SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 1 (State)
Career Family: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Because Software Development Specialist 1 is non-competitive, hiring leans on your background rather than a test score: meet the requirements and apply to the agency directly.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Software Development Specialist grades, a step below Software Development Specialist 2, whose band tops out about $21,921 higher. The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $72,896 and $106,798, and state payroll currently lists about 159 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 16 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 16 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Software Development Specialist 1 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 (this title)
- Software Development Specialist 2 — $87,507 – $128,719
- Software Development Specialist 3 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Software Development Specialist 2 raises the top of the band by about $21,921. Its top salary lands around the 54th 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 159 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $85,145. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (35)
- Health and Senior Services (25)
- Office of Information Technology (19)
- Human Services (16)
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 close supervision and monitoring in a state or local government agency, performs analysis, maintenance, programming and support work on modules of existing systems; may develop web applications or websites; does other related work.
Examples of work
Codes and unit tests software components based upon detailed specifications. May prepare test data for unit and integration testing. May do integration testing following a pre-defined test plan. Prepares flowcharts and block diagrams and codes program modules of the least complexity for application systems development. Maintains production application programs/program modules as necessary. Develops and maintains program documentation. May test and verify the function and performance of new software and changes to existing software. May design, build, and/or maintain a website, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media. Carries out routine debugging of software problems following defined procedures. Identifies, documents, communicates, and solves problems with new and existing software. Develops design logic for less complex individual programs. 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.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of one or more programming languages. Knowledge of data access methods. Knowledge of data communication protocols. Knowledge of computer system hardware. Knowledge of program development and testing tools. Knowledge of information systems design concepts. Ability to understand decision tables, charts, and diagrams. Ability to reason logically for purposes of software development. Ability to utilize work processes and methods. Ability to prepare accurate and informative reports. Ability to communicate findings, recommendations and conclusions. Ability to adhere to the goals, policies and procedures of the organization. Ability to communicate well with coworkers to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships. 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, or 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. 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. Five (5) years of professional experience in programming, systems programming or computer analysis. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in an Information Technology field. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. LICENSE: Appointees 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 essential duties of the position. CN3E2224P21- SN4022N/AP23- 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