology solutions remain secure, resilient, and aligned with organizational objectives.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the TSD Ferries System Administrator will:

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

Qualifications

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

• Cloud & Enterprise Infrastructure: Demonstrated advanced knowledge of cloud infrastructure, enterprise systems administration, identity and access management, virtualization technologies, networking concepts, cybersecurity principles, and related technical disciplines.
• Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure: Specialized experience administering complex technology environments consisting of cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructure solutions.
• Infrastructure Engineering & Problem Solving: Comprehensive knowledge of infrastructure engineering, troubleshooting methodologies, and solution development sufficient to independently analyze complex technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, infrastructure security controls, identity management practices, vulnerability management processes, PCI requirements, Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) controls, and technology risk management concepts.
• Infrastructure Engineering & Lifecycle Management: Knowledge of infrastructure planning, technology evaluation, lifecycle replacement strategies, operational readiness considerations, and supportability requirements sufficient to guide long-term infrastructure investments and modernization efforts.
• Technical Analysis & Solution Development: Skill in analyzing complex technical challenges, evaluating alternatives, identifying operational and cybersecurity risks, and developing practical infrastructure solutions that balance reliability, security, supportability, and business requirements.
• Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Skill in providing technical guidance, consultation, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to technology staff, project teams, vendors, and stakeholders to maintain highly available, mission-critical enterprise infrastructure and operational technology services.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 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.
• A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, or the ability to obtain within the first six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Cloud Technologies: Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), cloud networking, cloud security, and cloud governance practices.
• Operational Environments: Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, operational technology, or other highly available operational environments.
• PCI & Regulated Environments: Demonstrated knowledge of PCI requirements, CDE, cybersecurity compliance practices, or regulated technology environments.
• Infrastructure Resiliency & Security: Demonstrated knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, infrastructure resiliency, security monitoring, or vulnerability management practices.
• Relevant Industry Certifications: Certifications related to systems administration, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, or operational technology environments, such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Security+, or Network+.

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.
• This position requires travel to WSF terminals, vessels, maintenance facilities, and other WSDOT locations to support infrastructure administration, project implementation, troubleshooting, vendor coordination, and operational support activities.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 ;/li>

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 for more information.

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.
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 ;br>
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05213e in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Please briefly describe your most recent role supporting administration, maintenance, modernization, troubleshooting, and security of enterprise infrastructure environments. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
02


Cloud & Enterprise Infrastructure: Which best describes your knowledge and experience with cloud infrastructure, enterprise systems administration, identity and access management, virtualization technologies, networking concepts, and cybersecurity principles?

• Expert/Highly Experienced: I have expert-level knowledge and independently design, administer, integrate, secure, troubleshoot, and optimize complex enterprise infrastructure technologies across multiple technical disciplines.
• Extensive Experience: I have extensive knowledge and independently administer, integrate, secure, and troubleshoot multiple enterprise infrastructure technologies, with a strong understanding of how they integrate across an organization.
• Moderate Experience: I have substantial working knowledge of enterprise infrastructure technologies and independently perform administration and troubleshooting across several technical areas, with occasional guidance.
• Some Experience: I have working knowledge of enterprise infrastructure technologies and can perform routine administration and troubleshooting using established guidance and procedures.
• Limited Experience: I have limited knowledge or hands-on experience with enterprise infrastructure technologies and require significant guidance to perform related tasks.
• No Experience: I have no knowledge or experience with these technologies.

03


Enterprise Infrastructure: Please describe your most relevant recent experience administering enterprise infrastructure. Include the size and complexity of the environment, the technologies you personally administered, your level of responsibility, and the types of technical issues you were expected to resolve independently. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
04


Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure: Which best describes your experience administering cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructure environments?

• Expert/Highly Experienced I have expert-level experience independently designing, administering, integrating, securing, and optimizing complex enterprise environments that combine cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructure solutions.
• Extensive Experience I have extensive experience independently administering and troubleshooting cloud-based and on-premises infrastructure and managing their integration in complex hybrid environments.
• Moderate Experience I have substantial experience administering cloud-based and on-premises infrastructure and supporting their integration in hybrid environments, with occasional guidance.
• Some Experience I have hands-on experience administering either cloud-based or on-premises infrastructure and have some experience supporting hybrid environments.
• Limited Experience I have limited hands-on experience administering enterprise infrastructure environments and require significant guidance.
• No Experience I have no experience administering cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid infrastructure environments.

05


Cloud/hybrid capability: Please describe a cloud or hybrid environment you personally administered, including the cloud platform(s), on-premises technologies, integration/connectivity, and your specific responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
06


Infrastructure Engineering & Problem Solving: Which best describes your experience analyzing complex infrastructure issues, evaluating alternatives, and implementing technical solutions?

• Expert/Highly: Experienced I independently analyze and resolve highly complex infrastructure issues, evaluate multiple technical solutions, assess technical and operational impacts, and implement optimized solutions across enterprise environments.
• Extensive Experience: I independently analyze and troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues, evaluate alternatives, assess potential impacts, and implement effective technical solutions.
• Moderate Experience: I regularly analyze and troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues, evaluate potential solutions, and implement solutions with occasional guidance.
• Some Experience: I troubleshoot infrastructure issues using established procedures, evaluate basic solutions, and implement resolutions with guidance.
• Limited Experience: I have limited experience analyzing infrastructure issues and require significant guidance to identify and implement solutions.
• No Experience: I have no experience analyzing or resolving infrastructure issues.

