IT Systems Administration (Senior Specialist)

Senior Specialist IT System Administrator

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 highly skilled Senior Specialist IT System Administrator to join our team in Shoreline, WA. In this critical role, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for administering, maintaining, securing, and modernizing the systems and networks that support the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and adjacent Tunnel Fire and Life Safety systems. As a subject matter expert, you will leverage advanced technical knowledge across multiple IT disciplines to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of mission-critical infrastructure that supports the safe and efficient operation of Washington's transportation network. You will play a key role in maintaining 24/7 operational readiness by managing servers, workstations, networking, and storage environments while driving continuous improvements aligned with WSDOT Technology Services standards, policies, and strategic objectives.

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

• Perform Network and System Administration for a diverse range of technologies and services within the NWR TMC focused on the SR99 tunnel.
• Oversee all aspects of Server Operating Systems, Applications, Databases, Interfaces, and Virtualization.
• Design, procure, implement, maintain, troubleshoot, and update data center, server, network, and storage infrastructure within the SR 99 tunnel.
• Utilize specialized tools, equipment and software dedicated to traffic and roadway management and tunnels fire and life safety systems, including ramp meter systems, traffic cameras, traffic data stations, variable message signs, central software control, and other WSDOT web-based applications and systems.
• Collaborate with external agencies, including Washington State Patrol (WSP), cities, counties, and the media, in the development and maintenance of systems facilitating the sharing of WSDOT traffic data and video (Traffic Busters).
• Define and implement strategies for integrating disparate operating system environments within in-house developed traffic software.
• Analyze and resolve highly complex problems, such as incompatibility issues between products requiring integration and conflicts arising from the addition of new/replacement hardware or software versions.
• Administer infrastructure instances through automated technologies (e.g. server virtualization, video management industrial automation, etc.).
• Integrate, distribute, maintain, design, and provide support for TMC servers, interfaces, and application environments.
• Provide technical consultation, serving as a liaison to diverse customers and partners to ensure the viability of system design, implementation, and maintenance from the TMC perspective for the agency.
• Collaborates with a broad range of peer entities.

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

• Systems Administration and Technical Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve systems administration issues in complex technological environments. Ability to analyze technical problems, prioritize work, and exercise sound judgment when making independent decisions regarding workflows, system operations, and competing priorities.
• Communication and Customer Service: Ability to communicate technical and non-technical information effectively through verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. Skilled in collaborating with stakeholders, providing technical guidance, and delivering customer-focused solutions.
• Technical Systems Administration: Demonstrated knowledge of information technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, operating systems, and enterprise technologies. Ability to independently install, configure, maintain, and support IT hardware and software while providing technical consultation and recommendations.
• Microsoft Technologies Administration: Demonstrated ability to support and administer enterprise technology environments, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, Active Directory Group Policy, mobile device platforms, and standard productivity software. Ability to troubleshoot issues, implement solutions, and support end-user computing environments.
• Project Management and Technical Consulting: Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement technology projects with organization-wide impacts. Skilled in evaluating business needs, providing technical consultation, managing project activities, and delivering customer-centered technology solutions.
• Organization and Workload Management: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Equity, Inclusion, and Respect: Ability to contribute to and support a professional work environment that promotes respect, inclusion, equal opportunity, and collaboration among diverse employees, customers, and stakeholders.
• Operational Mobility: Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a state vehicle as required to support business needs.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Cybersecurity Operations and Risk Management: Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices, including one or more of the following areas: vulnerability management, intrusion detection and prevention, application security, network security, incident response, malware protection, security monitoring, or security assessments. Ability to identify risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and support the protection of organizational technology assets.
• Technology Project Coordination and Implementation: Knowledge of project management principles and best practices with the ability to support, coordinate, or lead technology implementation efforts. Ability to plan activities, manage timelines, collaborate with stakeholders, and contribute to successful project outcomes.
• Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance: Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements. Ability to apply security controls and best practices that align with recognized frameworks and standards such as state security requirements, industry security standards, and risk management frameworks.
• Transportation Technology Systems Knowledge: Knowledge of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) principles, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or related transportation technologies. Ability to support technology solutions that enhance transportation operations, safety, and system reliability.
• Professional Technical Development: Relevant industry-recognized certifications or demonstrated equivalent knowledge in systems administration, cybersecurity, networking, or related technology disciplines.
• Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology: Knowledge of industrial control systems, operational technology environments, or automation platforms, including the ability to support, administer, troubleshoot, or integrate systems used for monitoring and controlling critical infrastructure.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The role entails 24/7 availability for TMC operation and COOP responsibilities, particularly during peak commute hours on weekdays.
• The position may involve working emergency shifts assigned and responding to emergency situations at any time, either independently or as part of a team.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026, upon legislative approval.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the "Contact Us" section of this posting.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 a choice of state retirement programs,