IT Network & Telecommunications – Journey | Project

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid work options

Salary premium for King County

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Technology Services Division is seeking a journey-level Network and Telecommunications IT professional to support Washington State Ferries’ maritime technology environment and Maritime Cybersecurity Program.

You will design, deploy, administer, and maintain secure network infrastructure across vessels, terminals, and facilities, collaborating with engineers and vendors to ensure reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Experience configuring, administering, and maintaining enterprise networks (TCP/IP, switches, routers, VLANs, firewalls, wireless, VPNs).
• Ability to apply network security principles, manage configurations, mitigate vulnerabilities, and follow change processes.
• Analytical problem solving to support cybersecurity, reliability, and business continuity.
• Strong communication and collaboration across technical and operational teams.
• Willingness to learn, adapt to evolving technologies, and train teammates.

Responsibilities

• Plan, configure, install, test, and commission network and telecom infrastructure including switches, routers, wireless networks, and WAN using various services.
• Improve connectivity across vessels and shoreside facilities with redundant paths and performance evaluation.
• Coordinate changes to minimize ferry operations disruption and document procedures.
• Monitor network availability, troubleshoot interruptions, and identify root causes.
• Maintain network diagrams, records, and provide training for coverage and continuity.
• Travel to vessels and sites as needed and work in hybrid/field environments.

Skills

Enterprise networks

TCP/IP

Switching & Routing

Network security

Troubleshooting

Planning & organization

Communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Growth mindset

Tools

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

VPNs

Firewalls

Centralized logging

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’s Technology Services Division (TSD) is seeking a journey-level Network and Telecommunications IT professional to join the team supporting Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) maritime technology environment and Maritime Cybersecurity Program. This position will design, deploy, administer, and maintain secure, reliable, and resilient network and telecommunications infrastructure supporting ferry operations, capital projects, cybersecurity initiatives, and ongoing modernization efforts. Working across vessels, terminals, maintenance facilities, and administrative locations, this position will collaborate with other IT professionals, Port and Project Engineers, Staff Chief Engineers, application teams, vendors, and operational stakeholders to implement technology solutions, resolve complex technical issues, and support infrastructure throughout its operational lifecycle. A strong candidate will bring technical proficiency, analytical and troubleshooting skills, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration, shared knowledge, and reliable technology services.

What to Expect

WSF provides transportation services across two countries and multiple counties throughout the Puget Sound region and San Juan Islands. Within TSD, the WSF team supports the technology systems and services used by more than 2,000 employees across vessels, terminals, maintenance facilities, shipyards, and administrative locations.

This role combines remote network administration with equipment installation and troubleshooting in the field. Work requires coordination with vessel crews, terminal staff, engineering teams, vendors, and other IT professionals to support geographically distributed operations with varying connectivity, access requirements, and maintenance windows.

Responsibilities

• Plan, configure, install, test, and commission network and telecommunications infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, wireless networks, and WAN connections using cellular, satellite, and wired services.
• Improve vessel and shoreside connectivity through redundant connections, failover, and ongoing evaluation of service reliability and performance.
• Configure network connectivity and segmentation for maritime operational technology (OT), vessel and terminal modernization projects, and cybersecurity initiatives in coordination with engineering staff, system owners, asset operators, and vendors.
• Perform technical analysis, integrate systems, validate solutions, and coordinate deployment into production.
• Develop migration plans, rollback procedures, and technical documentation. Coordinate changes to minimize disruption to ferry operations.
• Install, relocate, replace, and connect network and telecommunications equipment and associated data cabling. Coordinate specialized installation work with appropriate engineering staff or contractors.
• Administer network, telecommunications, network security, and supporting infrastructure technologies across vessels, terminals, maintenance facilities, and administrative locations.
• Maintain configurations and backups, apply software and firmware upgrades, perform preventive maintenance, and replace equipment throughout its lifecycle.
• Monitor network availability and performance, troubleshoot service interruptions, and identify root causes to reduce recurring problems.
• Maintain network diagrams, configuration records, and support procedures. Share knowledge and provide training to teammates to improve coverage and continuity of operations.
• Respond to incidents, service requests, and emergent needs; document troubleshooting and resolution activities in the agency’s ticketing system; and balance operational support with planned project work.
• Track and assess network infrastructure vulnerabilities, prioritize mitigation based on risk and operational impact, coordinate remediation through patching, configuration changes, or other security controls, and verify and document resolution.

Qualifications

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

• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience configuring, administering, and maintaining enterprise networks, including TCP/IP, switching, routing, VLANs, firewalls, wireless networking, VPNs, and WAN connectivity.
• Network Security & Technology Operations: Demonstrated ability to apply network security principles, manage configurations, assess and mitigate vulnerabilities, and follow change management processes to maintain secure and reliable services.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues, identify root causes, assess operational impacts, and develop practical solutions that support cybersecurity, reliability, and business continuity.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and resolve network and connectivity issues using structured troubleshooting methods and diagnostic tools. Recognizes when to lift and coordinates with teammates, vendors, and service providers to restore service.
• Planning & Organization: Demonstrated ability to prioritize operational support, maintenance, and project assignments while adapting to changing needs and meeting established deadlines.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to explain technical information clearly to technical and operational audiences and maintain accurate network diagrams, configuration records, and support procedures.
• Collaboration & Customer Focus: Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships, provide responsive customer service, and work across teams. Shares knowledge and supports training and coverage within the team.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Demonstrated ability to adjust to changing technologies, operational priorities, and incidents while maintaining composure and sound judgment.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Demonstrated commitment to continued learning, applying feedback, and taking action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state vehicles.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within the first six months of employment.
• Ability to travel to vessels, terminals, maintenance facilities, and shipyards and perform work on site as required.
• Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Industry Certifications: Relevant industry certifications in networking, telecommunications, infrastructure, cloud technologies, or cybersecurity.
• Distributed Networks & Connectivity: Experience supporting networks across multiple locations, including cellular or satellite connectivity, redundant connections, failover, and network monitoring.
• Cybersecurity Frameworks: Experience applying the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST Special Publications, CIS Controls, or equivalent standards to network or infrastructure operations.
• Mission Critical Environments: Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, operational technology (OT), or other environments where service availability is essential to operations.
• Cybersecurity Technologies: Experience supporting network segmentation, secure remote access, centralized logging, vulnerability management, or other network security controls.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This is a full-time project position expected to continue through June 30, 2028.
• 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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid work options. On-site work and travel to vessels, terminals, maintenance facilities, and shipyards are required based on operational and project needs.
• 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.

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 www.uscis.gov.