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

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/telework options

Paid vacation days

Tuition assistance

State benefits package

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a senior Ferries System Administrator within the Technology Services Division to lead enterprise infrastructure across on‑premises, cloud, and hybrid environments in support of 24/7 operations for Washington State Ferries.

You will set technical direction, coordinate with cybersecurity, vendor teams, and project groups, and guide lifecycle management of servers, storage, networking, and cloud services while ensuring security,

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of cloud and on‑premise infrastructure and identity management.
• Experience with virtualization, networking, and enterprise systems administration.
• Familiarity with PCI security requirements and regulated environments.
• Ability to guide lifecycle replacement strategies and modernization.
• Strong technical leadership and ability to mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Administer and optimize enterprise server, storage, cloud, identity, and virtualization platforms.
• Lead modernization and lifecycle management of infrastructure and cloud tech.
• Manage Azure and AWS resources, cloud networking, and cost governance.
• Ensure security controls align with cybersecurity standards and PCI requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for infrastructure projects and migrations.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, application teams, vendors, and stakeholders.

Skills

Cloud infra

Hybrid infra

Infrastructure engineering

Cybersecurity & PCI

Technical leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Growth mindset

Tools

Azure

AWS

VMware

Cloud governance

Job 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non‑represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 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 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 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 State Benefits 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.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to