Salary: $92,760.00 - $124,752.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WaTech-5386-05019
Department: Washington Technology Solutions
Division: ETS NSD
Opening Date: 07/18/2025
Closing Date: 7/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Senior Data Network Specialist

(IT Network & Telecommunications - Senior Specialist)
Join an exciting team!

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is a national leader in adopting new, innovative technologies that transform the way Washingtonians receive state services. WaTech sets the strategic technology direction of the state in multiple domains and programs and is responsible for the state's core technology services.
About the position

This position is part of the Network Operations Center (NOC) team within the Network Services Division (NSD). This position is responsible for managing the State Government Network (SGN), state core routing, data center switching, and security functions for all state agency traffic, applications (financial and business), statewide email, cloud deployments and internet access for supporting statewide IT initiatives.
The Senior Data Network Specialist provides advanced technical knowledge, hands on support, and considerable discretion to analyze, design, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and resolve complex problems with regards to the statewide network core. With a great number of state agency network environments to integrate, comprehend, and acknowledge undocumented processes agreed to, this position must utilize creative problem-solving skills, generate, and evaluate new (occasionally unprecedented) ideas, and identify the most effective solutions.

Duties
Some of what to expect with this role:

• Ensure all state agencies' internet and IT connectivity is up and operational. Address outages and escalations by customers' IT groups.
• Utilize advanced hardware and software network monitoring tools, diagnostic equipment, and network design protocols.
• Analyze and determine if statewide network adjustments require after-hours scheduled maintenance, consult with customers to make a determination on implementing network changes, and schedule network modifications with various departments and agencies.
• Analyze the security risk of the network and independently initiate actions to minimize the impact of network security incidents and system events.
• Administer and implement IP security (IPSec) Virtual Private Networks (VPN) solutions to all state agencies, counties, and tribes.
• Act as an escalation point for customer agency IT teams by providing problem resolution activities occurring on the statewide networks, customer specific networks or applications during and after normal business hours.
• Provide consultation and guidance used to design and maintain configurations across multiple platforms for statewide data, IPsec VPN, voice, and video networks (VOIP) using complex protocols and solutions such as QoS (Quality of Service), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), VRF (Virtual routing and forwarding), FCoE (Fiber Channel over Ethernet), etc.
• Add security policies and support firewall ensuring network IT security.
• Evaluate new products, document characteristics, and make recommendations.
• Design and provide configuration templates for installation and programming on customer-maintained networks.

Qualifications
Here's what we're looking for:

• Equivalent of eight years of IT experience.A Bachelor of Science degree in the IT field or related certifications can account for up to four years of experience.
• Four years of experience in each of the following areas:

• Layer 3 network routing and switching experience in a production environment to include IP addressing and knowledge of network protocols, QoS, and security concepts.
• Deploying, managing, and configuring network security best practices.
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting tools, such as Wireshark, Solar Winds, RFC testing, fiber optic testing.
• Two years of experience with IPsec VPN services and configurations.
• A candidate that demonstrates:
  • Effective communication, organization, and time management skills.
  • Ability to build rapport and partner with others.
  • Ability to translate technical terms to non-technical audiences via both verbal and written communications.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:

• Network, security, or other IT networking related certifications such as:
  • Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) Routing.
  • Switching Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP).
  • Fortinet Certification and experience.
• Experience with supporting or deploying cloud services such as AWS/Azure or other cloud providers.
• Experience working on and deploying SD-WAN services

Supplemental Information
Telework:

This position is approved for telework. However, it requires that the incumbent be within a two-hour commuting distance from the Olympia, WA office to response to emergencies and/or outages. This position end of business day is 7:00 p.m.

We value diversity and different perspectives:

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity.
What WaTech offers:

As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.
While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country's most , we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work life balance.
To learn more about WaTech, and what our employees enjoy about working here, please .
How to apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply button" at the top of this announcement. You may need to create a profile and account in Washington state's automated application system. We invite you to include your name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
To be considered for this position you will need to:

• Submit a complete Online Application.
• Answer all required Supplemental Questions.
• Attach a Letter of Interest that addresses how your experience qualifies you for this role.
• Attach a Resume that clearly documents the work history, training, and education that makes you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.
• Attach a separate document with at least Three Professional References. This should include: Reference name, nature of the relationship (i.e. company and supervisor, coworker, etc.), phone number, and email. References should be individuals you have worked with in the past five years, if possible, and include at least one current, or most recent supervisor. *We will not conduct reference checks without your signed release.

Note:Applications without the requested information identified above or containing supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may lead to your application being disqualified from consideration.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number prior to submittal.)
Conditions of employment:

This position requires a background check. 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 position and is a continued condition of employment.
Recruitment process:

First round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
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 have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:

• I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Computer Network Management, Management Information Systems, or an equivalent technical discipline from an accredited college or university AND four or more years of Information Technology experience.
• I have formal education in information technology or related field AND four years of hands-on experience in administrating, troubleshooting, analyzing, designing, programming or integrating (EAI) computer systems or databases in support of a client/server Windows environment.
• I do not have the required experience and/or education, but I am willing to learn.

02

Please explain where and how you gained the experience in question #1, If this does not apply, type N/A.
03

Which selection do you have four years of information technology experience with?

• Layer 3 network routing and switching experience in a production environment to include IP addressing and knowledge of network protocols, QoS, and security concepts.
• Deploying, managing, and configuring network security best practices.
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting tools, such as Wireshark, Solar Winds, RFC testing, fiber optic testing.
• I do not have experience with these, but I am willing to learn.

04

Please explain where and how you gained the experience in each of the areas you selected in question #3, If this does not apply, type N/A.
05

Do you have two years of experience with IPsec VPN services and configurations?

• Yes
• No

06

Please explain where and how you gained the experience in question #5. If this does not apply, type N/A.
07

Which of the following do you have experience with and are skilled at?

• Effective communication, organization and time management skills
• Building a rapport and partnering with others.
• Translating technical terms to non-technical audiences via both verbal and written communications.
• I do not have experience with any of these, but I am willing to learn.

08

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.

• Business Resource Group (BRG)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Governmentjobs.com
• Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• WaTech employee
• WaTech website
• WorkSource
• Other

Required Question