COBOL Applications Developer

290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION in Oklahoma City seeks a COBOL Applications Developer to support and maintain unemployment insurance processing systems on a BULL mainframe (GCOS8). Experience with Linux and GCOS8 is desirable and on-call coverage is included.

You will design, develop, test, and implement COBOL solutions, troubleshoot production issues, and collaborate with analysts to translate business needs into technical solutions. Training and documentation are emphasized.

Qualifications

• 12 CS credits or 156 hours of vocational/technical ed plus 1 year of development/analysis experience.
• Bachelor’s in CS or IS preferred or equivalent professional work experience.
• State government systems or unemployment insurance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and implement COBOL solutions in the BULL/GCOS8 mainframe environment.
• Troubleshoot production issues and perform routine maintenance to ensure system stability.
• Collaborate with analysts to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Utilize Linux to navigate file systems, run scripts, and transfer data between Linux VMs and state systems.
• Maintain documentation for new code and legacy processes; support on-call duties as needed.
• Translate legislative updates into technical logic with senior developers.
• Maintain clear technical documentation and reverse‑engineer undocumented legacy processes when necessary.

Skills

COBOL

Mainframe GCOS8

Linux

JCL

Scripting

LIBER8

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Systems

Certification in applications development

Tools

BULL mainframe

GCOS8 tooling

Linux command-line

Job description

Job Posting Title

COBOL Applications Developer Agency 290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION Supervisory Organization Employment Security Commission–Data Processing

End Date: Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Compensation

Full-time Vacancies: Two. Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Location and Travel

Location: Oklahoma City, OK. Travel: Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position. Typically, minimal travel is required.

Benefits

• The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

Job Description

Join Our Innovative Team: Shape the Future of IT at OESC! The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is seeking a skilled COBOL Programmer to support and maintain the core systems responsible for processing unemployment insurance benefits. This role focuses on developing robust COBOL code within a BULL mainframe environment running GCOS8. Experience with Linux command-line tools and Google Cloud Platform are desirable.

Position Essential Functions

• Application Development: Design, develop, test, and implement COBOL solutions within the BULL/GCOS8 mainframe environment. Enhance and maintain applications, databases, JCL, files, test scenarios, and supporting documentation to meet business and operational needs.


• On‑Call Support: Participate in a rotating on‑call schedule and provide 24‑hour support when assigned. Respond promptly to service interruptions and production issues to ensure continuity of critical processing systems.


• System Maintenance: Troubleshoot production issues, analyze existing codebases, and perform routine maintenance to ensure system stability and accurate processing.


• Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with agency personnel, business analysts, and stakeholders to evaluate business needs, gather requirements, and develop solutions.


• Cross‑Platform Navigation: Utilize basic Linux command-line interfaces to navigate file systems, execute scripts, and support data transfers between Linux VMs and other state systems.


• Legislative Updates: Work with senior developers and business analysts to translate new state or federal unemployment mandates into technical logic.


• Documentation: Maintain clear, accurate technical documentation for new code and reverse‑engineer undocumented legacy processes when necessary.

Valued Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities

• Knowledge of – Writing, testing, and debugging COBOL BULL mainframe environment GCOS8 Linux (i.e., file navigation, scripting, file permissions) LIBER8 Software development life cycles User interfaces Troubleshooting and problem solutions Emerging technologies/ innovations Coding processes and security measures Specific agency functions and business needs Laws, rules, and regulations affecting the business needs of the agency.


• Skill and Competencies – Problem solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail Written communication and application design Verbal communication and presentation Ability to – Review and analyze user requests and other information. Design appropriate programs and systems while adhering to deadlines. Work independently Be adaptable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a minimum of twelve credit hours of computer science or management information systems course work at an accredited college or university or completion of a minimum of 156 hours of vocational or technical education courses resulting in certification in applications development, plus one year of experience in development and analysis work; Preference given to those having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or equivalent professional work experience; Preference given to those with experience working with state government systems or unemployment insurance frameworks.

Special Skills/Requirements

• Computer Skills – Employee must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, programming languages, logic, and flow and be capable of proficiently using the OESC’s standard software (Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), and the Internet, as well as proficiency to learn other software as needed.


• Employee must be capable of lifting, carrying, and moving objects of up to 25 pounds.

Accommodation Statement

OESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Industry and Workforce

Industries: Government Administration. Worker Size: 10,001+ Employees. Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Utilizing the Office of Veterans Placement provides eligible veterans additional services and interview opportunities for State of Oklahoma employment.