Full-Stack Django Developer (SDS4)

Primary Technology\: Django/Python

Secondary Technology\: Microsoft Azure

Technical Skills\: Django REST framework, Bootstrap, HTMX, SQL Server, pandas, SQLAlchemy, Azure services (App Service, CI/CD pipelines, Storage, Key Vault, and DevOps), and Snowflake

Professional Skills\: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Growth Mindset, Problem Solving, Time Management

60% - 24 hours per week

1. Develops and modifies custom software applications.

Develop software using a variety of Department standard tools, technologies, and frameworks, focusing primarily on Python, Django, and Django REST Framework. Build and maintain modern web applications using frontend technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and HTMX. Work with SQL Server and Azure cloud services—including App Service, Storage, Key Vault, and CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps—to deliver secure, maintainable, and high-performing applications. Utilize Department-approved development and quality tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git-based repositories, and GitHub Advanced Security to ensure code quality, security, and compliance.

Occasionally assist with coding and updating biennium School Foundation calculations, including work on a batch application that utilizes Python, pandas, and SQLAlchemy, as new requirements or changes arise.

Create required documentation, including (but not limited to) Tasks in Azure DevOps to plan and describe work performed and effort expended, in-line code comments, and narratives as needed (emails, knowledge base articles).

Optimize code to ensure performance and load requirements are met.

Ensure code adheres to Department and state secure coding standards, procedures, patterns, and/or best practices.

20% - 8 hours per week

2. Solution analysis and design.

Work with IT and business stakeholders (IT supervisors, architects, senior developers, testers, project managers, business analysts, program staff) to understand the business problem to be solved; research, develop, and analyze solution options; and create user stories and/or requirements and acceptance criteria.

Lead and perform impact and risk analysis on solution options to identify interdependencies among systems, services, and/or APIs. Identify and document new technical requirements to mitigate or remediate predicted risk or impact.

Lead and perform technology analysis, evaluation, selection, and standardization related to software development. Illustrative examples include (but are not limited to) selecting software development patterns or single-page application frameworks.

Lead and participate in work planning using agile practices, including (but not limited to) sprint planning, backlog management and grooming, effort estimation (e.g., story points), and stand-up meetings.

Lead design reviews and write design documentation.

Serve as a technical subject matter expert on software development subjects (including general technology and ODE-specific topics) to other IT members.

10% - 4 hours per week

3. Ensures Department products are of high quality

Lead code reviews of your and/or other team members’ code.

Work with business partners to coordinate execution of system-level test scripts, including (but not limited to) functional, integration, security, performance, and load testing.

Oversee performance and load testing and assess overall system performance, including optimizing code and identifying and resolving software, hardware, cloud, and accessibility related issues that may inhibit compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA.

Support and participate in user acceptance testing as needed.

Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of quality assurance, security, and testing standards.

Oversee the currency of Django-related packages and dependencies, ensuring all frameworks, libraries, and environments remain up to date and secure.

5% - 2 hours per week

4. Training

With the supervisor, creates and follows a professional development plan.

Maintains and updates job-related skills using available resources, including (but not limited to) online training provided by the Department and partner agencies or companies; relevant books, articles, webinars, forums, and conferences; or other resources deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

Shares acquired knowledge with peers and co-workers, in both informal (one-on-one, team meetings) and structured settings (trainings, mentorships, etc.) as appropriate.

5% (2 hours per week)

5. Other duties as assigned.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is seeking an experienced software developer to help expand and improve applications used by schools and families. This role contributes to key systems in Ohio’s K–12 education environment, including applications that distribute more than $8 billion in School Foundation payments to districts, community schools, ESCs, County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, and JVSDs. We also support programs such as College Credit Plus, enabling students to take college-level coursework while in middle or high school. Your work directly impacts educational opportunities for Ohio’s students.

This senior-level role focuses on enterprise services, solution design, analysis, and maintaining high-quality applications. The Department develops web applications in a Microsoft centric environment using Azure and on premises Windows Server. We value modern tools and approaches that improve our products. The ideal candidate has strong experience aligned with our technology direction and a growth mindset. Strong communication skills are essential for collaboration, information sharing, and mentoring.

Key responsibilities include:

Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements; design and implement solutions; identify system dependencies, impacts, and risks; participate in estimation, sprint planning, and design reviews.

Lead analysis of technologies and processes to enhance how the Department builds software. Serve as a technical expert, sharing knowledge and mentoring IT staff.

Serve as a primary developer for the Foundation Payment Application System and reporting tools. Ensure code meets functional, performance, load, and security standards.

Strengthen software quality through code reviews and coordination with testing staff; assist leadership with developing, monitoring, and documenting quality standards.

Key technologies: Django/Python, REST framework, Bootstrap, HTMX, SQL Server, pandas, SQLAlchemy, Azure services (App Service, pipelines, Storage, Key Vault, DevOps), and Snowflake. Training is frequent to support professional growth.

This position is located at 25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, with full time onsite work required. We promote work life balance through reasonable hours and some schedule flexibility. Combined with strong state benefits, including excellent healthcare and a defined benefit pension plan, the Department offers a positive and supportive work environment.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period

Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year

Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave

Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)

Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The Ohio Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Assistant Chief of Human Resources in the Office of Human Resources.

60 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: providing solutions design, developing project plans with project manager or recommending approach through defining tasks and/or leading meetings relating to programs for computer applications including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

-Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems; 42 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: providing solutions design, developing project plans with project manager or recommending approach through defining tasks and/or leading meetings relating to programs for computer applications including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems; 36 mos. combined work experience in any combination of the following\: providing solutions design, developing project plans with project manager or recommending approach through defining tasks and/or leading meetings relating to programs for computer applications including 12 mos. work experience in the primary technology as specified by the agency position description & job posting.

-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above. Note\: The official position description on file with the designated agency is to reflect the required, primary technology directly relating to the duties of the position. only those applicants possessing the experience in the required, primary technology listed in the position description & job posting are to be considered for any vacancies posted. The job posting must list the required technology commensurate with the position in question.

Job Skills: Software Development/Implementation