State of Montana

IT Systems Architect Supervisor - Hybrid (66139) - (25141276)

Why live in Helena, Montana?

• Helena is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains and is tucked below the Continental Divide.
• It is a relatively quiet place to call home where small-town living collides with outdoor adventure.
• Helena has a rich history and was originally founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush.
• Learn more about moving to and/or living in Helena, Montana here.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration in the State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD). Our mission to provide shared IT services to support the needs of the state and citizens of Montana. We offer an innovative and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and supported. In addition, our employees have the opportunity to be involved in some of the most exciting and innovative IT projects and initiatives in development within Montana state government. (You can learn more about SITSD here.)

In this position you will be afforded the opportunity to telework, however there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy.

What is this career opportunity?

The IT Systems Architect Supervisor provides leadership and direction to a team of network engineers responsible for the design, architecture, and ongoing management of the State’s Enterprise network. In this supervisory role, the incumbent guides and mentors the network design team, ensuring the successful planning, implementation, and integration of new and emerging network technologies—including data center core routing and switching, network firewalls and security, wireless networking, WAN and remote access, as well as Enterprise video conferencing and network monitoring, automation, and management tools.

The Supervisor is accountable for coordinating and overseeing proof-of-concept testing and facilitating engineering planning and design sessions with the State’s network vendor partners. This role also involves supervising the team’s participation in network security audits, risk assessments, and disaster recovery planning efforts.

Success in this position requires strong technical expertise, exceptional organizational abilities, and the capacity to foster clear and effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders. The IT Systems Architect Supervisor is ultimately responsible for ensuring the team’s alignment with the State’s strategic networking goals and for promoting a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or other IT-related field; AND
• Five years’ related networking experience; AND
• Two years’ experience supervising professional-level employees; OR
• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred:

• Experience supervising networking professionals;
• Experience leading project-based initiatives;
• Experience in managing contracts and budgets

Competencies:

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Budgeting and large project expenditure planning to align technical initiatives with organizational financial goals.
• Project management principles, practices, and techniques for delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Industry best practices for enterprise network security to enforce high standards and compliance across the team.
• Network firewall technologies at Layers 4 and 7, ensuring the implementation of effective security measures.
• VPN and network authentication technologies, providing secure access solutions for diverse user groups.
• Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and relevant certifications (Cisco CCNA/CCNP, Palo Alto PCNSA/PCNSE) to validate and direct technical decision-making.
• Advanced network routing protocols (e.g., IPv4/IPv6 OSPF, BGP) to guide technical teams and ensure robust network architecture.

Ability to:

• Supervise, mentor, and support highly-skilled technical team members, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Manage budgets driven by billed services and oversee financial planning for large-scale projects and expenditures.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of management and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Represent State agencies in vendor interactions, negotiating and managing relationships to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across public and private sectors to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing.
• Identify and analyze problems, emerging issues, and trends, developing strategic solutions to address them proactively.
• Translate new and emerging technologies into practical, business-aligned solutions for the organization.
• Recommend and oversee the implementation of enterprise network firewall, secure VPN, and network authentication design solutions.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

• Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:
• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• And more…
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: Not Applicable

Salary: $

86,500.00 - 94,000.00 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 15 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Administration Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Jun 3, 2025, 9:16:17 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Jun 25, 2025, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Shannon Voss | Contact Email: Shannon.Voss2@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-5583 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

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