Salary : $94,620.00 - $127,248.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00655
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

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.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-00655 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also hav