Salary: $99,288.00 - $133,512.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 1
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 05/01/2025
Closing Date: 5/11/:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description Cloud Architect - Empower Long-Term Care Services with Innovative Technology in Washington State
Make a lasting impact by shaping Washington's pioneering long-term care program. As a
Cloud Architect, also called an IT Architecture Senior Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the , the nation's first long-term services and supports social insurance program. This initiative ensures all working Washingtonians can access affordable long-term care when they need it most.
As part of DSHS's Technology Innovation business unit within the , your advanced skills will guide the development, maintenance, and integration of essential applications and IT services. The work you do now will directly support Washington residents in accessing their earned benefits for daily-living activities, beginning in 2026. Be part of this groundbreaking effort and help modernize ways services are delivered in aging and long-term care.
This role offers a hybrid telework schedule, with work based within Washington State.
Some of what you will do - Develop and implement cloud strategies to align with agency technology goals and governance policies.
- Lead the planning and integration of cloud-based technologies that support business, application, and data solutions.
- Oversee cloud environments critical to the Home and Community Living Administration and WA Cares Fund, ensuring seamless system integration across multiple platforms and services.
- Migrate workloads from on-premises systems to the cloud while optimizing efficiency and security.
- Serve as a cloud administrator, managing permissions and providing guidance to IT teams working with servers, networks, security, databases, and applications.
- Collaborate with project teams, external agencies, and technology partners to create a scalable and sustainable cloud framework.
- Establish architecture principles, technical roadmaps, and governance structures to ensure reliable cloud operations.
- Troubleshoot complex IT challenges, support disaster recovery efforts, and guide cloud security implementations.
This role is at the intersection of technology and public service-helping workers in Washington secure their future while shaping innovative IT solutions. Join us and be part of an effort that makes a real difference.
Who should apply - You bring deep expertise in cloud environments, applying a broad range of concepts and technologies honed through extensive IT operational experience. Managing a complex cloud infrastructure that spans multiple disciplines and serves four state agencies requires a comprehensive understanding of interconnected systems and services.
- At least 11 years of experience designing, managing, operating, and maintain enterprise servers, workstations, storage, data center, networking, scripting, and automation; concurrent work experience should include:
- Advanced cloud knowledge using new technologies to set up and transition critical business applications from on-premise to cloud services utilizing:
- AZURE
- AWS
- Salesforce
- Mulesoft
- Technical Expertise: Experience in systems operations, cloud computing, infrastructure protocols, and user support, along with proficiency in PC/laptop hardware, software, and peripherals.
- Communication & Collaboration: Ability to present ideas, mentor colleagues, and work effectively with people at varying technical skill levels.
- Leadership & Decision-Making: Strong project management, negotiation, and business skills, with the ability to adapt to new technologies and make informed decisions.
- Attention to Detail & Problem-Solving: Skilled in troubleshooting complex IT challenges, working under pressure, and ensuring smooth technological integration across diverse environments.
A master's degree in information technology or related discipline will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of above work experience. An associates degree or 2-year IT certificate will substitute for 2 years of above work experience.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Strategic IT Expertise: Deep understanding of IT operations and architecture, able to anticipate future business needs, assess partner impacts, and provide technical consulting on emerging technologies.
- Infrastructure & Systems Knowledge: Hands-on experience managing servers, storage, networks, firewalls, and endpoint systems in a complex, multi-site environment.
- Problem-Solving & Collaboration: Strong analytical skills, self-motivation, and organizational abilities, with experience working alongside technology vendors and integration partners to implement effective solutions.
DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.
Interested? Along with your completed application & 3 references, include a chronological resume
Questions? Please email Jenny at or call and reference . To learn more about DSHS, go to
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
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 . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.
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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 . click apply for full job details