Atlassian Platform Lead (IT System Administration – Journey)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring an Atlassian Platform Lead (IT System Administration – Journey) within the Information Technology Services Office.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• A minimum of three days per week is required in the office with additional telework option after initial training and onboarding.
• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by July 31, 2025
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after July 31, 2025, may not be considered.

Duties

This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape how the Washington Department of Ecology uses the Atlassian Platform—especially Jira—to modernize service delivery and business process automation across the entire agency. While the platform may have started as an IT ticketing tool, this position elevates it into a powerful enterprise solution that supports scientific, regulatory, and administrative work agency wide.

As the agency’s lead authority on Atlassian, you’ll design and implement automation, build advanced reporting tools, and integrate AI-driven workflows that improve how we work and serve the public. You'll work closely with both technical teams and business leaders to ensure the platform evolves in line with agency needs—delivering real value, not just technology.

What makes this role interesting is its strategic impact: you're not just configuring tools; you're enabling a major shift toward more proactive, transparent, and customer-centered operations. It’s a chance to directly support Ecology’s mission while gaining hands-on experience in enterprise automation, service design, digital modernization, and leadership-level collaboration.

This position offers strong opportunities for professional growth in platform architecture, AI integration, enterprise automation strategy, and cross-agency service alignment. It's ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, building enterprise-level solutions, and driving meaningful change through technology.

What you will do:

• Lead the design, configuration, and continuous improvement of Jira as an enterprise platform, supporting both IT and agency-wide service delivery needs.
• Implement and evaluate AI-powered features to optimize ticket classification, workflow automation, and performance insights, with a focus on usability and ethical application.
• Redesign and automate customer-focused workflows to reduce manual effort, improve responsiveness, and align with ITIL and business best practices.
• Develop advanced reporting and dashboards that provide real-time visibility into team performance, ticket complexity, and program-level service metrics.
• Serve as the platform owner and technical lead for Jira, ensuring stability, scalability, governance, and cross-program adoption across the agency.
• Prototype and deploy new platform features and integrations to streamline processes, increase automation, and reduce reliance on manual or duplicative tools.
• Drive continuous learning and promote a culture of innovation through mentorship, training, and participation in the broader Atlassian user community.
• Support statewide coordination and governance efforts, aligning Jira use with OCIO, WaTech, and agency modernization goals, and contributing to Ecology’s shift toward a consolidated IT model.

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Five years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience, within the last seven years, in one or more of the following IT disciplines: IT consultation, systems development, systems analysis, IT project management, server management, virtualization, server storage, system administration, or converged compute, networking and storage.
  Experience must include:
  • Three or more years of recent professional experience administering, configuring, and optimizing Jira Software and/or Jira Service Management in an enterprise environment. Two of these years may be achieved through related education.
  • Experience with Jira automation tools, including native rule engines and integration of third-party apps (e.g., PowerPlatform, ScriptRunner, Automation for Jira, Power Scripts).
  • Knowledge of IT service management (ITSM), Agile/Scrum methodologies, or DevOps workflows.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both IT professionals and business-side partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities, delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
  • Experience building and maintaining Jira dashboards and reports using JQL (Jira Query Language), filters, and gadgets to visualize operational performance and service metrics.
• Education involving a major study in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or closely related field.

* Completion of MCSE, MCEE, Server+, or related certifications will qualify for one (1) year of required experience above.

* Additional combinations of education or accredited vocational training in Computer Science, IT or closely related field can satisfy all but one year of the required experience above.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 5 years of experience.
• 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 1 year of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license or provide alternate transportation for occasional travel.
• May be required to work additional hours during system deployments, critical incidents, or platform outages.
• Must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive agency and personnel data accessed through Jira.
• Must comply with the state’s IT security and acceptable use policies, particularly when working with workflow automation and data visibility configurations.
• Must complete all required agency training, including DEIR, cybersecurity, and public records management.
• This position is responsible for maintaining current knowledge of the Atlassian platform suite capabilities, automation strategies, and industry best practices in enterprise workflow and service management. While Ecology provides access to assigned technical and policy trainings, the occupant of this role is expected to proactively pursue relevant learning opportunities—formally or informally—to remain effective in a rapidly evolving technical landscape. Completion of assigned IT and security trainings is required and must be done in a timely manner.

Desired Qualifications:

• Atlassian Certified Jira Administrator (for Cloud or Data Center).
• Experience implementing Jira Service Management (JSM) portals for non-IT teams (e.g., HR, Finance, Scientific Programs).
• Experience integrating Jira with other tools, such as Confluence, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Active Directory, or Power BI, Monday, etc.
• Familiarity with scripting or low-code platforms, such as Groovy (ScriptRunner), PowerShell, or REST API scripting for Jira.
• Knowledge of public sector IT governance or experience in a government agency.
• Background supporting service delivery in scientific, regulatory, or operational domains.
• Strong facilitation and partner engagement skills, particularly in cross-functional or matrixed environments.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Kristy Schreiner at Kristy.Schreiner@ecy.wa.gov
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

About the Information Technology Services Office

The mission of the Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) is to empower the Department of Ecology through secure, reliable, and innovative technology, data, and spatial solutions that accelerate scientific discovery, enhance operational efficiency, and support environmental protection for all Washingtonians.

Our vision is to transform ITSO into a strategic enabler of Ecology’s mission—where technology is seamlessly integrated across science and operations, data is accessible and actionable, and innovation is embedded in how we protect Washington’s environment.

About the Department of Ecology

As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information 

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.  

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

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Atlassian Platform Lead (IT System Administration – Journey)