Elastic Systems Administrator
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $85,764.00 - $115,344.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WaTech-7231-02542
Department: Washington Technology Solutions
Division: DED
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 4/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Elastic Systems Administrator
(IT System Administration-Journey)
WaTech: Join an exciting team!
Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is a national leader in adopting new, innovative technologies that transform the way Washingtonians receive state services. We provide information technology oversight and central services for the Washington state government, all of which makes this an exciting time to join our team of experienced IT professionals. As a part of this agency, you will have a unique opportunity to help advance the latest IT technologies and practices used by state government to meet the needs of Washingtonians.
About the position
This position is a part of WaTech's Secure Gateway Services (SGS), which is within the Digital Experience Division of the Technology & Operations (T&O) group and manages and operates the statewide shared security infrastructure including proxy servers, authentication systems, and logging and monitoring. SecureAccess Washington is the focus of the SGS group, providing access to state services via the internet. The SGS provides secure access to mission-critical services for constituents and businesses that allow them to pay taxes, apply for unemployment benefits, access social service benefits, access law enforcement data and other critical services, and are key components of the security infrastructure for the state of Washington.
As the Elastic Systems Administrator, you will support the back-end infrastructure of Secure Gateway Service's largest service, SecureAccess Washington (SAW). This position is a broad system specialist with an advanced understanding of log aggregation and monitoring services, specifically Elastic/Kibana and its application in our environment to maintain compliance with log retention requirements, provide troubleshooting and analysis for our services, and ensure appropriate service function and security.
Duties
Some of what to expect with this role:
Qualifications
Here's what we're looking for:
Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:
Supplemental Information
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.
What WaTech offers:
As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding 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 , 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 .
How to apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply" button at the top of this announcement. You may need to create a profile and account in Washington state's automated application system. We invite you to include your name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
To be considered for this position you will need to:
Note: Applications without the requested information identified above or containing supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may lead to your application being disqualified from consideration.
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 prior to submittal.)
Conditions of employment:
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 and competence to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
Recruitment process:
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 during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .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. 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 consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
01
Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:
02
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #1, If this does not apply, type N/A.
03
Do you have five years of experience designing, configuring, implementing and maintaining log aggregation or SIEM tools such as: Elastic, Splunk, Graylog or QRadar?
04
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #3, If this does not apply, type N/A.
05
Do you have four years of proficient experience with scripting languages like JavaScript, Python or shell scripts?
06
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #5. If this does not apply, type N/A.
07
Do you have four years' experience with a large, high-volume 24/7 customer or service provider network?
08
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #7, If this does not apply, type N/A.
09
Do you have four years of experience in Linux or Unix server administration and support?
10
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #9, If this does not apply, type N/A.
11
Do you have two years of experience in web server administration and support (e.g. Tomcat, Apache, IIS, etc.)?
12
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #11, If this does not apply, type N/A.
13
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?
14
How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WaTech-7231-02542
Department: Washington Technology Solutions
Division: DED
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 4/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Elastic Systems Administrator
(IT System Administration-Journey)
WaTech: Join an exciting team!
Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is a national leader in adopting new, innovative technologies that transform the way Washingtonians receive state services. We provide information technology oversight and central services for the Washington state government, all of which makes this an exciting time to join our team of experienced IT professionals. As a part of this agency, you will have a unique opportunity to help advance the latest IT technologies and practices used by state government to meet the needs of Washingtonians.
About the position
This position is a part of WaTech's Secure Gateway Services (SGS), which is within the Digital Experience Division of the Technology & Operations (T&O) group and manages and operates the statewide shared security infrastructure including proxy servers, authentication systems, and logging and monitoring. SecureAccess Washington is the focus of the SGS group, providing access to state services via the internet. The SGS provides secure access to mission-critical services for constituents and businesses that allow them to pay taxes, apply for unemployment benefits, access social service benefits, access law enforcement data and other critical services, and are key components of the security infrastructure for the state of Washington.
As the Elastic Systems Administrator, you will support the back-end infrastructure of Secure Gateway Service's largest service, SecureAccess Washington (SAW). This position is a broad system specialist with an advanced understanding of log aggregation and monitoring services, specifically Elastic/Kibana and its application in our environment to maintain compliance with log retention requirements, provide troubleshooting and analysis for our services, and ensure appropriate service function and security.
