Washington State

Description

GENERAL SERVICE

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

IT Network Engineer – IT Network and Telecommunications Senior/Specialist

$92,760 to $124,752 Annually (this includes the 3% COLA effective July 1, 2025)

Recruitment Closes: 7/2/2025

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill an IT Network Engineer – IT Network and Telecommunications Senior/Specialist position. This full-time permanent position is based in Olympia, Washington. This position may be eligible for teleworking up to 3 days per week after the initial onboarding period. Telework is a combination of in-building and assigned-site days. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency.

About OSPI and our initiatives

OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.

At OSPI, we recognize that our employees are the key to the success of the agency. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and values them for their expertise. OSPI is a great place to work and has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including:

• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We have a tuition assistance policy and support employees seeking tuition waiver through participating higher education organizations.
• We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on long-term values of newborns and infant-parent bonding. Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within OSPI by way of cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing OSPI values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: All students prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.

Mission: Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.

Values: Ensuring Equity, Collaboration and Service, Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement, Focus on the Whole Child

Equity

Each student, family, and community possess strengths and cultural knowledge that benefits their peers, educators, and schools. Ensuring educational equity:

• Goes beyond equality; it requires education leaders to examine the ways current policies and practices result in disparate outcomes for our students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education and English Learner services, students who identify as LGBTQ+, and highly mobile student populations.
• Requires education leaders to develop an understanding of historical contexts; engage students, families, and community representatives as partners in decision-making; and actively dismantle systemic barriers, replacing them with policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed in our schools.

Position Overview

OSPI is seeking an innovative and collaborative IT Network Engineer - IT Network and Telecommunications Senior/Specialist to join our Network Operations team. This senior-level role is critical to maintaining and evolving our enterprise network infrastructure and private cloud environment. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This position is based in Olympia, WA, and is integral to supporting the educational mission of OSPI by maintaining a robust and reliable IT environment.

Key Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure & Security

• Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, firewalls, switches, and wireless networks.
• Configure and manage Cisco Meraki network devices to optimize security and performance.
• Implement network segmentation, VLANs, and routing protocols to enhance security and efficiency.
• Conduct regular security assessments, including firewall policy reviews, intrusion detection/prevention, and zero-trust networking.

System Performance & Reliability

• Ensure high availability of OSPI’s network infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments.
• Proactively monitor and optimize network performance, troubleshooting latency, bottlenecks, and connectivity issues.
• Maintain disaster recovery and redundancy planning, ensuring business continuity.

Cloud & Hybrid Networking

• Support hybrid cloud integration, including Azure Virtual Networks, VPN gateways, and SD-WAN.
• Implement best practices for secure cloud networking, leveraging tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud and identity-based security models.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Partner with internal OSPI teams, school districts, and state agencies to provide secure, scalable, and user-friendly network solutions.
• Assist in incident response and cybersecurity investigations.
• Document network configurations, policies, and best practices to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

What We’re Looking For

• A highly skilled network engineer with a strong background in enterprise networking, cloud integration, and infrastructure design.
• A creative problem solver who can develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency and resilience.
• A team player who values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting the growth of others.
• A strategic thinker who can translate business needs into technical solutions and contribute to long-term planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires at least nine years of experience through education, training or hands-on experience in a professional setting.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a closely related field. AND
• Experience: At least five years of recent professional experience in consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing, and/or maintaining IT infrastructure.
  • Alternatively - An associate degree in Computer Science, IT or closely related field; AND completion of seven (7) years recent professional experience in consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment, directing projects, providing customer or technical support in information technology.
  • OR
  • Nine (9) years recent professional experience in consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment, directing projects, providing customer or technical support in information technology.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in VMware, Azure, Microsoft Windows OS, Microsoft Office products, firewall deployment and configurations, IDS/IPS systems, cloud deployment and management, wireless connectivity, and network connectivity (CCNA preferred).
• Leadership: At least three years of experience leading or supervising a team of IT professionals.

In addition to those qualifications that are required, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following desirable skills:

• Advanced Security Certifications: Certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) to demonstrate expertise in managing and securing IT infrastructure.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Proven experience in developing and implementing disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure the resilience of IT systems.
• Cloud Computing Expertise: Advanced knowledge and experience with cloud platforms beyond Azure, such as AWS or Google Cloud, to provide a broader range of solutions.
• Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, NIST) to ensure the agency's IT infrastructure complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Vendor Management Experience: Strong skills in managing vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Solution Skills: Excellent problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and the capacity to work under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications:

• HP Simplivity: Experience deploying and troubleshooting Simplivity hosts.
• Professionalism and Communication: Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, tailored to different audiences.
• Independence: Capability to complete tasks with minimal oversight, demonstrating self-motivation and initiative.

Compensation

The annual compensation for the position is $92,760 to $124,752 per year and depends upon experience, educational background and qualifications. Geographic differentials may be applied based on work location of successful candidate. Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit Health Care Authority for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information. This is a general service position. This position is represented by a bargaining unit.

Application Process

Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word and PDF format only:

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement;
• A current résumé, and;
• A list of three or more professional references.

Please address any questions to:

Sal Salazar, Human Resources

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington Street Southeast

Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

360-725-6278: sal.salazar@k12.wa.us

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 725-6270 or (360) 725-6066, or e-mail hroffice@k12.wa.us.

New Jobs Alert Service

OSPI offers a subscription service, which regularly notifies subscribers of new OSPI employment opportunities on careers.wa.gov. Subscribers are notified via text or email alert. If you are interested in this service, then please subscribe at this location.

OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in “Application Process.”

Duties

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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

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