UTAB Application Developer-Journey/Hybrid-Internal Only

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington’s Employment Security Department seeks an UTAB Application Developer – Journey to design, configure, and develop GenTax components for the UTAB system. This role emphasizes translating business needs into technical solutions, prototyping changes, and delivering stable code within agency standards.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with C#, VB.Net, SQL, and modern SDLC methodologies, plus the ability to work independently on moderately complex tasks while

Qualifications

• 6 years IT experience developing systems using service‑oriented design and development with C#, VB.Net and SQL.
• SDLC experience across Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall and related methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Configure GenTax components and design/develop code for UTAB and related interfaces.
• Review change requests and identify GenTax features to satisfy business needs; prototype proposed changes.
• Perform code reviews, test/configure changes, and promote changes to production.

Skills

C#

VB.NET

SQL

Azure DevOps

Education

Associate's degree in computer science or closely related field

Bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field

Tools

GenTax

Azure DevOps

Job description

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.

QL, 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.

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.

They are 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

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

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

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 [e-mail] or [phone] or toll free [phone], 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.

This Organization Participates in E‑Verify

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80