Harrison Washington | IT Specialist & Technical Consultant

Infrastructure Security Engineer

Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. (WECA) / Nov 2024 – Apr 2025 /

Responsibilities:

• Managed and optimized Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, ensuring robust security and high performance for network infrastructure.
• Proactively monitored FortiGate firewall health and traffic via FortiAnalyzer, enabling rapid response to security incidents and optimizing rules for secure communication.
• Conducted regular vulnerability assessments and security audits on FortiGate systems, implementing necessary patches and configurations to mitigate identified risks.
• Implemented and maintained secure remote access solutions (FortiClient, IPSec VPN) for employees and vendors.
• Utilized Wireshark and Nmap for in-depth network security auditing, identifying vulnerabilities and DNS misconfigurations.
• Developed and deployed automated Windows Server patch management strategies using NinjaOne and Intune, ensuring systems remained current and secure.
• Leveraged PowerShell scripting to implement scheduled automation tasks, streamlining administrative processes and improving efficiency.
• Conducted routine health checks and performance tuning on Windows Server 2019-2022 environments, proactively identifying and resolving issues.
• Installed, configured, and managed CrowdStrike Falcon policies across diverse Windows PC and Server environments, ensuring comprehensive endpoint protection against threats (malware, ransomware, APTs).
• Performed regular health checks and performance tuning of the CrowdStrike Falcon agents for optimal endpoint performance.
• Managed and responded to security incidents identified by Crowdstrike Falcon, executing triage, containment, eradication, and recovery per established incident response procedures.
• Led company-wide IT projects, notably a PII data scanning and remediation initiative to enhance compliance and reduce data risks.

Lead IT Specialist (Subcontractor)

Initial Action Services (IAS) / Aug 2023 – Present / Various Locations (Seasonal Fire Seasons)

Responsibilities:

• Configured and deployed Starlink satellite systems to establish reliable remote connectivity in forested areas during critical operations.
• Successfully set up and managed Public Address (PA) systems for various events, ensuring optimal sound quality for both in-person and online audiences.
• Integrated PA systems with live-streaming equipment (using OBS and hardware interfaces) to provide seamless audio for online viewers.
• Orchestrated and managed live Microsoft Teams events for Incident Management teams (Northwest Team 12, Northwest Team 10, and Southwest Area Team 4), overseeing end-to-end production processes, ensuring seamless broadcasts, and facilitating audience interaction.
• Facilitated daily briefings via Microsoft Teams, enhancing communication and coordination for fire crews and leadership.
• Spearheaded IT infrastructure upgrades, integrating cutting-edge technologies to support media production capabilities.
• Operated and maintained professional recording equipment, ensuring readiness for high-stakes productions.
• Fostered strong client relationships by delivering tailored IT and media support solutions.
• Managed multiple projects concurrently, overseeing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

IT Consultant (Contract)

Robert Half / Sep 2023 – Mar 2024 /

Responsibilities:

• Diagnosed and resolved complex network issues, ensuring seamless connectivity for client networks.
• Maintained comprehensive documentation for network configurations, troubleshooting, and system setups.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve network-related issues, reducing downtime by 10%.
• Deployed and secured desktop systems to meet client specifications, ensuring compliance with security standards.
• Provided technical support and IT consulting, enhancing system reliability and client satisfaction.

IT Consultant

Voxel / Jan 2023 – Apr 2023 /

Responsibilities:

• Managed Canonical MAAS data center, Ubuntu Server, SSO, SaaS, Google Workspace, and Voxel networks, ensuring optimal performance.
• Utilized Canonical MAAS and Ansible playbooks to automate the deployment of Ubuntu Linux server machines.
• Automated SaaS system processes and managed procurement and MDM for Apple MacBooks, improving operational efficiency.
• Ensured SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliance by implementing IT controls, mitigating security risks.
• Built and managed help desk systems, resolving tickets and creating detailed technical documentation, improving resolution times by 15%.

Senior Technical Consultant & Owner

Washington-Systems / Jan 2022 - Present /

Responsibilities:

• Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti network WAN & LAN network design, test, build, and implementation.
• Built DNS forwarding zones for customers on Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure.
• Helped customers with assigning custom DNS name servers for web applications and websites.
• Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure IAM user management.
• Linux and Windows server installation, patching, updating, and upgrading.
• Configuration, and installation of pfSense firewall solutions.
• Google Workspace Administration.
• Google Cloud Platform Administration.
• Helped customers implement CIS Benchmark for Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Debian, CentOS.

Skills & Technologies:

• SaaS Administration & Management
  • GCP IAM/Networking/DNS
  • Google Workspace
  • Azure AD/Networking
• Networking
  • LAN & WAN network design, test, build, and implementation.
  • Cisco Meraki
  • pfsense
• Hypervisor Administration
  • Hyper-V

Information Technology Support Engineer

Fivetran / Aug 2021 – Apr 2022 /

Responsibilities:

• Provided technical support and administration for a variety of critical SaaS platforms and cloud services, including Google Workspace, GCP, Okta, Jamf Pro, Azure, and AWS IAM, managing user accounts, groups, and access permissions.
• Configured and automated macOS desktop deployments using Jamf Pro, streamlining the onboarding process for new employees.
• Delivered comprehensive hardware and software troubleshooting support to all end users, resolving technical issues efficiently.
• Provided remote and on-site technical assistance for computer hardware, Windows and macOS operating systems, and network connectivity problems.
• Maintained and managed network infrastructure utilizing Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti network systems.
• Managed IT assets, maintaining a ready inventory of imaged MacBook laptops and peripherals for employee provisioning and system replacements.

Information Technology Support Specialist

Vode Lighting LLC / Aug 2020 – Aug 2021 /

Responsibilities:

• Managed and administered network infrastructure, including Ubiquiti Unifi Systems and SonicWALL Firewall/VPN, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity.
• Conducted network vulnerability scanning using tools like Nmap and Security Onion to identify and address security risks.
• Provided technical support and user management for Microsoft 365 services and Active Directory.
• Administered Windows Server environments, including backup/sync operations and remote management via PowerShell.
• Managed and configured virtualization platforms including Hyper-V and VMware ESXi.
• Provided comprehensive desktop support for Windows and macOS configurations, installations, and troubleshooting for a wide range of business applications (e.g., Adobe, Autodesk, Box, Smartsheet, Solidworks, etc.).
• Developed and delivered user training and documentation for applications and IT processes.
• Managed IT assets, maintaining accurate inventory records, ensuring a consistent pool of ready-to-deploy equipment, and tracking equipment assignments.
• Assisted with implementing security best practices based on CISA bulletins and conducted anti-phishing email training for users.

Technology Help Desk Technician

CalRecycle / Dec 2019 – Mar 2020 /

Responsibilities:

• Provided essential technical support and troubleshooting for computer hardware, Windows and macOS operating systems, and network connections for a large user base.
• Managed Active Directory user accounts and assisted with Windows configuration and installation via PowerShell.
• Played a key role in preparing over 800 employees for remote work during the 2019-2020 pandemic, providing critical technical assistance and support.
• Delivered user and application training documentation and overviews.
• Provided on-premise troubleshooting support for hardware, operating systems, and network issues.
• Maintained the Bar Scan Inventory Database, continuously updating equipment assignments and locations.
• Assisted users with Citrix virtualization and supported standard office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Provided web conferencing support for GoToWebinar and GoToMeeting, including scheduling, technical assistance, recording, and editing.
• Supported on and off-site conferences, managing equipment setup/teardown, wired/wireless network connectivity, and print services.