Salary : $85,800.00 - $115,416.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionDSHS FTAA - IT Network and Telecommunications, Journey (WSH Information Technology Infrastructure and Operations Network Administration Technician)Join our team as an IT Network and Telecommunications Journey Technician supporting Western State Hospital, where your expertise will help strengthen the technology backbone of one of Washington's largest behavioral health systems. In this role, you will provide critical network administration and technical leadership for the hospital and the Child Study and Treatment Center, ensuring secure, reliable connectivity that enables staff to deliver high-quality care to individuals with complex mental health needs.
As a key member of the DSHS Division of Information Technology, you will design, maintain, and troubleshoot essential network infrastructure, collaborate with Enterprise Network Services, guide team members, and keep leadership informed of issues that impact operations. Your work directly supports the DSHS mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources!
This job is 100% on-site with the potential for occasional ad-hoc telework.
Some of what you'll do:- Manage and administer the network environment, including servers, storage, switches, routers, Wi-Fi, and related hardware.
- Plan, design, and implement network modifications, enhancements, and corrective actions to maintain reliable operations.
- Monitor performance and capacity, identify potential issues, and develop solutions to prevent service interruptions.
- Maintain accurate and current network diagrams, data flow documentation, and connectivity threat models.
- Research, evaluate, and recommend new or emerging technologies to support organizational needs.
- Oversee network asset management by tracking resources, identifying trends or anomalies, and supporting inventory and surplus processes.
- Represent the facility on network infrastructure and security matters, collaborating with other agencies, and participating in committees such as the DSHS Technical Advisory Committee.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:- Hands-on experience designing, configuring, installing, and maintaining Cisco switch networks and related infrastructure is a must.
- Advanced knowledge of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP networking, Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong research abilities to investigate issues, equipment, and emerging technologies.
- Ability to create clear, accurate, and concise technical documentation.
- Skill in explaining complex technical information in an understandable way to customers and higher-level technical staff.
- Ability to remain patient, empathetic, and calm when assisting frustrated users, vendors, or executive leadership.
- Strong professional communication and vendor-management skills, including the ability to uphold contract requirements and operate independently within broad goals and objectives.
Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:
- An Associate's Degree with major emphasis in network administration, systems administration, or information security network administration or a related field.
And,
- Seven years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology or network administration experience.
Or,
- A bachelor's degree or higher with major emphasis in network administration, systems administration, or information security.
And,
- Five years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology or network administration.
Or,
- Nine years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology, which must include at least two years of network administration experience.
Additional information:- Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
- Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter at and reference job number
#02611.Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Updated 01-07-2026
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1. Do you have hands-on experience configuring and maintaining Cisco switches in a production environment?
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How many years of experience do you have managing network infrastructure (e.g., routers, switches, Wi-Fi, servers)?
03
Do you have experience creating or maintaining network diagrams and technical documentation?
