SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 3 (R29)
Career Family: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Software Development Specialist 3 is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
It is the top of the Software Development Specialist ladder, a grade above Software Development Specialist 2. On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $95,955 to $141,386, and state payroll currently lists about 120 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 17 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 17 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Software Development Specialist 3 appears on the State payroll at 18 departments, most of them at Department of Treasury.
State departments
Showing the largest 8 of 18 departments. All agencies.
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Software Development Specialist series
- Software Development Specialist 1 — $72,896 – $106,798
- Software Development Specialist 2 — $87,507 – $128,719
- Software Development Specialist 3 — $95,955 – $141,386 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 84th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 120 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $136,605. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (20)
- Office of Information Technology (20)
- Human Services (20)
- Health and Senior Services (9)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under general supervision in a state or local government agency, performs analysis, consulting, design, programming, maintenance, and support work on software for information technology services; may develop web applications or websites; coordinates and supervises work activities of lower level Software Development Specialists; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Develops and monitors project plans and schedules. Supervises staff and coordinates assignments. Supervises staff and assigns and directs work activities; evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of subordinates. Directs and guides project analysis, design, development, and testing for new and existing software. Ensures quality standards are met (quality assurance). Performs and/or supervises the development of specifications, coding, testing, and implementation of new software. Supports and/or supervises staff who support, maintain, and enhance existing software applications and systems. Plans and facilitates application interfaces, integration, and conversion. Analyzes and resolves complex problems. Consults with senior technical staff to resolve complex technical problems. Researches issues related to the technical environment, platforms, software, hardware, and communications. Analyzes, defines, and documents business needs. May develop requests for proposals, feasibility studies, re-engineering studies, and other related studies. May perform system studies for the development of new systems or the modification of existing systems; and may organize and prepare application system documentation, conduct application user review, and sign-off. May design, build, and/or maintain a website, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media. Directs and guides the assessment and monitoring of software performance, and implements improvements. Develops and documents data and system contingency, backup, and recovery plans and processes, and performs or supervises recovery as needed; may assist in the planning and execution of the disaster recovery process. Consults with and makes presentations to management and other senior technical staff. Maintains and supervises the maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of office methods/procedures and accounting and statistical principles, methods, and practices. Knowledge of forms, flowcharts, and decision table and entity relationship diagrams. Knowledge of one or more programming languages. Knowledge of various database and non-database access methods. Knowledge of job control language and/or utility programs. Knowledge of information systems, design concepts and principles of production systems, and work efficiency techniques. Knowledge of the design of database management systems. Knowledge of computer programming design considerations and differences between various programming languages best suited for various business needs. Ability to reason logically for purposes of data processing, programming, or systems analysis. Ability to utilize industry standard IT processes and methods related to software and system design and development methodology. Ability to supervise subordinates and coordinate activities with other Information Technology staff. Ability to write clear and concise instructions. Ability to analyze and research technical material pertaining to the design and development of information systems, and prepare recommendations. Ability to perform studies to determine the technical and operational feasibility of employing improved IT techniques and products. Ability to lead conferences, meetings, and training sessions. Ability to plan, schedule, assign, and oversee analysis, programming, testing, and implementation activities. Ability to prepare charts, programs, and instructions necessary for presentations. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative status and statistical progress reports which include findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to participate with other technical groups in the on-going review of programs, software, and systems to ensure the effective and cost-beneficial use of computer resources. Ability to maintain and supervise the maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only, and are intended to be representative of the level of duties and responsibilities carried out by this job class. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in programming, systems analysis, or computer analysis. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in an Information Technology field; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. SCNL2928R29- SC4E29N/AR30- This job specification is for and government use. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 5/13/2017