Azure API Specialist

Azure API Specialist

Location - Saint Paul, MN (Remote) Any location of EST or CST time zone candidates are fine but locals would be likely preferred.

Duration - 12 Months

Interview Type - Webcam Interview Only

Job Description Strong and recent state experience is required. Same department experience would be greatly appreciated.

Description of Project:

The Minnesota Department of Information Technology Services (MNIT) partnering with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking one full-time resource to work with MNIT/DEED staff as a subject-matter-expert in Azure API Management to facilitate the design, development, deployment, and management of Azure-based solutions tailored to the state's requirements, policies, and standards.

The resource will support the project to replace MinnesotaWorks.net by enhancing CareerForceMN.com to satisfy the regulatory requirements for the Wagner-Peyser program and provision of labor exchanges by states.

The enhanced CareerForceMN.com will function as one, easy-to-use website to help Minnesotans find jobs and find the other resources to help them overcome barriers to employment.

The website will leverage APIs to interface data and systems, including a cloud-based MNIT-DEED database used for federal, state, and local reporting, and a job posting feature for employers provided by DirectEmployers.

To be successful in the role, the resource shall use the guiding values found in the MinnesotaWorks.net Replacement Project Charter:

• Commit to a great customer experience
• Prioritize the needs of job seekers
• Build for sustainability
• Improve the customer experience as we're working on the project
• Listen to you and stakeholders and continuously improve the site

At a high level, the resource will work closely with MNIT and DEED staff as a subject-matter-expert in Azure API Management and streamline API management processes within a to-be-established Azure ecosystem. Their responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• Creating secure, scalable, and efficient APIs
• Developing, managing, and securing connections between a vendor managed front-end and a MNIT managed back-end
• Implementing API management solutions and services needed in Azure
• Configuring API gateways
• Establishing API policies for security and performance optimization
• Monitoring API usage to ensure efficient operation and identify potential areas for improvement

Sample Tasks:

• Systems design documentation, recommended roadmap, estimated costs, and phased timeline for completion
• Develop and implement APIs in a to-be-established Azure ecosystem for the MinnesotaWorks.net replacement solution, connecting the vendor managed front-end to the MNIT managed back-end
• Set up Azure API Management processes and policies for security, performance optimization and monitoring API usage
• Configure API gateways
• Conduct performance testing and propose continuous improvement
• Ensure the application is fully ADA accessible and meets WCAG 2.1 standards.
• Perform knowledge sharing/transfer with embedded MNIT/DEED staff and partners.
• Write or supply product technical architecture documentation.
• Provide knowledge transfer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Outcomes of Tasks:

• One easy-to-use website that can help Minnesota job seekers find jobs
• Enhanced CareerForceMN.com website for the user experience with the CareerForce system that helps Minnesotans find the resources that can help them overcome barriers to employment
• Fulfill regulatory requirements for providing a labor exchange and reporting on Wagner-Peyser customers

Desired Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• 3 years experience with Azure API management
• 3 years experience developing RESTful APIs
• 3 years experience with.NET application development using SQL Server database(s)
• 5 years of C# experience
• Experience with implementing API management solutions, and other needed services, that adhere to policies and standards for security while also monitoring and optimizing API use and performance
• Experience developing and scaling Azure API solutions from the ground up – including integrations with systems to deployments via Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and effective collaboration and knowledge transfer abilities.
• Experience replacing and modernizing legacy systems
• Experience integrating with legacy systems