UTAB Application Developer-Journey/Hybrid-Internal Only
Summary
Internal-only, hybrid developer role with Washington State's Employment Security Department: configure GenTax components and design, develop, and test code for the Unemployment Tax and Benefits (UTAB) system using C#, VB.NET, and SQL, working with business analysts and supporting production under SDLC and Azure DevOps practices, with occasional Olympia office visits.
Description
This position is open to internal Employment Security Department Employees only.
This position is scheduled for telework but may need to report to the office in Olympia, WA a few times a year.
The ideal candidate for the UTAB Application Developer – Journey role is a technically strong, analytical professional who thrives in a complex enterprise environment. They bring hands-on experience designing, configuring, and developing application components using tools such as C#, VB .NET, SQL, and modern SDLC methodologies.
They excel at translating business needs into technical solutions—reviewing requirements, preparing prototypes, writing clean and efficient code, and configuring GenTax features to support the Unemployment Tax and Benefits (UTAB) system. They are comfortable working independently on moderately complex assignments while ensuring accuracy, stability, and alignment with agency standards.
This candidate is also an effective collaborator who communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical partners. They work closely with business analysts, subject-matter experts, and project teams to understand requirements, validate assumptions, and ensure solutions meet operational needs. They are skilled at troubleshooting production issues, analyzing system impacts, developing test strategies, and supporting peers through technical guidance. Their ability to explain technical concepts in accessible terms strengthens relationships across the agency and ensures smooth implementation of system enhancements.
They are committed to continuous learning, quality, and stewardship of critical public-facing systems. They proactively expand their technical knowledge, deepen their understanding of UTAB and GenTax, and maintain thorough documentation that supports long-term system health. They demonstrate accountability, inclusiveness, and strong customer service—recognizing the significant impact their work has on claimants, employers, and the stability of Washington’s UI trust fund. Their blend of problem-solving ability, technical expertise, and collaborative mindset makes them a trusted contributor to the Innovation & Technology Office.Duties
At the Journey level, configure GenTax components and design and develop new code for UTAB and related interfaces following ESD ITSD guidelines, GenTax application standards, at the direction of leads, supervisors and architects, and industry best practices. Use ESD and GenTax development tools, such as C#, VB. Net and SQL, to design develop, test, stage, and implement changes in UTAB. This includes:
- Respond to highly complex processing problems and questions from customers on UTAB and related interfaces. Use problem solving skills to identify type of problem and determine viable resolutions. Assess system impact(s) on UTAB and work with IT and Business Systems Managers to understand business impacts
- Review assigned change requests and use system analysis skills to identify GenTax featuresand services that can be configured to satisfy the business needs. Identify any need for custom code or interfaces to resolve requests. Work with business systems analysts and business subject matter experts to understand business requirements. Prepare prototypes for demonstrating proposed changes
- Work independently to configure GenTax components and design and develop code for UTAB and related interfaces. Perform code reviews with peers and/or leads. Test and verify code and configuration changes and ensure the changes get integrated and promoted to production
Performs or participates in gathering and discovering requirements for system changes. This includes:
- Facilitate and/or participate in business requirements definition sessions. Review and analyze customer business requirements and determine feasibility, alternatives and impacts of changes. Perform demonstrations of prototypes for resolving business requirements.
- Make technical recommendations for resolving business needs.
- Use GenTax and ESD tools and procedures to create, update, and organize functional specifications, data models, and other relevant documentation to keep system and process artifacts current.
Follow ESD software development and project management methodologies. This includes:
- Create and follow work plans containing tasks and schedules to complete assignments on time
- Communicate change, risks, or any issues that may impact prioritization of work to lead, supervisor and/or project manager
- Provide information to the project manager and/or supervisor for estimating and planning
To request a detailed position description, click here.Qualifications
- 6 years of IT experience developing systems using service-oriented design and development using C#, VB.Net and SQL
- OR Associate's degree in computer science or closely related field and four (4) years of IT experience developing systems using service-oriented design and development such as C#, VB. Net and SQL
- OR Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field and two (2) years of IT experience developing systems using service-oriented design and development such as C#, VB. Net and SQL
AND- 4 years of experience performing the full application life cycle activities of industry standard application life cycle methodology (Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall, etc.) and testing as part of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Progressive experience in software management and work item management using Azure DevOps (ADO)
- Progressive development of skills related to new tools and techniques related to application development, maintenance and support
Required equity competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
AND Ability to demonstrate and adhere to the following Application Developer Competencies:
- Technical Problem-Solving Skills - Ability to analyze and solve moderately complex problems through a methodical process. Fixes application errors or failures on moderately complex applications or processes
- Systems Analysis - Ability to understand business processes or portions of larger/more moderately complex projects and propose technical solutions that can improve those processes; design information systems to automate business processes
- Process Analysis - Ability to read and develop diagrams to illustrate business and/or technical (application) processes
- Programming – Ability to configure and code applications using COTS and custom development
- Technical Writing/Documentation – Documenting technical processes and writing technical material in a way that non-technical people can understand
- Data Management – Understanding of data management constructs, tools and practices for managing data
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check
- This position has access to federal tax information and therefore, per RCW 41.04.821 and the IRS publication 1075, is required to have a criminal history record check through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume, with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. 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 attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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