Job Description
Posting number: 26DOT-HQ-00655
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Job classification: IT NETWORK AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS - SENIOR/SPECIALIST
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: IT and Computers, Telecommunications
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 an IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist to support the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of the agency's statewide telecommunications and network infrastructure. In this role, you will analyze business and technical requirements, develop and implement network solutions, oversee the installation and configuration of fiber optic, Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, Intranet (LAN), and telecommunications systems, and ensure the reliable connectivity of critical voice, data, and video systems that support transportation operations across Washington. As a trusted senior specialist, you will provide technical expertise to WSDOT and partner agencies, helping optimize network performance, reliability, security, and interoperability while supporting the infrastructure that connects traffic management devices, roadside technologies, and other mission-critical systems. Strong candidates will possess proficiency in enterprise networking and telecommunications, knowledge of fiber optic and LAN/WAN technologies, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver secure, reliable, and resilient network solutions.
What to Expect
Network Services provides technical expertise, management, and strategic leadership for the agency’s Enterprise Telecommunications Services (i.e. WAN, LAN, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)), Optical Fiber Services, Telephony, and Voice Services. This Network Technician position works in the Circuit Management and Fiber Operations area. Thurston County-based staff travel statewide, maintaining services for over 230 sites in support of all agency business units.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the IT Network & Telecommunications – Senior/Specialist
will:
- Plan, coordinate, and design the interconnection and integration of critical systems for telecommunications, voice/data/video transfer and the fiber optics infrastructure for connectivity, potentially statewide.
- Work with other division technical staff and leaders to bring all divisions under a uniform networked system of fiber optics infrastructure to ensure critical system connectivity leveraging common tactics techniques, and procedures.
- Develop, plan and design network modifications and enhancements. Evaluate integration of systems, connectivity capabilities and limitations of data transmission modes and media.
- Evaluate and determine type of communication system(s) to be networked; assess geographic layout, transmission equipment required, and fiber network over which it will operate.
- Design and configure networks and interfaces and integration to other network systems considering service requirements in the planning and design.
- Research emerging network technologies, hardware/software, available for realignment and/or improvement of the network and integration with optical fiber infrastructure. Present viable networking solution options including advantages and limitations.
- Ensure rigorous application of cybersecurity.
- Lead network infrastructure IT projects; analyze business requirements, design, plan, and lead IT projects.
- Establish project scope, stakeholder groups, timeline, deliverables.
- Configure, install, test, maintain, and manage networked systems statewide; monitor network, identify, and resolve interconnectivity and operational problems.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required
- Enterprise Network Engineering & Design: Progressive experience in IT network engineering methods, network configuration, design, management and troubleshooting of network technologies. Ability to design, configure, implement, manage, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure.
- Fiber Optic Systems & Infrastructure: Advanced experience installing, configuring, testing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and analyzing fiber optic infrastructure and networks. Ability to perform fiber network architecture analysis and develop innovative solutions to ensure reliable, resilient connectivity.
- Network Troubleshooting & Technical Problem Solving: Experience independently diagnosing and resolving complex network, telecommunications, and fiber optic issues using specialized tools, testing equipment, and industry best practices.
- Technical Communication & Customer Service: Ability to professionally and respectfully communicate, in writing and verbally, with a diverse set of customers and peers. Demonstrated ability to actively listen, understand customer needs, recommend effective solutions, and build collaborative working relationships.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, leadership, business partners, and external stakeholders to support agency technology initiatives and achieve shared objectives.
- 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.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as needed, to respond to critical lT-related systems and networks.
- Ability to be on standing-by status on a rotating schedule and provide after-hours support.
- Must be willing to travel and spend after-hours time on projects that can sometimes be far away from duty station. Overnight travel is often required.
- Must have or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential for unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels. (This credential requires a federal background check).
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:
- Professional IT Experience: Advanced level of experience and knowledge in information technology typically obtained through a combination of years of experience and formal education in an IT, Computer Science field or something similar.
- Fiber Optic Testing & Splicing: Expert knowledge of Fusion splicing, both single strand splicing and ribbon splicing, OTDR operations and reading of the traces, Power meter and other fiber optic testing.
- Cisco Networking Technologies: Working knowledge of Cisco routers and switches.
- Technology Solutions & Operational Support:
- Public Sector or Enterprise IT Understanding: Experience working in a public/private work environment.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position is required to be on standing-by status on a rotating schedule and provide after-hours support.
- This position is not eligible for remote work.
- Travel and working after-hours on projects that can sometimes be far away from duty station are required. Overnight travel is often required.
- 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 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.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.govPlease be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00655 in the subject line.
