Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3)

State of Ohio; Kentucky; On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Ohio seeks a Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3) to modernize the Hearings and Tracking Systems (HATS) using Java/Jakarta EE. You will refactor legacy components, build secure RESTful services, and collaborate with architects, security teams, and business stakeholders.

The role emphasizes cloud readiness, modern deployment patterns, and rigorous quality assurance, with standard Monday–Friday hours and relocation to multiple OH facilities.

Qualifications

• Experience with Java EE/Jakarta EE technologies.
• Ability to work in a small, collaborative team of Java EE developers.

Responsibilities

• Modernize the HATS Java/Jakarta EE application suite.
• Refactor legacy modules to align with enterprise standards and cloud readiness.
• Develop and optimize secure RESTful APIs and service layers.
• Support DevOps practices and automated deployment pipelines for migration.

Skills

Active Learning

Results Oriented

Teamwork

Written Communication

Continuous Improvement

Tools

Java 2 EE

Job description

Job Description

Job Description - Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3) (260006YN)

Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3) ( 260006YN )

Organization

Job & Family Services

Agency Contact Name and Information : [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Oct 5, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO

Compensation : $41.81

Schedule

Full-time

Union : OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Software Development/Implementation

Professional Skills : Active Learning, Results Oriented, Teamwork, Written Communication, Continuous Improvement

Primary Technology : Java 2 EE

Agency Overview

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

• Cash and Food Assistance


• Employment Services and Workforce Development


• Unemployment Insurance


• Adult Protective Services


• Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands‑on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Guiding Principles

• We will be a leader in customer satisfaction.


• We will have a reputation that attracts and retains talented, diverse, and dedicated employees.


• We get better at what we do every day.

Job Description

Office of Information Services

The Office of Information Services (OIS) works to support the business functions and the delivery of health, human, and employment services through the application of information technology. OIS supports the delivery of programs to millions of recipients through the development and round‑time operation of automated information systems. Due to the number of end‑users and technologies supported, OIS is one of the largest and most complex IT organizations within Ohio state government. Learn more about the Office by visiting the ODJFS OIS webpage .

What You Will Do

As a Java Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor in modernizing the ODJFS Hearings and Tracking Systems (HATS). These applications directly support legally mandated hearings, appeals processes, and critical program workflows across the state. The work you do will help ensure program integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and reliable service delivery to Ohioans.

This role centers on refactoring legacy Java EE components and preparing the system for migration to secure, scalable, cloud‑based architecture aligned with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards. You’ll work within a small, collaborative team of Java EE developers and partner closely with architects, security teams, and business stakeholders. The environment is fast‑moving, modernization‑focused, and requires balancing new development with stabilizing existing components to support continuity of operations.

Expect to work with modern architectural patterns, containerization, API‑driven design, cloud deployment models, and DevOps practices while also navigating the complexities of a large legacy system that contains monolithic modules, aged dependencies, and custom integrations.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Working as part of a small, supportive team of Java/Jakarta EE developers responsible for modernizing the HATS application suite.


• Refactoring legacy modules to align with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards, including cloud readiness, security compliance, logging, monitoring, and identity management requirements.


• Supporting the full software development lifecycle: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance.


• Contributing to PMO‑required technical deliverables including architecture documentation, technical design specifications, refactoring plans, dependency assessments, and modernization work packages.


• Developing and optimizing secure RESTful APIs, integration endpoints, and service layers to support responsive, accessible front‑end experiences.


• Building proof‑of‑concept prototypes for cloud deployment and helping guide containerization and adoption of modern deployment patterns.


• Stabilizing existing legacy modules by decomposing monolithic components, resolving technical debt, improving performance, and ensuring business continuity during modernization.


• Participating in quality assurance activities, performance testing, defect remediation, and technical risk mitigation.


• Supporting DevOps practices and automated deployment pipelines to streamline the migration process.

Schedule: Full-time.

Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: This position will be headquartered in an ODJFS Facility in one of the following cities - Columbus, Akron, or Dayton. This determination will take into account the proximity to the applicant's home address.

James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Akron - 172 S. Broadway Street, Akron, OH 44308
Dayton - 6680 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414

Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

PN(s): 20039786.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage


• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period


• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year


• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave


• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)


• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) &Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following:

OPTION 1

• 60 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;


• 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA).

OPTION 2

• Completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems;


• 42 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;


• 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA).

OPTION 3

• Completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems;


• 36 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met;


• 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (JAVA).

OPTION 4

• The equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

This position is in the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 35. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $41.81per hour). These ranges provide a standardized pathway for pay increases. With continued employment, new hires move to the ne xt step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Cost of Living Adjustments increase wages in these ranges each fiscal year. The current step progression wages are in the table below.

Pay Range 35

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Hourly

$41.81

$43.90

$46.00

$48.28

$50.66

$53.13

$55.72

$58.55

$61.49

Annual

$86,965

$91,312

$95,680

$100,422

$105,373

$110,510

$115,898

$121,784

$127,899

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 Months

18 Months

30 Months

42 Months

54 Months

66 Months

78 Months

90 Months

Supplemental Information

ADA Notice

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact [e-mail] .

Selection Priority Notice

Current employees of ODJFS in theOCSEA union have selection rights before all other applicants. Applications from all other candidates will only be considered if an internalOCSEA applicant is not selected for this position.

Background check information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Sponsorship/H-1B Information

This positionis not eligible for sponsorship.

Selection Process Information

Final candidates will be required to participate in an in‑person assessment at 30 E Broad St, Columbus OH 43215 prior to offer of employment.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.