IT Application Development - Sr/Spc

Description

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit our website at: www.sos.wa.gov.

The Division of Information Technology (IT) ensures that all technology systems within OSOS business programs run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. We are the strategic partner in driving business goals, improving operational efficiency, and safeguarding critical data and systems. IT is deeply involved in ensuring the seamless flow of information, providing scalability and innovation, handling everything from hardware, software and tools to complex systems delivering valuable customer experience.

IT Application Development Senior/Specialist

Permanent, Full-Time

This position description is a senior level position that reports to an IT Application Development Supervisor within the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS), IT Division. This position is responsible for the design, maintenance, and continued modernization of systems and services supporting the Corporations & Charities Division Business programs and services. This position will also provide technical support for OSOS office core development team interfaces and systems to include internal and external design, modification, and maintenance of data and user interfaces.

An incumbent in this position will be responsible for aligning OSOS IT systems to IT Policy, standards and external regulations for security, privacy, compliance and best practice. Where best practice does not exist, this position will devise best practice strategies to support technical work for applications, data, and services under their purview. These duties touch every division and mission of the Office.

Duties

Application Developer Senior Specialist

Tasks Include:

• Provides technical expertise in daily operations within application, data, and cloud development engineering to support applications, systems, services, data and hardware infrastructures for OSOS within the IT Division.
• Serves as the technical lead for day-to-day development operations, issues and outages related to applications, data and services within OSOS for the CCD Division.
• Diagnoses and triages cloud application development issues, working to find root cause, and corrects the problem.
• Defines designs, and documents standards and best practice uses for application and data development to be used by the team.
• Researches and identifies new and modern methods for continued best practice for application and data development for continued improvement and modernization over applications, systems, services, data, and hardware infrastructures.
• Provides knowledge and expertise to other application core team developers in the use of various technical tools, integrated development environments, test driven development patterns and practices, and supporting frameworks.
• Provides code review, version control management, deployment and release management process and guidance using ITIL, Agile, and other frameworks that best serve the applications, systems, services, data and hardware infrastructures for OSOS, and the development community responsible for this work.
• Ensures applications are logically and functionally tested by directing development engineers to areas where testing is needed or lacking.
• Creates, and oversees the maintenance and testing of disaster recovery planning for all application ecosystems supported by this position.
• Coaches and mentors of all levels of development and data management engineers.

Application and Data Architecture Technical Lead

Tasks Include:

• Collaborates with the architecture team to design and develop and implement architecture standards for applications across the full Software Development Lifecycle within the CCD Division book of business.
• Implements professional level architectural design patterns, practices, and processes that ultimately provide the foundation for efficient, scalable, and durable application ecosystems for the Corporations and Charities Division.
• Ensures application lifecycle management standards are well designed, documented, communicated, and continuously updated.
• Ensures all new and current applications under this positions scope comply with regulation, policy, and standards of architecture necessary to safeguard, protect privacy, and meet cybersecurity provisions to meet or exceed all state and federal laws and rules.
• Defines and implements architected designs focused on user centered approach, accessibility, and device agnostic usability.
• Effectively consults with leadership and business partners in plain language for complex technical work.
• Reviews and approves code to ensure alignment with industry best practices, consistent coding standards, and OWASP, Nist, CIS, etc secure coding guidelines, while identifying repetitive engineering workflows and implementing automation to eliminate manual effort, improve reliability, and increase development velocity across teams.?
• Provides mentorship and technical guidance to lower-level application developers, offering support on coding practices, troubleshooting, and adherence to development standards whenever needed.
• Maintains clear, well-documented, and timely communication with leadership and stakeholders regarding application issues, work stoppages, outages, and incidents, providing proactive status updates and outlining the steps taken toward resolution to ensure transparency and smooth operations.
• Establishes and documents best practices, standards, and guidelines to support consistent and scalable process improvements across the organization.
• Develops prototypes, Proof of Concept (POC), and pilot solutions to validate and document new approaches before full implementation.
• Evaluates emerging tools, platforms, and methodologies to determine their applicability and potential benefits for developers and business users.
• Partners with cross functional teams to ensure new methods integrate smoothly with existing systems and align with strategic goals.
• Collaborates with supervisors, architects, business partners, peer developers and business analysts in a professional manner to define, design, and implement key features that enhance overall user experience and deliver meaningful value.
• Researches, designs, and implements new technologies, processes, and methods following SOLID coding principles and SDLC best practices to solve complex problems with increased ambiguity.
• Analyzes existing workflows to identify inefficiencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement, recommending innovative solutions that streamline operations.
• Provides training, guidance, mentorship and knowledge sharing sessions to help fellow developers and business users to understand and adopt new processes effectively.

