Data Systems Developer - IT Data Management - Journey - Permanent - 2026-09308

Description

Working Title- Data Systems Developer Classification- IT Data Management - Journey Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent WDFW Program- Information Technology Services – Biological Data Systems (BDS) Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County *Hybrid/Telework- This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least 1 day per week onsite at the Olympia, WA duty station and up to 4 days of telework. The selected candidate must be available to work onsite for in-person meetings and to meet business needs.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption – Chinook smolt – Photo Credit: Richard Bell

Are you experienced with improving business and science with enterprise-class information technology?

This is an opportunity to work throughout the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, system and database design, development, testing, code review, deployment, maintenance, and technical support.

With your experience, you will develop and manage data systems that are used to inform primary monitoring metrics, and as such are the foundation for much of the work accomplished by the WDFW Fish Program.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Develop and maintain Marine Fish biological data systems.

• Develop, maintain, test, and support web applications, APIs, database components, and data integrations supporting the Marine Fish Science Unit.
• Analyze business and scientific requirements and translate them into maintainable application and data solutions.
• Maintain and enhance systems supporting marine biological, survey, fisheries, species composition, logbook, and other related data.
• Troubleshoot application, database, and data integration issues and implement appropriate solutions.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, release management, and deployment using BDS standard development practices.
• Evaluate application and database changes for impacts to dependent systems and internal and external data streams.

Develop and maintain BDS applications and web services.

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain web applications, APIs, services, and system integrations supporting BDS and agency business needs.
• Develop software using modern application development technologies and BDS-established architectural patterns and coding standards.
• Participate throughout the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, code review, deployment, maintenance, and modernization.
• Develop reusable, extensible, secure, and testable application components.
• Maintain and modernize existing applications and legacy systems as assigned.
• Collaborate with developers, analysts, subject matter experts, and customers to develop solutions that meet business requirements.

Develop and maintain database and data integration solutions.

• Design, develop, test, and maintain relational database objects, including tables, views, functions, procedures, and other database components.
• Develop and maintain application integrations with PostgreSQL and other agency data systems.
• Develop data conversion, migration, and integration processes for moving data from legacy and external systems into supported BDS data systems.
• Assist with database performance analysis, data quality, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Evaluate database and application changes for impacts to dependent applications, reporting processes, and internal and external data exchanges.
• Apply BDS database design, security, and data management standards.

Develop and support applications within the AWS cloud environment.

• Develop and deploy applications and services using AWS technologies and BDS cloud architecture and development practices.
• Integrate applications with AWS services for compute, containers, relational databases, storage, identity and access management, logging, monitoring, and other application needs.
• Participate in automated build, testing, and deployment processes using source control and CI/CD pipelines.
• Troubleshoot application and integration issues within AWS environments.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed primarily in an office setting. This position requires extensive computer use. This position also requires the ability to work with remote facility and field-based users to accurately identify hardware, software and workflow needs. As such, occasional work in field settings (hatcheries, remote terrestrial and aquatic field settings, vessels, and aircraft) is required

Schedule: Typically, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. However, a varied schedule may be required including working Saturday or Sunday and overtime during peak periods, system implementations, maintenance and outages.

Travel requirements: Some travel is required throughout the State to build and support software and hardware solutions for hatchery and field staff. Occasional travel throughout the US and Canada to attend training, meetings, and conferences is also required.

Customer Interactions: Customer service and Customer interaction is integral to department success. Development Team: Collaborates with fellow developers, senior developers, and technical leads on coding, debugging, code reviews, and application enhancements. Department Managers/Leadership: Provides project updates, technical recommendations, and status reports. Product Owners/Product Managers: Discusses product features, enhancements, priorities, and release requirements. External Data Consumers/Contracted Organizations: Interacts with organizations such as PSMFC (Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission) that receive, access, or consume organizational data under contractual or partnership agreements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Management, or a closely related field.

And ALL of the following:

• Four (4) years of professional information technology experience performing application development, database development, systems analysis, or closely related work. Please note: Qualifying experience must include demonstrated experience in software development and/or database development, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.
• Experience developing, deploying, or supporting applications in a cloud-hosted environment.

Option 2:

Eight (8) years of professional information technology experience performing application development, database development, systems analysis, or closely related work. Please note: Qualifying experience must include demonstrated experience in software development and/or database development, including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.

And

Experience developing, deploying, or supporting applications in a cloud-hosted environment.

Special Requirement/Condition of Employment:

The person selected for this position will be required to pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background check to be considered for the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience developing or integrating applications with artificial intelligence (AI) services, including generative AI, large language models, or machine learning services.
• Experience developing and deploying applications within Amazon Web Services (AWS), including application integration with services such as ECS/Fargate, RDS/Aurora, S3, Lambda, IAM, CloudWatch, load balancing, or comparable AWS services.
• Experience modernizing legacy applications, databases, or business processes.
• Experience with modern JavaScript application development frameworks such as Angular/React.

Your application must include the following:

• A COMPLETED online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-09308.

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Benefits

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.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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.

Note: 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 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual 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.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026