SDC Associate Technician

(IT Network and Telecommunications-Entry)

WaTech: Leading the way in technology!

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.

About the opportunity:
This position is part of the State Data Center (SDC) Facilities Operations team within WaTech’s Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) division. The SDC program safeguards and maintains the state's technology investments while directing and coordinating the implementation and operation of services provided through the State Data Center and Quincy Data Center. State agencies depend on these facilities to support the continuous operation of Washington's most critical information systems and communications networks. This position reports to the State Data Center Facility Operations Supervisor.

As a State Data Center (SDC) Associate Technician, you will help maintain the infrastructure that powers essential government services across Washington. You will support the installation, maintenance, and operation of critical network infrastructure within the state's two mission-critical data center facilities and the Equinix node site. Your responsibilities will include equipment installation, network and carrier circuit provisioning, cabling, network connectivity troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues to ensure reliable operations.

In this role, you will contribute directly to the availability and reliability of statewide enterprise systems that agencies use to serve residents, businesses, and communities. Working closely with the Facility Manager and Facility Operations Supervisor, you will help assess operational needs, coordinate the procurement of equipment and materials, and provision resources that strengthen data center performance and resiliency.

The SDC Associate Technician follows established state policies, agency standards, and procedures related to facility operations, vendor management, and purchasing. Through this work, you will help ensure the security, stability, and continuous operation of Washington state's critical technology infrastructure.

Some of what to expect with this role:

• Serve as the entry-level Space Management technician within the SDC, QDC, and Equinix node site.
• Maintain and enhance the SDC/QDC mission critical internal datacenter cabling for customers who support and ensure the business, financial applications, voice, email, internet and SGN access always remain available.
• Review cabling cut sheets, input cable ID information, and print wrap-around labels.
• Perform basic retrofits and upgrades to structured cabling (fiber optic cable, coax, category cables) panels, rails, and raceway products to support existing data center infrastructure.
• Read and interpret equipment elevations and Visio maps.
• Conduct cable testing and certifyall fiber/copper media installed meets EIA/TIA 568 (Electrical Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association 568 standards).
• Purchase IT equipment and manage receiving, storage, shipping, and inventory control for the SDC, QDC, and Equinix node site.
• Serves as the primary intake and receiver of customer and vendor materials shipped to the State Data Centers across multiple technology disciplines.
• Schedule and oversee physical inventories monthly and advise management as necessary on inventory levels while taking into consideration market conditions, price trends, strikes, transportation problems, etc.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Four years of Information Technology (IT) experience in one of the following areas: System Administration, Network Architecture and Design, Network Operations Support, Network Infrastructure, Coordinating IT Acquisitions, or a related field. This experience must include two years in one of the following areas:
  • IT/Telecommunications equipment installation, repair, configuration, and troubleshooting.
  • Installing, maintaining, repairing, and testing fiber optic and copper cabling systems, IT hardware servers, switches, and routers.
• An associate degree in engineering, information technology or related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• Two years of Information Technology (IT) purchasing and procurement experience. This includes purchasing or providing IT services and equipment, specifying network equipment and design, IT billing, or similar duties.
• Must possess and/or acquire (and maintain) within six months of employment the BICSI Installer 1 technician certification.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:

• Knowledge of project management principles.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, simultaneous work streams.
• Excellent analytical skills, planning, and organization.

Telework: This position requires daily onsite/in person presence at WaTech's Olympia, Washington office.

We value diversity and different perspectives:

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.

What WaTech offers:

As an employee of WaTech, you’ll have access to an outstanding employee benefits package that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.

While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country’s most scenic national parks, we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance.

To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please visit our website.

Additional information about this role:

• This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

How to apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. In addition to completing your online application, please also include the following attachments:

• A current resume detailing your applicable experience, training and/or education.
• A letter of interest highlighting how your experience aligns with the outlined job posting.

Top candidates will be asked to provide a list of their professional references with contact information.

Reminders:

• A real person is reviewing your application material. It is in your best interest to complete the application in its entirety and review thoroughly before submitting. You will not be eligible to re-apply for this posting for 30 days.
• Applications with missing or incomplete fields, or supplemental question responses such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.
• WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. WaTech does not use the E-Verify system. We are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov.
• Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number and date of birth prior to submittal.)

By submitting your materials, you affirm that all information is true and correct. Any untruthful information is cause for removal from the applicant pool. If hired as a result of this recruitment, the discovery of incorrect or falsified information may lead to disciplinary action or dismissal.

Recruitment process:

The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate’s specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to recruitment@watech.wa.gov

If you’d like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or Human.Resources@watech.wa.gov.Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.