Applications Developer

Job Title

Applications Developer

290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION (Oklahoma Employment Security Commission)

Oklahoma City, OK – Will Rogers Memorial Office Building

Full time, Regular, Exempt

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

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 GCOS
8. Experience with Linux command-line tools and Google Cloud Platform are desirable.

• 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.
• 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.
• Troubleshoot production issues, analyze existing codebases, and perform routine maintenance to ensure system stability and accurate processing.
• Collaborate with agency personnel, business analysts, and stakeholders to evaluate business needs, gather requirements, and develop solutions.
• Utilize basic Linux command‑line interfaces to navigate file systems, execute scripts, and support data transfers between Linux VMs and other state systems.
• Work with senior developers and business analysts to translate new state or federal unemployment mandates into technical logic.
• 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.

• Writing, testing, and debugging COBOL
• BULL mainframe environment
• GCOS8
• Linux (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

• Minimum of twelve credit hours of computer science or management information systems coursework at an accredited college or university or completion of at least 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.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer at the time of application. The agency is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Candidates must reside in the State of Oklahoma and be willing to report to the office.

Travel:
Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job‑related travel normally associated with this position. Typically, minimal travel is required.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, programming languages, logic, and flow and the ability to proficiently use the OESC’s standard software (Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), the Internet, and the ability to learn other software as needed.
• Capable of lifting, carrying, and moving objects of up to 25 pounds.

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.

OESC is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

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.