Duties
Some of what to expect with this role:
- Configure, maintain and evaluate the security of servers, networks and operating systems used to provide log aggregation and monitoring of enterprise security appliances and services within SGS. Perform routine maintenance and verify system stability and resilience.
- Identify business needs for new log data indexes in the log aggregation solution to increase storage and optimize search efficiency.
- Document and implement best solution to meet the business need.
- Identify needs to create, optimize, delete or reconfigure indexes in order to increase performance of search or Elastic cluster.
- Analyze current usage and predict future needs to ensure the system can handle increased loads.
- Identify cost-effective solutions to manage growth of system, prioritize critical needs, identify areas where logs can be managed down to prevent unnecessary growth and cost, and recommend actions and purchases to the supervisor/manager.
- Author the disaster recovery and resilience plans for the elastic internal service.
- Perform routine maintenance to SGS Linux systems.
- Configure and execute runbooks in SGS automation server to perform configuration changes, update block/allow lists, and perform other routine maintenance.
- Take backups/snapshots in preparation for maintenance to ensure system stability and rollback plan.
- Build proof-of-concept servers as necessary to aid in testing new functionalities and integrations.
- Perform server hardening to ensure security and compliance.
Qualifications
Here's what we're looking for:
- Eight years of practical experience in the development, analysis, deployment and management of enterprise security tools used to deliver high-demand internet-facing services to the public. This experience must include:
- Five years' experience designing, configuring, implementing and maintaining log aggregation or SIEM tools such as: Elastic, Splunk, Graylog or QRadar.
- Four years' proficient experience with scripting languages like JavaScript, Python or shell scripts.
- Four years' experience with a large, high-volume 24/7 customer or service provider network.
- Four years' experience in Linux or Unix server administration and support.
- Two years' experience in web server administration and support (e.g. Tomcat, Apache, IIS, etc.).
- *A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or closely related field, may be substituted, on a year-for-year basis, for up to four years of experience.
Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:
- Project management or project lead experience
- Demonstrated experience presenting technical solutions to technical and non-technical audiences
Supplemental Information
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.
What WaTech offers:
As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding 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 , 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 .
How to apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply" button at the top of this announcement. You may need to create a profile and account in Washington state's automated application system. We invite you to include your name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
To be considered for this position you will need to:
- Submit a complete Online Application.
- Answer all required Supplemental Questions.
- Attach a Letter of Interest that addresses how your experience qualifies you for this role.
- Attach a Resume that clearly documents the work history, training, and education that makes you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.
- Attach a separate document with at least Three Professional References. This should include: Reference name, nature of the relationship (i.e. company and supervisor, coworker, etc.), phone number, and email. References should be individuals you have worked with in the past five years, if possible, and include at least one current, or most recent supervisor. *We will not conduct reference checks without your signed release.
Note: Applications without the requested information identified above or containing supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may lead to your application being disqualified from consideration.
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 prior to submittal.)
Conditions of employment:
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 and competence to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
Recruitment process:
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 during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .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. 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 consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022
01
Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:
- I have eight years of practical experience in the development, analysis, deployment and management of enterprise security tools used to deliver high-demand internet-facing services to the public.
- I have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or closely related field, AND four years of practical experience in the development, analysis, deployment and management of enterprise security tools used to deliver high-demand internet-facing services to the public.
- I do not have the required experience and/or education, but I am willing to learn.
02
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #1, If this does not apply, type N/A.
03
Do you have five years of experience designing, configuring, implementing and maintaining log aggregation or SIEM tools such as: Elastic, Splunk, Graylog or QRadar?
- Yes
- No
04
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #3, If this does not apply, type N/A.
05
Do you have four years of proficient experience with scripting languages like JavaScript, Python or shell scripts?
- Yes
- No
06
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #5. If this does not apply, type N/A.
07
Do you have four years' experience with a large, high-volume 24/7 customer or service provider network?
- Yes
- No
08
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #7, If this does not apply, type N/A.
09
Do you have four years of experience in Linux or Unix server administration and support?
- Yes
- No
10
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #9, If this does not apply, type N/A.
11
Do you have two years of experience in web server administration and support (e.g. Tomcat, Apache, IIS, etc.)?
- Yes
- No
12
Please briefly explain how you gained the experience in question #11, If this does not apply, type N/A.
13
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?
- Yes
- No
14
How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.
- Business Resource Group (BRG)
- Careers.wa.gov
- Governmentjobs.com
- Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
- Job Fair
- WaTech employee
- WaTech website
- WorkSource
- Other
Required Question