Programmer III

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 61,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health & Human Services Commission in Austin is seeking a Programmer III to perform senior‑level analysis and development on complex software systems. You will support current and emerging applications, work with business processes, and guide more junior staff while delivering high‑quality code and solutions.

This role demands strong Java/J2EE and Web Services experience, with a focus on SDLC practices and cross‑functional collaboration to meet statewide IT objectives and user needs.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in computer science, computer information systems, or related field.
• Five (5) or more years’ experience in programming with Java/J2EE and Web Services.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to serve as a key participant with technical colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the implementation for system design, planning, production support, and customer services for software systems, with latitude for independent work.
• Develops, tests, and debugs programs while preparing instructions for production runs and end users.
• Provides technical support and analysis related to programming activities and coordinates research to improve system performance.
• Coordinates and schedules programming activities and oversees work of other development staff to ensure standards are met.

Skills

Java/J2EE

Web Services

Programming experience

Job description

Career Opportunities: Programmer III (20887)

Posting ID20887 - Posted09/02/2026 - Health & Human Services Comm - Medi-Social Serv Apl Dev - Computer and Mathematical - c. $5000 - $6999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Functional Title: Programmer III

Job Title: Programmer III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Medi-Social Serv Apl Dev

Posting Number: 20887

Closing Date: 09/16/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range: $5,425.33-$8,886.16

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: None

Telework:

Travel:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: None

MOS Codes: 0673,2652,8846,8848,16KX,181X,182X,255A,255S,25B,26B,62E,681X,682X,781X,782X,8K000,CT,CTR,CWT,CYB10
CYB11,ISM,IT,Z Prefix

Brief Job Description:

Performs complex (senior-level) analysis and development with a responsible amount of direction working with current and emerging business processes, system solutions, while providing technical programming assistance, while supporting more senior level staff with customer interactions for application activities/support and often overseeing the work of other functional analysts working independently with a significant amount of latitude and sound judgment to achieve deliverables and support.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Participates in the implementation for system design, planning, production support, and customer services for custom and prepackaged software systems, existing production & development applications, and statewide and interagency interfaces working independently with a significant amount of latitude. The person in this position will assist in identifying and defining enhancements required to support existing and emerging applications. (15%)


2. Performs the tasks necessary for the development for deliverables and support by coding, testing, and debugging programs while developing and executing tests for applications developed solutions. Coordinates the preparation of instructions for use during production runs. Coordinates the preparation and development of instructions or manuals for end users. Analyzes proposed computer applications in terms of equipment requirements and capabilities. (40%)


3. Provides technical support and analysis related to programming activities. Provides business process analysis for design support to business processes and interfaces with integral departments and external agencies and service providers. Coordinates the research of automation techniques to improve computer system performance. Plans and coordinates programming projects within a particular project. Acts as senior programming system consultant in advanced computer system technology. Recommends new and improved computer hardware capabilities. (20%)


4. Coordinates and prepares plans, scheduling, assigning and coordinating of analysis and programming activities. This coordination includes analysis and design involvement with business analysts and the application development team to ensure the conceptual and design phases of new and/or existing applications are aligned with the methods of working in code development methodologies at the agency. The person in this position will assist in developing standards and procedures for programming staff. (10%)


5. Participates in the establishment of business policies, procedures, and standards consistent with the agency standardization efforts within HHSC and provides on‑going communications and coordination with agency project managers and subject matter experts to resolve issues or potential issue while promoting adherence to sound development standards and solutions. (10%)


6. Other duties as assigned. (Note: For DSHS positions this includes but is not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.) (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of computer programming and systems analysis; of computer operations procedures and systems; and of computer programming languages.


• Knowledge of building and supporting applications, running in a highly distributed manner.


• Knowledge of multi-tier system development.


• Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, of the techniques used in the design of non‑automated systems, of applicable programming languages, computer operating systems and the writing quality program code.


• Knowledge of the lifecycle phases of software development including scope and proposal, estimations, analysis, design, and software construction.


• Knowledge of the common design practices/standards associated with compliance to application accessibility (i.e.508, JAWS etc).


• Skill in applying industry accepted software engineering concepts including a software development life cycle (SDLC) methodology comparable to the standard SDLC used by HHSC IT.


• Skilled in problem solving, critical thinking, in computer programming, in the use of computer hardware and software, and in modifying or developing programs for computer applications.


• Skill communicating with varied levels of staff and end users to develop positive effective working relationships and to establish credibility, trust, and confidence.


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to serve as a key participant working with technical colleagues, to clearly and accurately document relevant issues, and to prepare accurate, concise, reliable reports.


• Ability to support the development of and management of project schedules for analysis, development and final deliverables as well as providing support oversight and supervise the work of other development staff.


• Ability to code, tests, and debug computer programs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or a related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Five (5) or more years’ experience in programming with Java/J2EE and Web Services.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on‑line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E‑Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I‑9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.