Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
Core Values- We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
- We are PeopleCentered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
- We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
- We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.
Job DescriptionAbout Office of ITThe Office of Information Technology works closely with all agency divisions to implement innovative technology solutions in a costefficient manner that supports the goals and priorities of the Texas Education Agency. The Office of IT provides efficient technology solutions and stellar customer services to internal staff, 20 Educational Service Centers, and 1,200plus publicschool districts and charter schools. The following services are provided by IT: leadership on IT initiatives; guidance on security/policy issues; new application development/enhancements; software acquisition; technical support; assistance with technical sections of purchasing documents such as Request for Information (RFI), Request for Offers (RFO), Request for Proposals (RFP); and oversight on the data collection process which helps to support and improve outcomes for all of Texas 5 millionplus students.
Position OverviewThe role entails serving as a Java Developer responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining highquality, scalable software solutions that support businesscritical applications. The successful candidate will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to translate requirements into reliable technical designs, write clean and efficient Java code, and contribute throughout the software development lifecycle from analysis and implementation to testing, deployment, installation, configuration, maintenance, and ongoing support of systems, platforms, and services. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detailoriented, and committed to continuously improving systems, code quality, and development practices. Additionally, the role requires establishing and adhering to best practices for user support and planned changes while collaborating with other IT support groups as needed.
Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Please note that a resume and tailored cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.
1. Software Design and Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain high quality, scalable Java applications that support business critical systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and maintainability.
2. Code Quality, Lifecycle Contribution and Operational Support: Write clean, efficient, and well documented Java code while actively contributing to all phases of the software development lifecycle, including analysis, implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support; Establish, follow, and continuously improve best practices for user support, change management, and planned releases, working closely with other IT support teams as needed to ensure stable and effective system operations.
3. Tools Administration: Install, configure and maintain supporting systems, middleware and services running on Windows or Linux servers.
4. Documentation: Create and maintain clear, accurate technical documentation for applications, system designs, APIs, and operational procedures to support maintainability, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration across development and IT support teams.
5. Ensure compliance with Security & Change Control Policy: Adheres to the security compliance standards set by the agency, managing the creation, distribution, change, and maintenance of information.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university
Degree field(s): Computer science, Information technology or related fields
Experience: four (4) years of experience in Java programming and three (3) years of experience with system, middleware and service installation, configuration and maintenance
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a yearforyear basis
Other Qualifications- Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
- Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and standard software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices
- Prior experience with other program languages (.Net and JavaScript) and frameworks(React and Vue)
- Prior experience with IBM security tools and technologies, including IBM Security Verify Identity Access (IVIA), IBM Verify Identity Governance (IVIG), and IBM Security Verify Directory (ISVD)
- Familiarity with AI tools and technologies, with the ability to apply them to improve productivity, analysis, or decision making
- Excellent written skills, with the ability to create clear, accurate technical documentation for applications, system designs, APIs, and operational procedures
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills, with proficiency using analytical tools and techniques
- Prior experience with middleware platforms, container technologies, and container orchestration tools
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective collaboration and negotiation abilities
- Self motivated, capable of working independently, and proactive in taking initiative
- Ability to multitask effectively and adapt in a fast paced environment
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
BenefitsTEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and worklife balance.
Benefits include:- Retirement through ERS and employerpaid health insurance for eligible employees
- Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
- Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
- Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran InformationApplicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional InformationTEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a preemployment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.
To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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