Ferries application developer (it app development – senior/specialist)

Description About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an IT Application Developer – Senior/Specialist to join the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Technology Services Division (TSD) and serve as a senior technical consultant and subject matter expert for mission-critical business and operational technology systems. This position will perform advanced software development, application administration, systems integration, modernization, troubleshooting, and operational support throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), developing secure, reliable, scalable, and maintainable solutions that balance business and operational needs with cybersecurity, compliance, and long-term supportability.

The position will also provide technical consultation to developers, project teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and agency partners, perform complex troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, and support applications within PCI-regulated Cardholder Data Environments (CDE). Top candidates will possess advanced software development and systems integration skills, sound technical judgment, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the ability to independently develop and support complex technology solutions.

What to Expect

WSF TSD provides transportation and transit services throughout the Puget Sound region and San Juan Islands, connecting communities across Washington State and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. As part of the broader TSD enterprise, TSD Ferries supports information technology systems, hardware, and software for more than 2,000 WSF employees, including business applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, vendor management, end-user computing, telecommunications, physical security systems, and related technology services.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Ferries Application Developer will:

• Design, develop, modernize, implement, and maintain applications, integrations, automation solutions, reports, workflows, and supporting services to support critical WSF business and operational functions.
• Analyze complex business, operational, technical, and regulatory requirements through stakeholder consultation, requirements analysis, system reviews, and technical research to develop scalable, secure, maintainable, and supportable technology solutions.
• Create and modify application code, integration components, Application Programming Interfaces (API), automation processes, data transformations, and database objects.
• Coordinate application implementation activities with customers, vendors, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity personnel, and support staff to minimize operational disruptions and ensure successful system implementation.
• Design, develop, support, and troubleshoot complex system integrations, interfaces, authentication services, automated processes, APIs, and data exchanges to ensure reliable system interoperability and data availability.
• Investigate, prioritize, and resolve complex production incidents involving applications, databases, integrations, security controls, performance bottlenecks, and service availability.
• Coordinates restoration efforts with vendors, infrastructure teams, cybersecurity personnel, and other technical staff to restore services, minimize business impacts, and prevent recurrence.
• Plan and execute complex application upgrades, software releases, system migrations, maintenance activities, and deployment efforts to maintain operational reliability and system performance.
• Develop, support, and maintain applications operating within a Payment Card Industry (PCI) and CDE to protect cardholder data and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Participate in on-call support, continuity-of-operations activities, disaster recovery efforts, and emergency response activities using established operational procedures to ensure continuity of mission-critical technology services.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Software Development & Systems Integration: Advanced knowledge of software development, application architecture, systems analysis, database technologies, web development, and enterprise system integration principles.
• Application Development: Knowledge of software and application development principles, methodologies, tools, and practices used to design, develop, test, implement, maintain, and support business and operational technology solutions.
• Systems Integration: Knowledge of application interfaces, automated processes, data exchanges, APIs, reporting solutions, and integration methods used to support reliable system interoperability and data accuracy.
• Microsoft Application Development: Advanced experience developing applications using Microsoft technologies, including C#, .NET/.NET Framework, Visual Studio, and related development tools.
• Database Technologies: Advanced experience working with Microsoft SQL Server, database design, performance optimization, reporting, and enterprise data management technologies.
• Web Development: Advanced experience working with web technologies such as ASP.NET, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related web development frameworks and tools.
• Security & Compliance Awareness: Knowledge of cybersecurity, privacy, accessibility, and operational standards and the ability to incorporate those requirements into application development, maintenance, and support activities.
• Technical Communication: Ability to effectively communicate technical information, both verbally and in writing, with customers, vendors, stakeholders, management, and technical staff.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to respond and report to field support requests at any Washington State Ferries location and field sites.
• Ability to provide operational support outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to carry a pager, cell phone, or other communication device and respond to system incidents, service disruptions, emergencies, or critical operational issues in a timely manner to support business continuity and operational needs.
• Ability to distinguish and interpret color-coded information as necessary to perform essential job duties, including website development, user interface design, accessibility review, and technical troubleshooting.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Application Support & Related Technologies: Professional development and relevant application support experience in software development, cloud technologies, database technologies, cybersecurity, or related disciplines.
• Enterprise Integration & Automation: Experience with enterprise system integrations, APIs, automated workflows, or vendor-supported applications.
• DevOps & Deployment: Experience using DevOps, source control, CI/CD, automated testing, or deployment technologies.
• PCI & Regulated Environments: Experience supporting applications operating within PCI CDE or other regulated environments.
• Reporting & Data Integration: Experience with reporting, business intelligence, or data integration technologies such as SSRS, Power BI, SSIS, Azure Data Factory, or similar tools.
• Cloud Application Development: Experience developing, deploying, or supporting applications within cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Mission-Critical Applications: Experience supporting customer-facing, transportation, operational, or other mission-critical business applications.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. This position may require travel including occasional overnight stay to various WSDOT sites located throughout the state. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-03581 in the subject line.