Lead System Administrator

Description

Are you looking for a meaningful leadership role with stability, balance, and impact?

The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) is seeking an experienced Lead System Administrator to provide operational leadership for our enterprise virtualization platforms. This role supports the Compute & Storage Architect and plays a key part in DOR’s transition from VMware to Nutanix AHV, increased automation, and ongoing journey to the cloud.

While public-sector compensation may differ from private industry, this position offers something many private roles do not: predictable hours, flexible remote work, long-term stability, and the chance to support systems that serve the entire state of Washington.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agency's goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

Candidate screening will begin as early as January 20, 2026, and the hiring authority may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to the applicant's advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Please review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties

As The Operational Lead, You Will

• Operate and support Nutanix HCI (AHV) and existing VMware vSphere hardware and software platforms.
• Support and participate in VMware-to-AHV migration efforts.
• Execute architectural standards and designs in conjunction with the Compute & Storage Architect.
• Lead day-to-day system administration, monitoring, patching, upgrades, and working with and directing a journey-level administrator.
• Implement and maintain automation to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot complex virtualization, compute, and storage issues.
• Serve as a mentor and escalation point for system administrators.
• Collaborate with architecture, networking, security, and application teams.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity operations.
• Maintain operational documentation and runbooks.
  
  

Who This Role Is a Great Fit For.

This position is especially well-suited for someone who values:

• Work-life balance over long hours.
• Remote work with occasional on-site collaboration.
• Stability and predictable workloads.
• Hands-on technical leadership without constant firefighting.
• Mentoring others and improving operational maturity.
• Learning and working with modern platforms without sales pressure or billable hours.
  
  

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as expert-level knowledge in the following areas:

• Recent experience in the administration of Hyper-converged Infrastructure and virtual machine hosting environments.
• Recent experience with Server operating systems, server hardware, and server software applications, including, but not limited to, computer network infrastructure technology, network operating systems, and virtualization technology.
• Translating technical options into business terms and providing business solutions to critical business problems.
  
  

Written Communications:

• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing by producing documents that are clear, concise, and organized.
• Documents intended for customers or others external to the division may be reviewed by a manager. All documents prepared should consider the audience and should be written in a persuasive manner.
  
  

Verbal Communications:

• Ability to effectively express ideas and information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
• Verbal communications would include participating in staff and project team meetings, phone communication, and one on one communication with peers and supervisor.
  
  

Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrates behaviors needed to effectively interact with others individually or in group interactions.
  
  

Planning and Organization:

• Ability to effectively organize multiple assignments, often involving competing priorities, to produce work products and services that are accurate, thorough, and on time.
  
  

Research, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Possesses advanced knowledge to:

• Research and explain technical information regarding rules, rights, regulations, policies, procedures, programs, or services to answer questions, resolve problems, communicate decisions, or actions.
• Seek opportunities to resolve problems and submits findings for review.
• Works independently to analyze highly complex problems & coordinates their findings and recommendations
• Provide recommendations to improve the analytical processes within the immediate workgroup.
• Think through all facets of an issue. Demonstrates attention to detail. Reports, documents, projects, and programs follow a logical and linear progression.
• Resolve problems by independently analyzing problems and judging the best solution or action to respond to difficult situations.
• Develop insights and apply innovative solutions beyond those traditionally considered.
  
  

Administration of Hyper-converged Infrastructure and Virtual Server Hosting Environments:

• Proficiency in managing and maintaining hyper-converged infrastructure systems.
• Expertise in virtual server hosting environments, including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies and their application in business environments.
  
  

Server Operating Systems, Server Hardware, and Server Software Applications:

• In-depth understanding of various server operating systems (e.g., Windows Server, Linux).
• Experience with server hardware components and their configurations.
• Familiarity with server software applications and their integration within the IT infrastructure.
  
  

Computer Network Infrastructure Technology and Network Operating Systems:

• Competence in designing, implementing, and managing computer network infrastructure.
• Knowledge of network operating systems and their role in network management.
• Ability to ensure network security and optimize network performance.
  
  

Virtualization Technology:

• Expertise in virtualization technologies, including hypervisors and virtual machines.
• Ability to abstract operating systems from hardware to improve resource utilization and efficiency
• Experience in managing virtual environments and addressing challenges related to virtualization.
  
  

Translating Technical Options into Business Terms and Providing Business Solutions:

• Strong communication skills to translate complex technical concepts into understandable business terms.
• Ability to provide business solutions to critical problems by leveraging technical expertise.
• Experience in aligning IT strategies with business goals to drive organizational success.
  
  

Preference May Be Granted To Those Possessing The Following

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
• Vendor certifications in specific technologies, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Nutanix Certified Professional (NCP) and/or VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
• A minimum of 1 year of recent experience in the administration of Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure.
• A minimum of 1 year of recent experience in the administration of Citrix VDI environments.
• 4 years of recent experience in the administration of Hyper-converged Infrastructure and virtual server hosting environments.
• 3 years of recent experience with Server operating systems, server hardware, and server software applications, including, but not limited to:
• Computer network infrastructure technology, network operating systems, and virtualization technology.
• Translating technical options into business terms and providing business solutions to critical business problems.

To be considered:

• Attach a cover letter explaining your knowledge, skills, abilities, and desire for this position.
• Current resume.
• Three professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• Failure to complete your application or attach your cover letter may result in the disqualification of your application.*
  
  

To take advantage of Veteran's preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout your social security number and date of birth before attaching.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Patrick and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty of finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves on connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.gov or give me a call (360) 704-5738.

Supplemental Information

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for six months.

This Position Has Been Designated As Having Access To Federal Tax Information (FTI) Provided By The Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In Order To Access This Information You Will Need To

• Comply with the FTI background check requirements consisting of:
• FBI National background check (fingerprinting required)
  

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Revenue and the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

If you need help during the application process, please call the Human Resources Office at 360-704-5731. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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, 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

Parental Leave

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

How many years experience do you possess of recent experience in the administration of Windows server environments?

• Less than 1 year experience.
• 1-3 years experience.
• 4 or more years experience.
• I do not possess experience in the administration of Windows server environments.
  
  

02

How many years experience do you possess of recent experience in the administration of VMware environments?

• Less than 1 year experience.
• 1-3 years experience.
• 4 or more years experience.
• I do not possess experience in the administration of Windows server environments.
  
  

03

How many years of recent experience do you possess administering physical servers, SAN, Hyper-converged Storage and virtual server hosting environments?

• I have less than 1 year experience
• I have 1 year experience
• I have 2 or more years experience
• I do not possess experience administering physical servers, SAN, Hyper-converged Storage and virtual server hosting environments.
  
  

04

If applicable, please describe your experience and your role in the administration of Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure.

05

Do you possess either of the following certifications? (Check all that apply)

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• Nutanix Certified Professional (NCP)
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA)
  
  

06

How did you hear about the Department of Revenue as a possible employer?

• Family/Friends
• State Employee
• School Representative/Professor
• Career Counselor
• Job/Career Fair
• Social Media Contact
• Other
  
  

07

Although this opportunity may have telework options, you must reside in Washington State. The expectation of the position is that it will at times have to work on hardware refreshes and/or problem/incident resolution, and will require the availability to travel to and from work in the office. Do you live in or plan to relocate to Washington State and have the availability to travel and work in the Tumwater area?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

Will you now or in the future require the Department of Revenue to commence ("sponsor") an immigration case in order to employ you (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration case)? This is sometimes called "sponsorship" for an employment-based visa status.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question