Miscellaneous

Tasks Include:

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Total of eight years of information technology experience in applications development, including experience in designing, developing, and maintaining applications using industry standard tools and development languages, developing, designing, and maintaining databases using MS SQL or related relational database tools and software, leading up to architecture and development in cloud infrastructures, such as Azure or AWS, using modern integrated development environments (IDEs) integrated with version control and DevOps pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps).
• OR An associate’s degree in technology or related field with six years of Information Technology experience*.
• OR A bachelor’s degree in technology or related field with four years of Information Technology experience*.
• OR A master’s degree in technology or related field with two years of Information Technology experience*.
• OR any combination of education and experience that is equal to 8 years. (Education is credited towards experience on a year for year basis)

Information Technology Experience* is the progressive technical expertise of enterprise solution design and engineering in any of the following functional & technical IT domain areas:

• Software development & engineering (web, mobile, desktop, and embedded systems).
• Cybersecurity (network, asset, risk)
• Cloud computing & DevOps: (cloud architecture, management, and workflow automation)
• Data Science, AI & Analytics (big data, machine learning, data mining, and AI systems)
• Network administration (design and support)
• Quality Assurance (QA testing for failures, missed features and quality)
• Database Administration (managing and securing data stores, tuning & optimization)
• Emerging Tech

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing applications in the Microsoft.Net environment, C#, ASP.NET, MVC, .NET Core, AngularJS, Angular, VB.NET, HTML, CSS, TypeScript, JavaScript, jQuery, TSQL, PowerShell, and Software Defined Storage.
• 1 year of experience working with Microsoft Azure administration.
• Knowledge of database structures and dataflow.
• Network architecture and technical system communication.
• Experience working directly with stakeholders of applications.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification. At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

The role necessitates an individual who can function effectively both independently and as part of a team. It demands the ability to excel under pressure in order to meet stringent deadlines. The candidate must demonstrate adaptability within the rapidly evolving realm of web development, particularly with regards to website security. Thoroughness and precision in task execution are paramount, as is the capability to manage multiple tasks concurrently. Proficiency in interpersonal and communication skills, directed towards both internal and external stakeholders, is a fundamental requirement. The standard work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. However, there is an expectation of availability beyond these hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during unforeseen emergencies. The role includes the physical ability to handle objects weighing up to 50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation. Additionally, readiness to travel to different office locations within the state on short notice is essential. The work environment is predominantly office-based, involving prolonged periods of sitting and extensive utilization of the keyboard. Remote work is allowed per office policy; however, you must be in the office full time for the six-month trial services/probationary period and three days in person (50% of time) after that.

Special Requirements

• This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.

How to Apply

• Required: To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
• Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
• Current resume
• Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-5211.

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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

Where did you hear about this job opening?

02

Do you have a family member or relative currently employed at the Office of the Secretary of State? *Relative includes parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, any 'step' relations within the preceding categories, any in-law relations within the preceding categories and any others living in the employee's household*

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes in the previous question, what is the name of your family member/relative?

04

PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.

• The Office of the Secretary of State has a Nepotism Policy that does not allow employment of relatives or family members in the same chain of command. I acknowledge this policy and I do not have familial connections or household members employed at the Office of the Secretary of State. I understand that if I am hired and it is discovered that I have a relative or household member working in the same division, my employment will be terminated immediately.

05

Please Select The Statement That Best Describes Your Qualifications.

• I have 8+ years of information technology experience in applications development, including experience in designing, developing, and maintaining applications using industry standard tools and development languages, developing, designing, and maintaining databases using MS SQL or related relational database tools and software, leading up to architecture and development in cloud infrastructures, such as Azure or AWS, using modern integrated development environments (IDEs) integrated with version control and DevOps pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps).
• I have an associate’s degree in technology or related field with 6 years of Information Technology experience.
• I have a bachelor’s degree in technology or related field with 4 years of Information Technology experience.
• I have a master’s degree in technology or related field with 2 years of Information Technology experience.
• I have 8+ years combining education and Information Technology experience.
• None of these apply.

06

Regarding the previous question, please elaborate on your relevant experience. include details about where and when you acquired this experience, along with the specific tasks you undertook during that time. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A" in the box below.

07

Describe your experience with designing, developing, and maintaining custom solutions using .Net, C#, and other development languages. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A in the box.

08

Describe your experience working with Microsoft Azure or other cloud solutions. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A in the box.

09

Describe your experience with developing, designing, and maintaining databases using MS SQL or other relational database tools. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A in the box.

10

I acknowledge that this is an in-person position in our Tumwater location, full time for the six-month trial services/probationary period and three days in person (50% of time) after that.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question