Application Developer (Public Health Systems)

Overview

THE OPPORTUNITY

 

Join a team that builds and supports the systems powering Washington’s public health response. As part of the Public Health Systems group in the Office of Application and Data Services (ADS), you’ll develop and maintain applications that collect, manage, and share critical data used by local health jurisdictions, hospitals, labs, and even the CDC.

 

Your work ensures timely reporting, analysis, and decision-making across the state — directly contributing to disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health program operations that keep Washingtonians safe.

 

This position is classified as an Application Developer at the journey level, reflecting work that requires fully developed technical skills, independent judgment, and a high degree of professional competence.

 

What You’ll Do:

Design, develop, and maintain web-based applications and data systems that support statewide and national public health efforts.
Manage databases and data flows, ensuring information from partners and systems is accurate, secure, and reliable.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including local health jurisdictions, laboratories, and federal agencies.
Implement, test, and deploy application updates and new features, ensuring stable, secure, and high-performing systems.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that impact real-time public health operations.
Document and improve development processes, data structures, and technical standards to strengthen system quality and resilience.
Stay current with emerging technologies, helping evolve the agency’s systems to meet modern standards and best practices.

 

The Ideal Candidate:

You’re a problem-solver who enjoys turning complex data and technical challenges into reliable, user-friendly systems. You have hands-on experience with application development and data management, a strong sense of accountability, and a passion for using technology to make a real difference in public health. Collaboration, curiosity, and quality drive your work.

 

Why You’ll Love This Job

Your work directly impacts community health—supporting systems that guide outbreak investigations, lab testing, and disease prevention across Washington State.
You’ll be part of a collaborative and mission-driven tech team that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.
Opportunities to tackle complex technical challenges that connect technology, data, and public service.
A culture that supports balance, flexibility, and growth while working on projects that truly matter.

 

WHAT YOU BRING

 

We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. To qualify, you must meet at least one of the listed options and any additional criteria. Preferred experience is not required but can help you stand out as a strong candidate.

 

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Option 1: Eight (8) years (full-time equivalent) of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications.

 

Option 2: An Associate’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or a closely related field; AND six (6) years (full-time equivalent) of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications.  Additional years of experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

 

Option 3: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or a closely related field; AND four (4) years (full-time equivalent) of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications.  Additional years of experience can substitute for education on a one for one basis (Advanced education may substitute year for year for experience).

 

AND in addition to meeting ONE of the above options, you must also have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the software application development field, including the following:
Experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining applications using modern programming languages and frameworks (such as .NET, C#, VB.NET, JavaScript frameworks, SQL).
Experience with relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or similar) including writing queries, stored procedures, and data integration.
Experience with application lifecycle management including requirements, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Familiarity with information security principles and applying security standards in software and data solutions.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex application, data, or system integration issues.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and produce clear documentation.