Application Developer (Public Health Systems) DOH8736
Application Developer (Public Health Systems)
Office of Innovation and Technology | Remote | Permanent Appointment
This recruitment is open to candidates from across the United States.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Join a team that builds and supports the systems powering Washington’s public health response. As part of the Public Health Systems group in the Office of Application and Data Services (ADS), you’ll develop and maintain applications that collect, manage, and share critical data used by local health jurisdictions, hospitals, labs, and even the CDC.
Your work ensures timely reporting, analysis, and decision-making across the state — directly contributing to disease surveillance, outbreak response, and health program operations that keep Washingtonians safe.
This position is classified as an Application Developer at the journey level, reflecting work that requires fully developed technical skills, independent judgment, and a high degree of professional competence.
What You’ll Do:
• Design, develop, and maintain web-based applications and data systems that support statewide and national public health efforts.
• Manage databases and data flows, ensuring information from partners and systems is accurate, secure, and reliable.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including local health jurisdictions, laboratories, and federal agencies.
• Implement, test, and deploy application updates and new features, ensuring stable, secure, and high-performing systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that impact real-time public health operations.
• Document and improve development processes, data structures, and technical standards to strengthen system quality and resilience.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, helping evolve the agency’s systems to meet modern standards and best practices.
The Ideal Candidate:
You’re a problem-solver who enjoys turning complex data and technical challenges into reliable, user-friendly systems. You have hands-on experience with application development and data management, a strong sense of accountability, and a passion for using technology to make a real difference in public health. Collaboration, curiosity, and quality drive your work.
Why You’ll Love This Job
• Your work directly impacts community health—supporting systems that guide outbreak investigations, lab testing, and disease prevention across Washington State.
• You’ll be part of a collaborative and mission-driven tech team that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Opportunities to tackle complex technical challenges that connect technology, data, and public service.
• A culture that supports balance, flexibility, and growth while working on projects that truly matter.
WHAT YOU BRING
We value all relevant experience (paid or unpaid) and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. To qualify, you must meet at least one of the listed options and any additional criteria. Preferred experience is not required but can help you stand out as a strong candidate.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
• Option 1: Eight (8) years (full-time equivalent) 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 (full-time equivalent) of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications. Additional years of experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Option 3: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology program or a closely related field; AND four (4) years (full-time equivalent) of professional experience in one or more of the following IT disciplines: consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications. Additional years of experience can substitute for education on a one for one basis (Advanced education may substitute year for year for experience).
• AND in addition to meeting ONE of the above options, you must also have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the software application development field, including the following:
• Experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining applications using modern programming languages and frameworks (such as .NET, C#, VB.NET, JavaScript frameworks, SQL).
• Experience with relational databases (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or similar) including writing queries, stored procedures, and data integration.
• Experience with application lifecycle management including requirements, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Familiarity with information security principles and applying security standards in software and data solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex application, data, or system integration issues.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and produce clear documentation.
Preferred Experience:
• Experience with the following programming languages and frameworks: C#, JavaScript (including JQuery), and T-SQL.
• Familiarity with Azure cloud platforms, IIS configuration, and enterprise hosting environments.
• Experience working with public health or healthcare data systems (HL7, FHIR, notifiable conditions, surveillance systems).
• Experience with Web Service API and Windows Service development.
• Experience with Microsoft application security, authentication, auditing, and exception handling (e.g., Enterprise Libraries).
• Experience with testing and quality assurance, including unit testing (e.g., Visual Studio).
• Experience developing automated ETL processes, converting legacy systems (Access to SQL Server), and applying data governance best practices.
• Experience in researching and adopting emerging technologies to improve enterprise applications.
About Us:
Executive Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT - One Incredible Team!)
OIT is on a mission to unleash the potential of technology, innovation, data, and informatics for the DOH. We believe in the power of every team member. We're not just a workplace; we're a thriving ecosystem that nurtures individual growth and collective success. As a strategic partner to DOH employees, we cultivate a culture of curiosity, ingenuity, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making. Our shared goal is to make optimal health a reality for every single person in Washington.
We’re at the forefront of enhancing public health through innovative technology solutions. Our team supports over 220 systems and 305 applications, powering critical programs like the Immunization Registry and Electronic Lab Reporting. We are seeking a dedicated professional to join our mission-driven team, leveraging tools like the Rhapsody Integration Engine and adhering to our Informatics Roadmap to advance interoperability, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote health equity across Washington.
We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all Washingtonians. Our team of nearly 2,000 professionals work across urban, rural, and tribal communities to address public health challenges, from tackling health disparities, emerging diseases, to strengthening systems that ensure equity, resilience. Guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we collaborate with local, state, federal, and private partners to create impactful solutions that reach every corner of our diverse state.
We’re looking for passionate individuals who are driven to make a difference in public health. At DOH, you’ll innovate to reduce barriers, engage with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. To learn more about the DOH please visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and our blog.
Benefits and Lifestyle
We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you’ll find flexibility, growth, and stability. Learn more about why we’re a great place to work by visiting Work@Health.
Conditions of Employment:
The following terms and conditions of employment must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Work Setting, including hazards:
• This work will take place remotely from home or at the Department of Health facilities in Tumwater, Washington.
• When onsite at a DOH facility, work is conducted indoors at a desk in an open-office environment.
• Interoffice and external facing communication will take place both in person and through virtual platforms.
• Remote work may be required during inclement weather or when supporting emergency operations.
• Schedule (i.e., hours and days):
• Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Adjustments to the schedule may occur as needed to align with project timelines or system implementations.
• In the event of an emergency or urgent situation, communication may occur outside of standard business hours.
• This position may participate in standby coverage for agency systems. System maintenance windows are scheduled in advance and may vary by team.
• Travel Requirements:
• Travel may occasionally be required, typically local or regional, for meetings, training, or other business purposes.
• Tools and Equipment:
• Work involves the use of standard office furniture and equipment such as desks, computers, printers, telephones, and copiers.
• Customer Interactions:
• Daily contact with clients is common, including interactions with individuals who may be upset or frustrated.
• Other:
• Representation: This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
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. Be sure to attach your resume, cover letter, at least three professional references (supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable)) and DD-214 (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation with your application.
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.
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or 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.
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 at [email protected] and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.
Technical Support
Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
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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.
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