Network Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $85,800.00 - $115,416.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-02611
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
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.
Some of what you'll do:

• 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.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• 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.

Who should apply?
We are looking for professionals with:

• An Associate's Degree with major emphasis in network administration, systems administration, or information security network administration or a related field.

And,

• Seven years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology or network administration experience.

Or,

• A bachelor's degree or higher with major emphasis in network administration, systems administration, or information security.

And,

• Five years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology or network administration.

Or,

• Nine years of consultative, administrative, or leadership experience in information technology, which must include at least two years of network administration experience.

Additional information:

• 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) 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 DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter at and reference job number #02611.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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
1. Do you have hands-on experience configuring and maintaining Cisco switches in a production environment?

• Yes
• No

02
How man