TCOLE - Software Developer, Programmer III-IV

Job Description

Software Developer - Programmer III-IV

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Resumes are not accepted in lieu of State of Texas application

Our Mission

The mission of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a regulatory State agency, is to establish and enforce standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.

Our IT Division

The development team within the TCOLE IT Division plays a crucial role in shaping the future of law enforcement training and compliance. Our team is dedicated to developing and managing cutting-edge software tools that ensure Texas peace officers and jailers receive the best training possible and stay on top of mandatory compliance requirements. The TCOLE IT Division uniquely combines the stability of an established agency with the agility and creativity of a small startup, enabling us to implement and design with unparalleled flexibility.

Who We're Looking For

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is seeking an experienced Software Developer to join the Development team in the IT Division. This is an onsite position that requires regular in-person attendance at our headquarters located at 6330 E HWY 290, Suite 200, Austin, TX.

The Programmers III-IV perform advanced (senior-level) computer programming work, including analyzing system specifications, developing and documenting software solutions, and testing, correcting, and revising software. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. The salary range is:

Programmer III $65,104 - $106,634 This Job Class for this position is 0243 and salary group is B24.

Programmer IV $76,530 - $110,000. This Job Class for this position is 0244 and salary group is B26.

Examples of Work Performed

Designs, develops, and implements software solutions by analyzing user needs, creating new applications that integrate with existing systems, coordinating and executing programming projects, and devising innovative solutions to meet project requirements and business objectives.

Develops routine code and debugs software.

Analyzes proposed applications for requirements and capabilities, performing research and analysis required for project and system modifications, and evaluating applications to ensure optimal solutions and enhancements.

Evaluates and revises software to adapt to new procedures, while collaborating with internal staff and external stakeholders to interpret and implement business and system requirements.

Evaluates and revises software to enhance operating efficiency and refactors existing projects to support new initiatives and features.

Compiles and documents procedures used throughout software development and revision.

Prepares detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation and converts them into a series of instructions coded in a programming language.


Leads the team to ensure successful project execution and guides team members by providing expert advice and constructive feedback to maintain focus on achieving high standards and goals.


Supports backlog grooming and creates tickets to ensure efficient project management.

Performs related work as assigned.

Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure successful deployments, as needed.

Programmer III

Performs highly complex (senior-level) computer programming work. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Programmer IV

Performs advanced (senior-level) computer programming work. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may fully perform highly complex programming work and may coordinate and/or perform highly complex coding, testing, and debugging of applications, as outlined by system requirements


Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

Programmer III

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience in computer programming, specifically with C#/.NET Core, Python, Java, or other object-oriented programming languages.
• Education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Programmer IV

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• At least three (3) year of experience in computer programming, specifically with C#/.NET Core, Python, Java, or other object-oriented programming languages.
• Education and experience can be substituted for each other on a year-for-year basis.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain the highest standards of security and safeguard critical infrastructure. This includes adhering to strict background checks, reporting any suspicious activities, and participating in security training and drills as required.
• Knowledge of programming principles, practices, techniques, and systems analysis, including object-oriented programming and computer operations.
• Skill in problem solving, in critical thinking, in computer programming, in the use of hardware and software, and in modifying or developing software for applications.
• ability to process information logically, design programs and system logic, prepare program specifications, code, test, unit test, and debug software, interpret technical information, and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency in Windows IIS, SQL Server, ASP.Net, with front-end development experience using React.js, Blazor, ASP.Net MVC, or other modern front-end frameworks.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• Must possess working knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge, of regulatory information related to TCOLE, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Experience mentoring junior developers and leading technical design meetings.
• Experience in RESTful API design and development.
• Proficiency in cloud-hosting solutions and CI/CD pipeline tools.
• Experience in Agile Scrum methodologies.
• Proficiency in developing integrated solutions with backend SQL databases.

A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview

Why work at TCOLE?

Working for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) empowers you to make an impact on public safety while engaging in continuous learning within a supportive environment. You'll play a crucial role in upholding high law enforcement standards, collaborating with local agencies, and enhancing the well-being of Texans. As a Texas State employee, you will have access to our comprehensive benefit programs including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with several types of coverage to State employees and their eligible family members
• 12 - 16 days of annual paid holidays
• At least eight hours of paid vacation and up to eight hours of paid sick leave each month for Full-Time employees
• Retirement options with the State of Texas Retirement that provide flexibility and security
• Health and Wellness programs including wellness leave, fitness and weight management programs, and personalized wellness tools
• TCOLE is a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• The Discount Purchase Program provides access to an online marketplace offering discount on a wide range of products and services

All positions with TCOLE are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to an in-depth background investigation including criminal history, employment history and references, military, education, and personal references. Employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required.

Equal Opportunity Employer - TCOLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

ADA - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), TCOLE will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Military Occupational Specialty Codes - Military Specialty Codes that correspond to this job posting are MOS 15P, MOS 42A, MOS 56M, MOS 68G, MOS 420A, AZ, LS, LSSS, MC, PS, RP, SN, YN, YNS, 741X, YN, PERS, MOS0100, MOS 0111, MOS 3372, MOS 3381, MOS 6046, MOS 0170, MOS 4430, 3F5X1, 8A200. More information can be found at:

Veterans Preference - Veterans, surviving spouses, and orphans of veterans may qualify for preference under Texas Government Code Chapter 657. Applicants who wish to claim Veterans preferencemust provide official documentation at the time of application to verify eligibility.

Benefits - For new hires and rehires, health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period. More information about benefits is available at