IT Application Development Journey (two positions) at State of Washington

DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenBuild the future of software at Ecology not just the next feature.Ecology is at the start of a multi-year modernization effort and were being blunt about it: our systems are outdated complex and overdue for reinvention. Were moving toward modular cloud-native API-first architectures and we need developers who dont just tolerate change they drive it.This isnt a role where you inherit polished systems. Youll help dismantle monoliths design clean microservices and set the engineering standards that will guide an entire agency for years. If youre energized by modernization experimentation and building golden paths where none exist yet youll feel right at home.Were looking for two journey-level developers who care about clean architecture thrive in Agile teams and see modern toolingincluding AI-assisted developmentas a way to work smarter not riskier. Youll collaborate with product architecture security and platform engineering partners to design secure accessible scalable applications that replace decades of legacy complexity.If weve always done it this way makes your eyebrow twitch then were the team for you!The Department of Ecology is hiring twoITApplication Development - Journeypositionswithin theInformation Technology Services Office (ITSO).Location:Headquarters Office in Lacey WA.Upon hire you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.Schedule:The positions are eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.Application Timeline:Apply by December 17 2025The positions will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.DutiesDo you thrive in an Agile environment where experimentation rapid iteration and continuous improvement are the norm Are you excited to use modern AI toolsfrom code generation to automated testingto boost your productivity and enhance code quality With a growth mindset and a willingness to learn you can help shape reusable patterns strengthen team practices and advance Ecologys long-term digital transformation. This is a role where you dont just write codeyou influence the future of how the agency builds software.In this role you will step into a journey-level application developer position at the forefront of Ecologys digital modernization efforts. Each day you will design build and refine cloud-native applications using MACH principlesmicroservices API-first design cloud-native patterns and headless architecture. You will collaborate closely with product owners testers analysts and fellow developers to deliver secure scalable and accessible solutions.What you will do:Modernize and Modularize Our Application LandscapeAnalyze long-standing monolithic systems and help carve them into well-defined services.Build microservices adapters and integration layers that peel functionality from legacy environments without breaking existing operations.Apply MACH principles microservices API-first cloud-native headless to drive consistency and long-term sustainability.Design Clean Scalable Cloud-Native ApplicationsBuild and document RESTful APIs and modern service interfaces.Collaborate with architects to shape reference designs reusable patterns and organization-wide engineering standards.Design systems that scale adapt and evolve rather than accumulate more complexity.Establish the Playbook for Modern Development at EcologyCreate templates shared libraries and golden-path documentation that accelerate future development.Influence CI/CD patterns DevSecOps practices and platform engineering norms.Help define how new services are built deployed tested and secured.Use AI-Assisted Tools Responsibly and EffectivelyLeverage AI tools for boilerplate test generation and safe refactoring.Validate AI-generated code for accuracy security and maintainability no blind trust no shortcuts.Share best practices with teammates adopting new AI workflows.Build Quality and Security Into EverythingWrite robust unit integration and contract tests that support automated pipelines.Contribute to build-and-deploy workflows test automation security scanning and secrets management.Apply secure coding practices meet state/federal compliance requirements and build accessible interfaces that follow WCAG 2.1 AA.Collaborate Mentor and Continuously ImproveWork in an Agile product team that iterates quickly and learns from experimentation.Mentor peers transitioning to modern frameworks and architectural patterns.Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical partners to drive shared understanding and progress.QualificationsFor detailed information on how we calculate experience please visit our Recruitment website.Required Qualifications:Four years of experience and/or education as described below:Experience in computer application development and maintenance. Experience includes but is not limited to analyzing designing implementing maintaining and/or programming software applications.Experience must include:Experience Developing Applications in an Agile Delivery ModelAt least three (3) years of experience working in an Agile product team or Scrum-based development environment.Experience breaking down user stories participating in standups and delivering shippable software increments.Proficiency in Designing and Building APIs or MicroservicesAt least two (2) years of experience designing building and documenting RESTful APIs or microservices.Ability to use OpenAPI (Swagger) Postman or similar tools for API design validation and testing.Applied Experience with Automated Testing and CI/CD PipelinesExperience building or contributing to automated test suites (unit integration regression).Familiarity with CI/CD pipeline design (e.g. GitHub Actions YAML Azure DevOps or similar tooling).Educationinvolving a major study in Computer Science Information Technology (IT) Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) or closely related field OR accredited vocational training program in IT or related program.Required knowledge skills and abilities:Demonstrated Ability to Use Modern Programing Languages and