• Job Description

  Req#: 5334551
  Salary : $97,356.00 - $130,992.00 Annually
  Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-TSD-003
  Department: Dept. of Enterprise Services
  Division: Technology Services Division
  Opening Date: 05/07/2026
  Closing Date: 5/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  
  Lead Cloud Services Specialist (IT App Development - Senior Specialist)
  NOTE: This is not a full-time telework position. If selected you must be able and willing to commute to, and work in our physical office location at A hybrid work schedule may be available after training and/or probationary period has been successfully completed. Schedule working hours for this position is Monday - Friday, 8AM to 5PM. Upon hire, a different work schedule could be approved by the manager if it matches team availability. Some schedule flexibility will be required such as occasional evening and weekend work.
  
  The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES' mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future.
  
  About Technology Service Division (TSD):
  Our Technology Services Division (TSD) is not just another team in a government agency. We are an innovative, cross-functional, and high-performing group that focuses on providing seamless solutions and IT consultative services to our customers and business partners. We embrace a customer-driven IT environment by working collaboratively to solve problems. We provide innovative solutions that connect people and eliminate waste from processes by simplifying work. Our work impacts other state agencies, counties, cities, and the people of Washington. Technology Services division is responsible for supporting the internal and enterprise applications that facilitate the success of DES's lines of business. Some of the services that DES delivers includes contracting, mail, fleet, surplus, printing and imaging, workforce support & development, enterprise risk management, visitor services, finance and HR for internal and small agencies, facilities, and capital campus security systems including duress and physical access. We embrace change and respect new ideas. If you are looking for a challenging and meaningful career, and a place where your talents make a difference in the lives of Washingtonians, TSD is the place for you!
  
  About this Opportunity:
  The Application Development team within Technology Services division of DES is responsible for the architecture, solution design, development, and operations across the full range of applications that serve business needs of DES and other statewide agencies, other government entities and citizens. The Lead Cloud Services Specialist plays a pivotal role in driving a full-scale digital transformation and modernization effort across the agency. As a strategic leader, you will design and implement solutions that reshape how the agency operates - modernizing legacy systems, automating manual workflows, and advancing the use of integrated cloud technologies to enhance collaboration and data accessibility across all divisions. This position enhances organizational efficiencies, reduce the reliance on in-house standalone applications and expand the use of our data to accomplish data-driven decision-making.
  
  We are seeking an incumbent who has advanced expertise in troubleshooting, automation, and cloud technologies, along with the ability to evaluate and implement new tools and systems. You will be responsible for planning, prioritizing, and executing Cloud Services/Ops activities with minimal supervision. Some of the essential duties include directing team activities, setting priorities, and ensuring alignment with organizational technology strategy and roadmap. This position leads cloud operations across platforms such as Azure and other cloud technologies, supporting automated deployments and system reliability using technologies including .NET, C#, PowerShell, JavaScript, M365, D365, and Power Platform (PowerApps).
  
  The Lead Cloud Services Specialist reports to the Senior Application Development Manager within the Technology Services Division.
  
  For more information, email the recruiter Rachel Vaughan: , andand request the full job description.
  
  Duties
  
  Duties Include:
  Serve as the lead for Microsoft 365 administration, responsible for delivering secure, reliable, and user-focused M365 services across the agency
  • Independently research, design, develop, and deploy
  • Administer, ensuring availability, reliability and performance
  • Monitor system health, analyze, and test systems for performance
  • Ensure regular backups of data
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders
  • Collaborate with the agency's Information Security team
  • Implement and maintain access controls
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues, provide end-to-end root cause analysis
  • Analyze industry-wide trends and make recommendations
  Provide technical leadership, mentorship and guidance to the IT professionals for cloud-based applications and system development, to include support and maintenance
  • Mentor and train IT team members on cloud services, and technical best practices by sharing expertise in M365 applications and fostering skill development
  • Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues related to M365 applications, working closely with IT team members to develop their problem-solving skills
  • Support team members in the areas of SaaS and COTS solutions to enhance the technical expertise of the unit
  • Influence the team for right design and technology implementation and give future architectural direction
  • Guide team members
  • As the lead, plan, prioritize, and monitor team workload and deliverables
  • Foster a positive team environment by recognizing contributions and supporting professional growth
  • Develop and maintain structured planning and work management processes
  
  Design & Development of Power Applications
  • Analyze user systems requirements at senior level
  • Administration, governance and strategy for adopting and supporting Microsoft Power Platform
  • Lead design, implementation and maintenance
  • Develop alternative and innovative solutions
  • Develop Power BI dashboards and reports
  • Responsible for managing application configuration
  • Ensure all security policies and procedures like scanning, logging and monitoring etc. are met
  • Develop system-testing plans, write test harnesses
  Serves as a cloud services lead supporting application teams, responsible for planning and coordinating the transition of application platforms, including .NET, other development technologies, and SQL databases, from on-premises environments to cloud platforms adopted or used by the agency
  • Collaborate with IT team leads
  • Provide guidance on cloud-native services
  • Support integration
  
  Serves as a lead in advancing the agency's adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs), by guiding exploration, evaluation, and responsible use across the organization
  • Research, evaluate, and stay current on emerging AI, ML, and LLM technologies
  • Collaborate with application, data, security, and business teams to explore and pilot AI-enabled solutions
  • Establish and promote foundational standards, best practices, and governance for AI usage
  • Support integration of AI capabilities into existing systems, applications, and workflows
  • Monitor and assess outcomes
  
