IT Network & Telecommunications Senior Specialist

Salary: $92,760.00 - $124,753.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-04087
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: BEST - Information Technology
Opening Date: 05/18/2026
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 10:00 AM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
IT Network & Telecommunications Senior Specialist

Full Time | Permanent

Location: Headquarters | Tumwater, WA

Salary Range: $92,760 - $124,752 Annually
This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel may be required.
Are you an experienced network engineer ready to take on complex, high-impact technical challenges? Do you thrive in environments where your expertise keeps essential systems running safely, securely, and efficiently? If so, the Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking for you to join our Data Network & Voice Services (DNVS) team as a Senior Network Engineer (IT Network & Telecommunications Senior Specialist)!
In this role, you will serve as a top-level technical expert responsible for designing, engineering, and improving the agency's enterprise network infrastructure. You will work across wide area networks, campus networks, cloud networking environments, and data center networks that support DOC operations at locations throughout Washington State.
You'll provide advanced engineering in areas such as network architecture, routing and switching, firewalls, troubleshooting, and system integration-all with a focus on building highly available, well-designed, secure infrastructure. Your work will directly strengthen the technology foundation that supports DOC's mission to improve public safety and keep correctional operations running smoothly.
As a Senior Network Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of DOC's network services by driving continuous service improvement, implementing modern solutions, and ensuring our systems align with industry best practices. Your expertise will help the agency enhance performance, improve business processes, and deliver reliable technology that supports the Results DOC mission and vision.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through advanced technical leadership, we'd be excited to welcome you to our team. Join DOC as a Senior Network Engineer - Help Power Mission-Critical Technology Statewide!
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As an IT Network & Telecommunications Senior Specialist, some of your duties will include:

• Providing advanced technical operational support in all aspects of Data Networking to establish and maintain repeatable operational tasks in support of the DVNS operations team which could look like:
  • Auditing and troubleshooting availability, performance, functionality, integrity and efficiency
  • Incorporating advanced technical knowledge to accurately administer, maintain and monitor enterprise data networking and related systems
  • Completing daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks and event management to ensure operational integrity of DOC Data Networking systems
• Providing leadership and supervision to the DVNS Operations Team to include:
  • Leading and supervising the DVNS Operations engineers in the day-to-day technical support of incidents and service requests
  • Responding to questions by team members and disseminates information for operational direction
  • Ensuring standard processes and documentation are followed in delivery of DVNS services by engineers
  • Writing performance evaluations, position descriptions and expectations, and overseeing hiring process
• Providing DVNS Operational reporting
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• High school diploma or equivalent

AND

• Eight (8) years experience in the Information Technology field

AND

• Four years of experience in the last five years supporting data network services within information technology to include:
  • Enterprise-wide area network, campus, and data center networking platforms engineering feature and functionality of data networking platforms in a medium to large enterprise consisting of at least 300 network components (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and/or other network appliances) within positive span of control

OR

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field from an accredited institution may substitute for four years experience

AND

• Four (4) years' experience in the Information Technology field.

AND

• Four years of experience in the last five years supporting data network services within information technology to include:
  • Enterprise-wide area network, campus, and data center networking platforms engineering feature and functionality of data networking platforms in a medium to large enterprise consisting of at least 300 network components (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and/or other network appliances) within positive span of control

In addition to the above education and experience, the below experience is required and may be gained concurrently:

• Four (4) years' professional work experience analyzing customer requirements and recommending successful solutions
• Three (3) years of technical work experience engineering wide area networks
• Three (3) years of technical work experience engineering campus data networks
• One (1) year of technical work experience engineering data center technologies (firewalls, load balancers, overlay networks)
• Four (4) years of technical work experience engineering enterprise networking platforms

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Three (3) years of technical work experience installing, configuring, and engineering enterprise routers
• Three (3) years of technical work experience installing, configuring, and engineering core and distribution switches
• Three (3) years of technical work experience engineering the Cisco UCS Blade based hardware platform
• Four (4) years of technical work experience administering Cisco IOS
• Three (3) years of technical work experience administering Solarwinds/DataDog
• One (1) year of technical work experience scripting in PowerShell
• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP

Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. 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.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification 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.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS: 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 ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email or call us at . For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-.
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
01

Are you a current DOC employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field from an accredited institution
• Masters degree or higher

03

If you have a degree obtained outside of the United States, have you included a foreign credential evaluation report with your application? (You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and

• Yes
• No
• NA

04

How many years of experience working in the Information Technology field do you have?

• I have one year or less of this experience
• I have two to three years of this experience
• I have four to five years of this experience
• I have six to seven years of this experience
• I have eight or more years of this experience

05

How many years of experience in the last five years supporting data network services within information technology to include enterprise-wide area network, campus, and data center networking platforms engineering feature and functionality of data networking platforms in a medium to large enterprise consisting of at least 300 network components (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and/or other network appliances) within positive span of control do you have?

• I have one year or less of this experience
• I have two to three years of this experience
• I have four or more years of this experience

06

How many years of professional work experience analyzing customer requirements and recommending successful solutions do you have?

• I have one year or less of this experience
• I have two to three years of this experience
• I have four or more years of this experience

07

How many years of technical work experience engineering campus and/or wide area networks, and campus data networks, do you have?

• I have one year or less of this experience
• I have two years of this experience
• I have three or more years of this experience

08

Do you have at least one year of technical work experience engineering data center technologies (firewalls, load balancers, overlay networks)?

• Yes
• No

09

How many years of technical work experience engineering enterprise networking platforms do you have?

• I have one year or less of this experience
• I have two to three years of this experience
• I have four or more years of this experience

10

Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities do you possess?

• Three (3) years of technical work experience installing, configuring, and engineering enterprise routers
• Three (3) years of technical work experience installing, configuring, and engineering core and distribution switches
• Three (3) years of technical work experience engineering the Cisco UCS Blade based hardware platform
• Four (4) years of technical work experience administering Cisco IOS
• Three (3) years of technical work experience administering Solarwinds Orion
• One (1) year of technical work experience scripting in PowerShell
• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP
• I do not have any of the above knowledge, skills and/or abilities

11

How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

12

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

13

If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

Required Question