TSD Ferries Infrastructure Supervisor (IT Architecture – Senior/Specialist)

State of Washington
Seattle, WA



About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!


The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced Information Technology (IT) Systems Architect to serve as a strategic and technical leader within the Technology Services Division (TSD) supporting Washington State Ferries (WSF). This role is responsible for designing, analyzing, and guiding the implementation of enterprise IT and Operational Technology (OT) solutions that deliver secure, reliable, and innovative services for maritime and transportation operations.


This position drives infrastructure modernization, cloud integration, unified communications, and cybersecurity initiatives by developing scalable architectures that integrate cloud and on-premises environments. This role also leads efforts to modernize legacy systems and ensure compliance with standards such as PCI DSS and MTSA/USCG cybersecurity expectations.


Working in close partnership with Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Field Services, and enterprise IT teams, the incumbent aligns WSF solutions with agency-wide architecture, policies, and strategic goals while advancing system performance, resilience, and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring advanced experience in enterprise architecture, hybrid infrastructure design, cybersecurity principles, and systems integration.


What to Expect

The TSD Ferries team, as part of and in participation with the TSD WSDOT enterprise, supports all information technology-related systems, hardware, and software for 2000+ employees working in the WSF Division.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role,the TSD Ferries Infrastructure Supervisor will:

  • Develop and implement solutions to modernize and optimize complex IT and OT infrastructure, ensuring that the systems support the current and future operational demands of the enterprise.
  • Serve as a primary technical advisor to leadership on emerging technologies.
  • Architect, monitor, and optimize cloud resources.
  • Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to align WSF architecture with agency standards and strategic goals.
  • Integrate new technologies with existing agency infrastructure.
  • Manage the security architecture for IT and OT systems, ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations, including cybersecurity and data protection requirements.
  • Lead and support security audits, risk assessments, and incident response planning.
  • Ensure IT/OT architecture complies with internal and external mandates, policies, and standards.
  • Provide oversight and guidance in compliance with regulatory and policy requirements.
  • Supervise the TSD WSF Infrastructure Team to drive performance, strategic alignment, and workforce development.


Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Enterprise Architecture and Strategic IT Leadership

  • Demonstrates advanced competence in designing and governing enterprise IT and OT architecture across infrastructure, networks, cloud, telecommunications, and operational technologies.
  • Skills to ensure technology solutions align with operational, regulatory, and business priorities while supporting secure, scalable, and reliable systems.
  • Demonstrated experience applying enterprise architecture frameworks (familiarity with TOGAF, Zachman, Gartner) to design, implement, and manage enterprise-level IT systems that align with organizational goals, strategies, and business needs.

Telecommunications and Systems Integration

  • Proficiency in integrating traditional telephony systems with modern, cloud-based unified communications platforms, ensuring seamless interoperability, system reliability, and effective communication across multiple technologies and locations.

Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance

  • Demonstrated ability to design and maintain secure, compliant systems aligned with cybersecurity principles and regulatory standards, including PCI DSS, with expertise in encryption, access controls, and protection of sensitive data.

Team Leadership and Operational Oversight

  • Proven ability to lead and supervise technical teams, set direction, manage performance, and foster professional development while maintaining high standards of accountability in mission-critical environments.

Communication and Executive Engagement

  • Demonstrates the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly through written, verbal, and presentation methods to technical and non-technical audiences, enabling informed decision-making at all organizational levels.

Operational Judgment and Problem Solving

  • Experience applying seasoned professional judgment to evaluate technical and operational risk, resolve complex problems, prioritize competing demands, and ensure continuity of operations while supporting cybersecurity and enterprise standards.

Governance, Policy, and Standards Alignment

  • Demonstrates competency in applying organizational policies, enterprise architecture standards, cybersecurityframeworks, and regulatory requirements to ensure consistent, compliant, and auditable technology practices.

Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented

  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Takes action to meet the needs of others.


The following qualifications are also required:

  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
  • Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check due to the sensitive nature of the work.
  • Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within the first six (6) months of hire.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

Foundational IT and Business Administration

  • Demonstrated competency in IT architecture and leadership through formal education, professional experience, or a combination of both.
  • Skills to apply technical and business principles to guide enterprise decision making, system design, and long-term technology strategy.

Cloud and Infrastructure Platform Expertise

  • Demonstrates advanced understanding of cloud and infrastructure platforms to design scalable, secure, and cost-effective architectures.

Industry Technical Certifications

  • Relevant certification such as Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Cisco. Certifications provide validated technical knowledge to support architecture decisions, promotes industry best practices, and ensures effective governance of complex technical environments.

Service Management and Process Optimization (e.g., ITIL/ITSM)

  • Demonstrates competency in applying service management frameworks to improve operational consistency, reliability, and continuous service improvement.

Project and Change Management (e.g., PMP, Lean, Prosci OCM)

  • Demonstrates the ability to manage risk, guide organizational change, and deliver complex initiatives with structure, predictability, and measurable outcomes.


*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.


Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and may require fieldwork that is performed in active traffic areas, aboard operating ferries, and within shipyard environments.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov


Why WSDOT

  • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.


Check out this video to learn more:Why WSDOT?


How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.


Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed.Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.


WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.


Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter atRobyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov.Please be sure to reference26DOT-HQ-04390ein the subject line.

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