FrameworksFluency in at least one modern language such as C# Python or JavaScript/TypeScript.Experience with frameworks commonly used in modern application stacks (e.g. Flask React Express etc.)Understanding of Secure Accessible and Policy-Compliant Software DevelopmentAwareness of and ability to apply secure coding practices (e.g. input validation authentication patterns).Experience implementing or validating accessibility standards (e.g. WCAG 2.1 AA).Ability to follow agency or state-level development policies and documentation practices.Strong Problem-Solving and Collaboration SkillsDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across services deployments or integration points.Effective communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.Willingness to give and receive feedback iterate quickly and work toward shared goals.Willingness to Learn and Experiment with Emerging TechnologiesSpecial Requirements/Conditions of Employment: Must possess a valid drivers license or provide alternate transportation for occasional in-state travel including in-person collaboration team workshops or agency events.May be required to work outside standard hours during production deployments high-priority bug fixes or in response to critical service outages affecting modernized applications or CI/CD pipelines.Must maintain the confidentiality and integrity of agency data including information related to environmental monitoring regulatory compliance and personnel records.Must comply with the states IT security accessibility and acceptable use policies particularly as they relate to cloud-native services public APIs automation pipelines and user-facing digital services.Must complete all required agency training including cybersecurity DEIR public records retention and accessibility in a timely manner.The positions are responsible for staying current with modern development practices MACH-aligned methodologies DevSecOps principles and emerging technologies such as AI-assisted development and cloud-native tooling. While Ecology will provide access to assigned technical and policy training the occupants of the roles are expected to proactively pursue ongoing learningformally or informallyto remain effective in a rapidly evolving technical environment.Desired Qualifications:Experience Refactoring Legacy Applications into Modular ArchitecturesExperience decomposing monolithic applications into discrete services or functions.Familiarity with techniques for identifying service boundaries creating wrappers or adapters and incrementally modernizing older codebasesFamiliarity with MACH Methodologies or Composable Architecture ConceptsUnderstanding of MACH: Microservices API-first Cloud-native Headless principles.Knowledge of composable or decoupled software design even if not labeled MACH directly in past experience.Experience with Cloud Platforms and Cloud-Native Deployment PatternsFamiliarity with any public cloud platform (Azure AWS GCP) including use of containers serverless functions or managed services.Understanding of basic cloud-native concepts such as scalability infrastructure-as-code and resource provisioning.Experience with Front-End Development in a Headless ArchitectureKnowledge of modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g. React Vue Svelte) and API-based UI integration.Experience working with decoupled frontends consuming RESTful or GraphQL APIs.Understanding of DevSecOps and Infrastructure-as-Code ConceptsExposure to tools like Bicep Terraform Ansible or other IaC platforms.Understanding of how pipelines integrate security scanning secret management and environment configuration.Experience Using AI-Assisted Development ToolsUse of tools like GitHub Copilot Tabnine or other AI assistants to improve code quality or productivity.Understanding of ethical use and validation of AI-generated code.Experience Working in Public Sector Environmental or Regulated EnvironmentsFamiliarity with data privacy open data or regulatory compliance constraints.Understanding of how public users internal staff and leadership interact with digital services.If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job descriptionwe 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 InformationEcology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information please visit.Application ProcessEcology 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 ApplyClick 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 positionResumeBecause 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 AccommodationIf you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process including this job announcement in an alternate format:Please contact us at or If you are deaf or hard of hearing you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.QuestionsFor specific questions about the position location options schedule or duties please contact Scott Johanson at 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 atAbout the Department of EcologyAs the State of Washingtons environmental protection agency we are deeply committed to protecting preserving and enhancing Washingtons 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 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 Ecologys 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 thatDEIRis 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 Leave11 Paid Holidays per yearPublic Service Loan ForgivenessTuition Waiver Long Term Disability&Life InsuranceDeferred Compensation ProgramsDependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)Employee Assistance ProgramCommute Trip Reduction IncentivesCombined Fund DriveSmartHealth*Click here for more informationTo learn more about Ecology please visit ourwebsite explore Working at Ecology check out ourStrategic Plan and connect with us onLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube or ourblog.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.#LI-Hybrid#LI-DNI Key Skills B2C,Accounts Management,Automation Testing,Maintenance Engineering,Data Analysis Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 84120 - 113148