  Leads and contributes towards building strong Engineering Processes and Standards for Power Platform and the suite of applications
  • Delivers high quality applications and solutions
  • Contributes to developing strong Engineering Practices
  • Ensure following tenets of development are considered as part of the design: Accessibility, Security, Privacy and Safety, Application compatibility, Performance and Manageability
  • Ensure that automated maintenance and monitoring tools are shipped
  • Ensures Test Driven Development and culture of Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, Culture of Experimentation and Lean Agile as a way of operating
  • Contributes towards improving common components and shared libraries that can enable rapid development of similar features in future
  
  M365 Training and User Engagement
  • Manage the development and delivery of training programs and conduct training sessions for end-users on M365 applications
  • Ensure training materials and user guides are updated and accessible to all employees
  
  Qualifications
  
  Required Qualifications, Education, Experience, and Competencies
  To qualify for this position, you must have a total of 11 years of combined qualifying education or qualifying experience.
  
  Here are multiple ways to meet the qualifications for this position:
  (OPTION 1)
  
  • Eleven (11) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments to include:
    
    • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service models
    • Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs
    • Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  (OPTION 2)
  • An associate's degree in computer science OR equivalent to two (2) years of vocational training in a technical field
    AND
  • Nine (9) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments
    • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service
    • Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs
    • Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  (OPTION 3)
  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or related technical discipline
    AND
  • Seven (7) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments
    • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service
    • Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs
    • Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  In addition to the options above, applicants must possess:
  • Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills
  • Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and supporting cloud adoption, migration, or hybrid environments
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and version control tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, Git)
  Desirable/Preferred Education, Experience or Certifications:
  • Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification
  • Experience working in hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments
  • Exposure to emerging technologies such as AI/ML/LLM in cloud platforms
  • Experience working in hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments
  
  Competencies
  • Communications - ability to concisely and effectively interact with other individuals as well as internal and external organizations
  • Teamwork - ability and desire to work cooperatively with others, participates and fosters teamwork, and influences other within a team
  • Interpersonal Skills - ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others
  • Growth mindset - ability and eagerness to learn, curiosity, self-motivation
  • Analytical Mindset - analytical methodical approach
  • Product Mindset - consider customer perspective and experiences when designing systems
  • Personal Responsibility - personal and professional characteristics that are needed to meet the organization's expectations and demands of the workplace
  • Customer Relations - ability to anticipate, assess, and respond effectively to the needs of diverse customers
  • Job Management - ability to take responsibility for their own performance by setting clear goals and balancing critical job requirements through the proper use of task management, results orientation, stress management and problem-solving skills
  • Drive For Results - ability to drive for results, not merely finding the boundary of responsibility, but following a problem through to its conclusion, to solve it once and for all, is a skill and ability which a successful engineer should exhibit
  • Technical Excellence - ability to apply technical excellence
  
  Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies
  Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace
  • Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment
  • Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment
  • Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization, or community
  • Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating, improving, and supporting strategies that promote an enduring environment of equity, inclusion, and belonging in our organization.
  Find the full DEI competencies and their descriptions on this.
  
  Leadership Competencies:
  Incumbents at DES in a supervisory or leadership position are required to demonstrate the Washington State Enterprise Leadership Competencies which can be found on this .
  Supplemental Information
  
  Special Requirements / Condition of Employment
  Please note that this position does not provide immigration sponsorship. Applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.
  
  • Must successfully pass a criminal background check
  
  How to Apply
  
  Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.
  
  Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
  
  • A letter of interest that details why you are the successful candidate, and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information
  Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
  
  Please Note: 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. A resume will not be substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.
  
  Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into The Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. 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.
  
  Opportunity for All:
  The Department of Enterprise Services 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.
  
  You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
  
  Contact Information:
  For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at 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.
  
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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, 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, 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
  
  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
  
  Are you currently employed by the Department of Enterprise Services?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  02
  
  Select how you meet the required qualifications totaling 11 years of experience for this position?
  • (OPTION 1)Eleven (11) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments to include:- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service models- Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs- Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments- Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  • (OPTION 2)An associate's degree in computer science OR equivalent to two (2) years of vocational training in a technical field AND Nine (9) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service needs- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs- Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments - Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  • (OPTION 3)A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or related technical disciplineAND Seven (7) or more years of experience supporting Microsoft technologies, including Office, Exchange, Active Directory, and SharePoint, with at least four (4) years of experience administering Microsoft 365 cloud environments- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Azure and a solid understanding of cloud architecture and cloud service - Demonstrated experience in performing business and system analysis, with the ability to lead technical initiatives and provide consultation to meet customer and organizational needs- Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex system and infrastructure issues, including cloud and hybrid environments - Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively collaborate across cross-functional teams
  
  03
  
  Select below all that you currently possess.
  • Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and supporting cloud adoption, migration, or hybrid environments
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and version control tools (e.g., Azure DevOps, Git)
  • Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification
  • Experience working in hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environments
  • Exposure to emerging technologies such as AI/ML/LLM in cloud platforms
  
  04
  
  This recruitment requires that applicants submit a current resume, cover letter, and updated professional references. (Reference can be provided at the time of interview). Have you uploaded all required documents?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  05
  
  How did you learn about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • DES BRG Job Board
  • GovDelivery Notification
  • Coworker/Friend
  • Internal Communication
  • Other
  
  06
  
  If you selected Job Board, or Other, please specifically name the job board. Reply with N/A if listed above.
  Required Question

• About the company

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