JOB
IT Application Developer, Public Health Systems
This recruitment is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. This position is based in Washington State and may be performed remotely from a location within Washington, or from a border city in Oregon or Idaho.
The Opportunity
As a Journey level IT Application Developer, you will design, develop, maintain, and enhance the applications, databases, and data integrations that support disease surveillance, laboratory reporting, vital records, and other critical public health systems used across Washington State. This role works across the full application lifecycle, from analyzing business requirements and designing solutions to developing code, managing data, testing systems, resolving technical issues, and supporting deployments.
You will collaborate with public health programs, laboratories, local health jurisdictions, vendors, and technology partners to ensure critical systems remain secure, reliable, and responsive to evolving business needs. The applications and data services supported by this position help public health professionals identify disease trends, receive laboratory reports, monitor outbreaks, meet federal reporting requirements, and make informed decisions that protect the health of people throughout Washington.
Key Responsibilities Include:
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Design, develop, test, and maintain web applications, databases, and system integrations that support public health programs and statewide surveillance activities.
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Build and optimize database solutions, automated data processes, reports, and data exchanges that support public health reporting and decision-making.
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Analyze business requirements and translate them into secure, scalable application designs and technical solutions.
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Implement and support application environments, deployments, system upgrades, and technology improvements across multiple platforms.
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Develop and execute testing strategies, test plans, and quality assurance processes to ensure applications perform as intended and meet security requirements.
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Investigate and resolve application, database, integration, and performance issues ranging from routine defects to complex enterprise-wide problems.
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Collaborate with business partners, vendors, and technical teams to deliver enhancements, support system operations, and improve service delivery.
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Create and maintain technical documentation, development standards, and operational procedures that support long-term system sustainability.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
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Work across the full software development lifecycle, from solution design and development through deployment, support, and continuous improvement.
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Solve complex technical challenges involving application development, database management, data integration, and enterprise systems.
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Support the systems that receive, process, and distribute critical public health and laboratory data across Washington State.
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Contribute to technology solutions that enable disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory reporting, and federally required public health reporting.
What You Bring:
You are a problem solver who enjoys understanding complex business needs and translating them into practical technology solutions. You are comfortable working across multiple technologies and balancing development, data management, testing, and operational support responsibilities.
You approach your work with curiosity, accountability, and attention to detail. You communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical partners, helping others understand challenges, options, and solutions. You value collaboration and recognize that successful public health technology depends on strong partnerships across programs, agencies, and organizations.
You are motivated by work that has a meaningful public impact and take pride in building and maintaining systems that public health professionals rely on to protect communities across Washington.
Required Qualifications
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience must have been gained though full-time equivalent employment. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. Additional years of experience can substitute for education on a one-for-one basis. Advanced education may substitute year for year for experience.
Option 1: Eight (8) years 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 of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications.-
Option 3: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or a closely related field; AND four (4) years of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
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Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in software/application development field, including the following (experience may have been gained concurrently):
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Experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining applications using modern programming languages and frameworks (such as .NET, C#, VB.NET, JavaScript frameworks, SQL).
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Experience with relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or similar) including writing queries, stored procedures, and data integration.
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Experience with application lifecycle management including requirements, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
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Familiarity with information security principles and applying security standards in software and data solutions.
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Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex application, data, or system integration issues.
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Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and produce clear documentation.
PreferredQualifications
While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.
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Experience with public health or healthcare data systems (e.g., HL7, FHIR, notifiable conditions, surveillance systems).
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Experience with reporting and business intelligence tools (e.g., SQL Server Reporting Services, Crystal Reports, Business Intelligence Studio).
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Familiarity with Azure cloud platforms, IIS configuration, or enterprise hosting environments.
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Experience developing JavaScript applications, including use of JQuery libraries
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Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI), including API development and system integration.
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Experience developing Microsoft application security, authentication, auditing, and exception handling protocols using Microsoft Enterprise Libraries.
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Experience with quality assurance and testing, including unit testing tools (e.g., Visual Studio Unit Testing).
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Experience developing automated ETL processes, converting legacy systems (e.g., Access ? SQL Server), and applying data governance and quality assurance best practices.
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Ability to research, evaluate, and adopt emerging technologies to improve enterprise systems.
Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.
OIT: Shaping a Healthier Future Through Innovation
The Office of Innovation and Technology works to harness technology and data to advance public health, supporting over 220 systems and 305 applications, including critical programs like the Immunization Registry. We drive interoperability, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote health equity, delivering impactful solutions that empower communities. Our team fosters a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, where every member’s contribution shapes a healthier future.
About the Washington State Department of Health
We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting, including hazards:
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This work will take place remotely from home or at the Department of Health facilities in Tumwater, Washington.
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When onsite at a DOH facility, work is conducted indoors at a desk in an open-office environment.
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Interoffice and external facing communication will take place both in person and through virtual platforms.
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Remote work may be required during inclement weather or when supporting emergency operations.
Schedule (i.e., hours and days):
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Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Adjustments to the schedule may occur as needed to align with project timelines or system implementations.
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In the event of an emergency or urgent situation, communication may occur outside of standard business hours.
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This position may participate in standby coverage for agency systems. System maintenance windows are scheduled in advance and may vary by team.
Travel Requirements:
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Travel may occasionally be required, typically local or regional, for meetings, training, or other business purposes.
Tools and Equipment:
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Work involves the use of standard office furniture and equipment such as desks, computers, printers, telephones, and copiers.
Customer Interactions:
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Daily contact with clients is common, including interactions with individuals who may be upset or frustrated.
Other:
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This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
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The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
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This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.
Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.
DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact
Shawnelle Goalder, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Recruiterat
[email protected] and reference DOHxxxx in the subject.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.
Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.
