The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

Please Note: First review of applicants will take place April 19th, 2021.

ABOUT THE POSITION: The lnformation Technology Office provides full scope lT service to all staff and resides under the Administrative Services division. The lT Office is staffed under four main groups – Service Desk/Program Support, Application Development, Network Security and Systems Administration. Reporting directly to Chief Information Officer this position provides support to the agency by designing, reviewing, and implementing agency wide network systems, servers and equipment as well as developing and reviewing security for applications, systems and polices for the agency.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov

• Establish security routines and practices to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of agency resources and data.
• Conduct security evaluations, audits, reviews including penetration testing exercises, and implement corrective actions.
• Serve as the agency’s expert for security architecture.
• Evaluate current and potential software and hardware to maintain security baselines from National Institute of Standards and Technology, Center for Internet Security, and Washington State Office of CyberSecurity.
• Perform risk and vulnerability assessments of current and potential information systems to identify vulnerabilities, risks and suitability for the agency infrastructure.
• Design complex processes to detect network and computer anomalies related to malicious behavior.
• Analyze complex data generated by the security logging systems to detect intrusion, contamination, exploitation, unauthorized behavior and other malicious indicators of compromise against agency’s information systems.
• Act as back-up Network Administrator to include: agency wide router, switch, and VPN hardware configuration, and administration for sites across the state.
• Create documentation for Disaster Recovery and Backup/Recovery systems and administer solutions when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science OR five years related experience and/or training OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in network log analysis, network forensics, security incident management, and/or security device administration.
• Demonstrated experience with enterprise WAN/LAN Network administration.
• Five years of experience in Information Technology with a minimum of 1 year of continuous, dedicated, and professional computer security work experience, where computer security was your primary responsibility and comprised more than 51% of your work.
• Network Certifications: CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCIE, Cisco CCNP, Wireshark WCNA or comparable
• Network Security Certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH-Certified Ethical Hacker, GSEC-SANS GIAC Security Essentials, CISSP and CISM.

How to Apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524- 5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state’s on-line recruitment system.

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

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.