SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 2 (P26)
Career Family: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
In New Jersey, Software Development Specialist 2 is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
On the Software Development Specialist ladder it falls between Software Development Specialist 1 and Software Development Specialist 3. The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $83,582 and $122,832, and state payroll currently lists about 223 people in the title, led by Office of Information Technology.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 15 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 15 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Software Development Specialist 2 appears on the State payroll at 18 departments, most of them at Office of Information Technology. It is also used at one independent authority, Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
State departments
Showing the largest 8 of 18 departments. All agencies.
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Assistance Authority | 1 |
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 — $83,582 – $122,832 (this title)
- Software Development Specialist 3 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Software Development Specialist 3 raises the top of the band by about $19,468. Its top salary lands around the 69th 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 223 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $111,094. The agencies employing the most are:
- Office of Information Technology (36)
- Human Services (27)
- Treasury (27)
- Motor Vehicle Commission (26)
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 limited supervision in a state or local government agency, performs analysis, consulting, design, programming, maintenance, and/or support work on software for information technology services; participates in the resolution of complex problems through consultation with higher-level technical staff; may coordinate projects and serve as a technical mentor/coach to lower level staff; may develop web applications or websites; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Analyzes, develops, and documents requirements for new software and modifications to existing software. Guides and mentors staff. Codes, tests, and implements new software and enhancements to existing software. Develops software coding and testing specifications for programming staff. Maintains and enhances existing software and systems. May function as a project or development coordinator by providing guidance and assistance to lower level staff to ensure their work is consistent with the overall goals, objectives, and structures of assigned projects. May assist in the development of requests for proposals, feasibility studies, re-engineering studies, and other related studies. May assist in performing system studies for the development of new systems or the modification of existing systems, and in organizing and preparing application system documentation, 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. Guides the development of test plans and data. Reviews and monitors testing procedures and ensures correct results. Participates in user training. Communicates with clients and senior technical staff. Maintains current knowledge of information processing, new technologies, and the latest trends. Maintains 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 current office methods and procedures. Knowledge of one or more programming languages. Knowledge of programming techniques. Knowledge of database and non-database access methods. Knowledge of data communication protocols. Knowledge of computer system hardware. Knowledge of various network protocols. 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 to determine which is best suited for various business needs. Ability to reason logically for purposes of programming or systems analysis. Ability to write clear, concise instructions. Ability to analyze business and technical requirements needed for the design and development of software or for the enhancement of existing software. Ability to investigate technical and operational options for software development, enhancement, and implementation. Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate programming, testing, and implementation activities. Ability to prepare charts, graphs, specifications, and instructions. Ability to communicate well with coworkers and to develop and maintain a cooperative relationship. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative status reports. Ability to work with other technical groups. Ability to maintain 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. Six (6) 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 two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in an Information Technology; and one (1) year 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. SCNL26N/AP26-SC4026N/AP27-CC352626P25- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 5/13/2017