Full-Stack Django Developer (SDS4)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 60 months 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 months work experience in Django/Python.
• Or completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems; 42 months 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 months work experience in Django/Python.
• Or completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems; 36 months 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 months work experience in Django/Python.
• Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
• Experience with Django/Python.
• Experience with Django REST framework.
• Experience with Bootstrap.
• Experience with HTMX.
• Experience with SQL Server.
• Experience with pandas.
• Experience with SQLAlchemy.
• Experience with Azure services (App Service, CI/CD pipelines, Storage, Key Vault, and DevOps).
• Experience with Snowflake.
• Experience with collaboration.
• Experience with critical thinking.
• Experience with growth mindset.
• Experience with problem solving.
• Experience with time management.
• Strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with modern tools and approaches that improve products.
• Experience with Microsoft-centric environment using Azure and on-premises Windows Server.

Responsibilities

• Develops and modifies custom software applications using Python, Django, and Django REST Framework.
• Builds and maintains modern web applications using frontend technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and HTMX.
• Works with SQL Server and Azure cloud services (App Service, Storage, Key Vault, CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps) to deliver secure, maintainable, and high-performing applications.
• Utilizes Department-approved development and quality tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git-based repositories, and GitHub Advanced Security.
• Assists with coding and updating School Foundation calculations, including work on a batch application that utilizes Python, pandas, and SQLAlchemy.
• Creates required documentation, including Tasks in Azure DevOps, in-line code comments, and narratives.
• Optimizes code to ensure performance and load requirements are met.
• Ensures code adheres to Department and state secure coding standards, procedures, patterns, and best practices.
• Works with IT and business stakeholders to understand business problems, research solution options, and create user stories and/or requirements.
• Leads and performs impact and risk analysis on solution options.
• Identifies and documents new technical requirements to mitigate or remediate predicted risk or impact.
• Leads and performs technology analysis, evaluation, selection, and standardization related to software development.
• Leads and participates in work planning using agile practices, including sprint planning, backlog management and grooming, effort estimation, and stand-up meetings.
• Leads design reviews and writes design documentation.
• Serves as a technical subject matter expert on software development subjects.
• Leads code reviews of team members’ code.
• Works with business partners to coordinate execution of system-level test scripts.
• Oversees performance and load testing and assesses overall system performance.
• Supports and participates in user acceptance testing.
• Leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of quality assurance, security, and testing standards.
• Oversees the currency of Django-related packages and dependencies.
• Creates and follows a professional development plan with the supervisor.
• Maintains and updates job-related skills using available resources.
• Shares acquired knowledge with peers and co-workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Serves as a primary developer for the Foundation Payment Application System and reporting tools.
• Strengthens software quality through code reviews and coordination with testing staff.
• Assists leadership with developing, monitoring, and documenting quality standards.

Benefits

• 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 (OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
• Excellent healthcare
• Defined-benefit pension plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees