DSHS FTAA IT Network and Telecommunications, Journey

DSHS 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Associate’s Degree in network administration, systems administration, information security network administration, or a related field with major emphasis, plus at least seven years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in IT or network administration.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the same fields, with at least five years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in IT or network administration.
• At least nine years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in IT, of which at least two years must be network administration experience.

• 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.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with…