Applications Developer

Applications Developer

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is seeking a skilled COBOL Programmer to support and maintain the core systems responsible for processing unemployment insurance benefits. This role focuses on developing robust COBOL code within a BULL mainframe environment running GCOS8. Experience with Linux command-line tools and Google Cloud Platform are desirable.

Position Essential Functions:

• Application Development: Design, develop, test, and implement COBOL solutions within the BULL/GCOS8 mainframe environment. Enhance and maintain applications, databases, JCL, files, test scenarios, and supporting documentation to meet business and operational needs.
• On-Call Support: Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and provide 24-hour support when assigned. Respond promptly to service interruptions and production issues to ensure continuity of critical processing systems.
• System Maintenance: Troubleshoot production issues, analyze existing codebases, and perform routine maintenance to ensure system stability and accurate processing.
• Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with agency personnel, business analysts, and stakeholders to evaluate business needs, gather requirements, and develop solutions.
• Cross-Platform Navigation: Utilize basic Linux command-line interfaces to navigate file systems, execute scripts, and support data transfers between Linux VMs and other state systems.
• Legislative Updates: Work with senior developers and business analysts to translate new state or federal unemployment mandates into technical logic.
• Documentation: Maintain clear, accurate technical documentation for new code and reverse-engineer undocumented legacy processes when necessary.

On-site attendance is an essential function of the position, as the role requires direct interaction with staff, clients, and on-site office resources.

These job functions, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Valued Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities:

• Writing, testing, and debugging COBOL
• BULL mainframe environment
• GCOS8
• Linux (i.e., file navigation, scripting, file permissions)
• LIBER8
• Software development life cycles
• User interfaces
• Troubleshooting and problem solutions
• Emerging technologies/innovations
• Coding processes and security measures
• Specific agency functions and business needs
• Laws, rules, and regulations affecting the business needs of the agency

Skill and Competencies:

• Problem solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail
• Written communication and application design
• Verbal communication and presentation

Ability to:

• Review and analyze user requests and other information.
• Design appropriate programs and systems while adhering to deadlines.
• Work independently
• Be adaptable

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed in a professional setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to noise levels determined by the office environment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms requiring periods of sitting or standing and daily use of computer and phone. It also requires the occasional use of the office machinery in accordance with safety and security protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a minimum of twelve credit hours of computer science or management information systems course work at an accredited college or university or completion of a minimum of 156 hours of vocational or technical education courses resulting in certification in applications development, plus one year of experience in development and analysis work;
• Preference given to those having a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or equivalent professional work experience;
• Preference given to those with experience working with state government systems or unemployment insurance frameworks.

Special Skills/Requirements:

• Computer Skills – Employee must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, programming languages, logic, and flow and be capable of proficiently using the OESC's standard software (Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), and the Internet, as well as proficiency to learn other software as needed.
• Employee must be capable of lifting, carrying, and moving objects of up to 25 pounds.

Accommodation Statement:

• OESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.