IT Programmer I

Agency Information: Kansas Department of Labor

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) assists in the prevention of economic insecurity through unemployment insurance and workers compensation, by providing a fair and efficient venue to exercise employer and employee rights, and by helping employers promote a safe work environment for their employees. This facilitates compliance with labor laws while enabling advancement of the economic well-being of the citizens of Kansas.

At KDOL, our employees are our most valuable resource. We encourage our employees to grow and advance by participating in job shadowing/training opportunities within KDOL. We value work-life balance and offer flexible schedules and telework opportunities.

As a quickly growing agency, we are always looking for passionate, talented and creative people to join our team. If you’re looking for a challenge that will lead you to the next level of your career, you’ve found the right place. Come grow with us!

Learn more @ dol.ks.gov

About the Position

Who can apply: Open to all who meet minimum qualifications

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veteran and/or Disability Preference Eligible: Yes. See below for description.

Office Location: Hybrid. Onsite in Topeka first 6 months, then potential 2 days telework.

Application Due: Open until filled.

Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience and education.

Employment Benefits:

• First day of employment coverage under the State’s comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage and dental plan.
• Additional voluntary options including vision, hospital indemnity, accident and critical illness insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• We celebrate employee appreciation and host socializing events

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities: IT Programmer I

• Develop, modify, and maintain Java application components under the direction of senior developers. Write, test, and debug code for enterprise UI applications following established coding standards and patterns. Implement assigned enhancements, defect fixes, and technical tasks within defined scope and guidance. Perform unit testing and support system and user acceptance testing activities. Assist with application deployments and post-deployment verification in controlled environments.
• Work within Linux-based environments (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) to support application development and troubleshooting. Execute basic command-line operations as required for development, testing, and application support activities. Follow established operational and security procedures for accessing and working in Linux environments.
• Develop application-level interactions with PostgreSQL-compatible databases, including queries and data access logic. Work with existing schemas, tables, and stored data structures as defined by the application. Coordinate with DBA staff when database changes or performance issues are identified. Perform data access tasks without assuming database administration responsibilities.
• Participate in an established Agile SDLC, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives. Use Jira to receive, update, and track assigned work items. Use Confluence to reference and contribute to technical documentation as directed. Follow change management, release management, and approval processes required in a public-sector environment.
• Adhere to secure coding practices and state IT security policies. Participate in peer code reviews and incorporate feedback from senior staff. Maintain accurate technical documentation for assigned components and changes. Support audit, compliance, and reporting activities as required for UI system Build proficiency in Java, Linux, and enterprise development tools through guided experience.
• Learn and apply established architectural patterns, frameworks, and coding standards. Accept coaching and technical direction from senior developers and technical leads.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or completion of a recognized technical training or bootcamp program in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Development, or a related field. Two years of experience may be substituted for education.
• Entry-level experience or hands-on training in Java application development, which may include coursework, internships, labs, bootcamps, or equivalent practical experience. OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Development, or a related field or four years of experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Pre-Employment Background screening
• State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate. The successful applicant (even non-residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.

KDOL Recruiter Contact Information:

Email: KDOL.HumanResources@ks.gov
Mailing Address: 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603

Job Application Process:

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Résumé
• Cover Letter
• DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

Preference Eligibility:

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

2024 Senate Bill 333 creates an employment preference for qualified job applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities when applying for state jobs. The preference is available to individuals who are not currently working for the State of Kansas who apply for a State job, as well as to current State employees who apply for a different job or promotion.

Learn more about claiming Disability Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS either by fax, email or post office mail as indicated:

These documents should be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison St Suite 260
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.