07


Independent troubleshooting: Please describe a complex infrastructure issue you personally diagnosed and resolved. Include the problem, your role, how you identified the root cause, alternatives you considered, the solution you implemented, and the outcome. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
08


Cybersecurity & Compliance: Which best describes your knowledge and experience applying cybersecurity principles, infrastructure security controls, identity management practices, vulnerability management processes, PCI requirements, CDE controls, or technology risk management concepts?

• Expert/Highly Experienced: I have expert-level knowledge and independently develop, implement, assess, and manage multiple cybersecurity and compliance practices to secure complex enterprise infrastructure, including regulated environments.
• Extensive Experience: I have extensive experience independently applying cybersecurity and compliance practices to secure enterprise infrastructure, assess risks, manage vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance in regulated environments.
• Moderate Experience: I have substantial experience applying cybersecurity and compliance practices to administer and secure infrastructure environments and address identified risks and vulnerabilities.
• Some Experience: I have working knowledge of cybersecurity and compliance practices and apply established security controls and procedures with guidance.
• Limited Experience: I have limited knowledge or experience applying cybersecurity and compliance practices and require significant guidance to perform related tasks.
• No Experience: I have no knowledge or experience applying cybersecurity and compliance practices.

09


Infrastructure Engineering & Lifecycle Management: Which best describes your experience planning, evaluating, modernizing, and managing the lifecycle of enterprise infrastructure technologies?

• Expert/Highly Experienced: I independently lead infrastructure planning, technology evaluations, modernization initiatives, operational readiness assessments, and lifecycle replacement strategies for complex enterprise environments.
• Extensive Experience: I have extensive experience independently evaluating technologies, developing infrastructure plans, assessing operational readiness and supportability, and guiding modernization and lifecycle replacement strategies.
• Moderate Experience: I regularly participate in infrastructure planning, technology evaluations, modernization, and lifecycle replacement activities and develop technical recommendations with occasional guidance.
• Some Experience: I support infrastructure planning, technology evaluations, and lifecycle management activities using established processes and technical guidance.
• Limited Experience: I have limited experience with infrastructure planning, technology evaluation, or lifecycle management and require significant guidance.
• No Experience: I have no experience with infrastructure planning or lifecycle management.

10


Ownership/lifecycle management: Please describe an infrastructure platform, system, or service for which you had significant technical ownership. Describe your responsibilities across its lifecycle, including implementation, administration, security, documentation, upgrades, modernization, operational support, and replacement or retirement. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
11


Technical leadership: Please describe an example where you provided technical direction or influenced a technical decision involving staff, stakeholders, vendors, or another technology team. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
12


Automation/Engineering Maturity: Please describe your experience using scripting, automation, command-line tools, configuration management, APIs, or infrastructure-as-code to administer or improve infrastructure. Identify the technologies used and what you automated or improved. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
13


247/Operational Environment: Have you supported maritime, transportation, industrial, operational technology (OT), public safety, healthcare, utilities, or another highly available 247 operational environment? If yes, briefly describe the environment, your role, and the infrastructure or technology services you supported. If not, enter N/A.
14


Infrastructure resiliency: Please briefly describe your experience with disaster recovery, business continuity, backup/recovery, infrastructure resiliency, monitoring, or vulnerability management. Identify your specific responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
15


Regulated environments/PCI: Please describe any experience supporting PCI, Cardholder Data Environments (CDE), or other regulated technology environments. Identify the applicable requirements and your infrastructure, security, or compliance responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
16


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

17


Do you currently possess a valid TWIC card?

• Yes
• No

18


Cloud Technologies: Which of the following best describes your knowledge and experience with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), cloud networking, cloud security, or cloud governance practices?

• Expert/Highly Experienced: I have expert-level knowledge and independently design, administer, secure, optimize, or govern complex cloud environments using multiple cloud platforms, technologies, and services.
• Extensive Experience: I have extensive hands-on experience independently administering, securing, and supporting cloud technologies, including cloud networking, security, and governance across enterprise environments.
• Moderate Experience: I have substantial hands-on experience administering or supporting cloud technologies and applying cloud networking, security, or governance practices.
• Some Experience: I have working knowledge of cloud technologies and some hands-on experience administering or supporting cloud services with guidance.
• Limited Experience: I have general knowledge of cloud technologies but limited hands-on experience administering or supporting them.
• No Experience: I have no knowledge or experience with these technologies.

19


Cloud technology depth: Please describe your hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, AWS, or comparable cloud platforms. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.
20


Operational Environments: Have you supported maritime, transportation, industrial, operational technology (OT), or other highly available operational environments? If yes, please briefly describe the environment(s) you supported, your role, and the infrastructure or technology services you supported. If not, please enter N/A.
21


PCI & Regulated Environments: Have you supported PCI requirements, Cardholder Data Environments (CDE), cybersecurity compliance practices, or other regulated technology environments? If yes, please briefly describe your experience and the security, compliance, or infrastructure responsibilities you performed. If not, please enter N/A.
22


Relevant Industry Certifications: Do you hold an industry certification related to systems administration, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, or operational technology environments, such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Security+, or Network+? If yes, please list the certification(s) in the space provided below, otherwise enter N/A.
23


Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master's degree or higher.
• I have a bachelor's degree.
• I have an associate's degree.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above

24


If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.
25


How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

26


If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question