IT Network and Telecommunications - Senior/Specialist

State of Washington; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work options

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks a senior Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications professional to support critical transportation infrastructure across the Northwest Region. The role ensures reliable, secure connectivity for traffic management, ITS, and life-safety systems in a 24/7 environment.

Hybrid work options exist, with in-person presence in Shoreline, WA at least two days weekly.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and administering network and telecommunications systems.
• Ability to translate business requirements into network architecture solutions.
• Troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues with independent judgment.
• Advanced knowledge of routing, switching, firewalls, and network monitoring tools.
• Experience with OT/ITS environments and transportation systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assess customer networking needs; conduct site surveys and evaluate topology.
• Design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network/telecommunications equipment.
• Coordinate physical and network connectivity for OT/ITS environments.
• Monitor service performance and resolve escalated OT/ITS connectivity issues.
• Maintain network standards, diagrams, and documentation.
• Manage multiple network projects and SLAs.
• Track and update IT/OT asset lifecycle and ITSM records.

Skills

Network design and architecture

Technical Troubleshooting

Network security

Project management

Communication and collaboration

Leadership and mentorship

Technical leadership

Tools

Cisco equipment

Palo Alto equipment

VPN/SSH

Network monitoring tools

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 currently seeking a senior-level Operational Technology (OT) Network and Telecommunications professional to support the reliability, security, and resilience of critical transportation infrastructure across the Northwest Region. This position plays a vital role in keeping the communications networks that connect traffic management, roadway, facility, and tunnel life-safety systems operating safely and reliably in a 24/7 environment. Through proactive network management, security, and incident response, this position helps ensure dependable connectivity for transportation systems and public safety stakeholders. The work directly supports WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for the traveling public.

What to Expect

This position supports agency-wide, mission-critical network and telecommunications infrastructure that directly impacts agency staff, partner agencies, and the traveling public. Failure to effectively perform these duties could result in system disruptions, security incidents, data loss, or loss of critical IT and OT functionality affecting traffic operations, tunnel systems, tolling, and other essential transportation services. Such impacts could lead to roadway or facility closures, loss of revenue, legal and reputational consequences, and significant risks to public safety, including potential injury or loss of life.

While this position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options it will require in-person work in Shoreline, WA at least 2 days a week.

Responsibilities

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Assess customer networking needs; conduct site surveys; evaluate topology, cabling, environmental requirements, and viable networking solutions.
• Design, procure, install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and manage the full lifecycle of network and telecommunications equipment and infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls and fiber optic, copper, and wireless systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement physical and network connectivity for field-based OT and ITS environments, including structured cabling, device deployment, and integration of new technologies in collaboration with operations, maintenance, project offices, vendors, and technical partners.
• Monitor network and telecommunications service performance; provide advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of escalated OT/ITS connectivity issues, including restoration of core network services and damaged fiber optic networks during emergency events.
• Support the health, performance, reliability, and security of regional ITS networks and communications infrastructure, coordinating with agency customers, circuit providers, TSD partners, and regional and statewide technical teams to ensure service continuity.
• Maintain telecommunications standards, procedures, architecture, technical documentation, network diagrams, system mapping, and GIS-based records for copper, fiber optic, conduit, and associated infrastructure assets.
• Manage multiple network and telecommunications projects, establishing priorities, developing schedules, monitoring progress, coordinating vendors and technical services, and participating in contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Manage network equipment inventory and asset lifecycle, including receiving, tracking, documenting, maintaining, and updating technology assets and IT service management (ITSM) records in support of maintenance, traffic, and tolling divisions.

Qualifications

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

• Network and Telecommunications Systems: Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, maintaining, and administering network and telecommunications systems, including network infrastructure, wireless networks, voice/data communication platforms, and fiber systems.
• Network Architecture: Ability to translate business requirements into network architecture solutions across legacy, current, and future environments.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Demonstrated experience troubleshooting, documenting, managing assets, and resolving complex network and telecommunications issues using sound judgment and independent decision-making.
• Network Technologies: Advanced knowledge of network protocols, routing and switching technologies, firewalls, and network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• IT Hardware and Software: Experience providing technical network consulting and installing, configuring, and supporting a wide range of IT hardware and software.
• Project Implementation: Experience planning and executing network and telecommunications upgrades or migrations with minimal operational disruption.
• Transportation Systems: Experience with Transportation Systems Management and associated technologies, including traffic operations such as ramp metering, signal systems, and Active Traffic Management (ATM).
• Collaboration and Customer Service: Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with customers and peers across multiple lines of business and take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to one of the above, the following are also required:

Knowledge of:

• WSDOT ITS and Tolling Networks: Knowledge of WSDOT ITS and tolling network architecture, components, and systems supporting the NWR TMC.
• Fiber and Data Communications: Knowledge of WSDOT fiber design standards and compliance requirements, data communications and protocols, including copper and fiber Ethernet and serial communications.
• Network and Wireless Technologies: Knowledge of servers, workstations, networking systems, web applications, and wireless technologies, including network design, architecture, best practices, and security requirements.
• Traffic and ITS Systems: Specialized knowledge of traffic and ITS systems, including ramp meters, traffic signals, CCTV/video systems, field data stations, detection systems, dynamic message signs, highway advisory radio, and satellite, cellular, microwave, and telephone communications.

Skills and abilities to:

• Technical Leadership: Ability to plan, develop, analyze, and lead business and technical initiatives; coordinate with WSDOT organizations to support diverse business needs and integrate new technologies into existing systems.
• Network and Systems Analysis: Ability to analyze, diagnose, and resolve issues across workstation, server, network, hardware, and software systems; work independently to support operations.
• Network Security: Ability to assess technology risks and vulnerabilities, apply appropriate mitigation strategies and safeguards, conduct security testing, and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and compliance of IT and ITS systems.
• Network Connectivity: Proficiency with remote access technologies, including SSH (PuTTY), VPN, and IPsec; ability to review ITS plans and specifications for fiber and wireless connectivity of IT and OT devices.
• Technical Documentation: Ability to develop, review, and update technical procedures, documentation, system evaluations, and compliance records in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and security requirements.
• Communication and Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally, lead discussions, facilitate collaboration, and represent and advocate for WSDOT business needs with peers, stakeholders, vendors, and diverse groups.
• Project and Work Management: Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining composure and effectiveness under high-pressure situations.
• Technology Evaluation: Ability to research and evaluate technology trends, products, developments, and compatibility to support organizational goals and adherence to applicable standards.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to IT and ITS staff as needed.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Network Equipment: Knowledge of Cisco and Palo Alto networking equipment.
• WSDOT ITS: Knowledge of WSDOT ITS design principles and network structure.
• Project Management: Experience applying project management principles and best practices to network and telecommunications implementations.
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills and a proactive, resourceful, efficient, and detail-oriented approach.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13490e in the subject line.

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 recruiter listed.

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