Software Development Specialist 1

All job postings will expire at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the application deadline.

Organization: Environmental Protection Agency

Agency Contact Name and Information: Erika Carleski - erika.carleski@epa.ohio.gov

Work Location:

Columbus, Ohio, 43215 United States

Compensation: $34.53/hr

Schedule: Permanent - Full Time

Work Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm

Classified Indicator: Classified

Union: OCSEA

Primary Job Skill: Software Development/Implementation

Who We Are

We’re the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a regulatory organization that’s committed to protecting the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. (We do this through some innovative, interesting, and fun work!)

What You'll Do

Ohio EPA wants you to serve in this role within the Office of Information Technology Services at our Central Office in downtown Columbus. We are seeking a detail-oriented Software Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to join our dynamic development team.

The ideal candidate will manually test software during development and regression cycles, report and retest defects, and ensure all requirements are met. Responsibilities include developing and documenting test scenarios, extracting and verifying test data using SQL, and participating in Agile meetings.

You will assist with user acceptance, integration, and automated testing using AI tools, Ruby, and Cucumber. The role involves maintaining defect tracking systems, updating scrum-boards, and providing status reports to project leads. As needed, you will act as test lead, coordinate team activities, and support process improvements.

Strong communication, analytical, and troubleshooting skills are required. Familiarity with GIT, Splunk, and automated test scripting is a plus. Continuous learning and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies are essential for success in this role.

Let’s recap:

• Manually test software, report and retest defects, and ensure requirements are met.
• Support user acceptance, integration, and automated testing (AI tools, Ruby, Cucumber).
• Develop test scenarios, extract/verify data using SQL, and participate in Agile meetings.
• Maintain defect tracking, update scrum-boards, provide status reports.
• Have strong communication, analytical skills, and familiarity with GIT, Splunk, and automated scripting.

If you’re energized by meaningful work, enjoy problem-solving, and want to support Ohio EPA’s environmental mission, this role is for you!

Additional Information

Job duty, knowledge, skill, and ability statements at a lower-level are understood to be able to be performed at any higher level.

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: - 36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

• Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems 18 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.
• Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems 12 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following: developing and/or modifying programs for computer applications, performing testing and debugging and assisting with analysis and design including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting.
• Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Note: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. Only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted. The job posting must list the required technology commensurate with the position in question.

Job Skills: Software Development/Implementation, Public Relations, Electronic Data Processing, Cybersecurity Law, Equipment Operations, Customer Focus

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.