Position Vacancy Announcement 

Position: This position designs, configures, codes, tests and maintains software applications, working with clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions.   Responsible for translating requirements into functional specifications, troubleshooting issues, and production monitoring.   This role requires strong problem-solving skills, proficiency in programming languages, and excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Position: Application Developer II

Position Type: Full-time | Based in Champaign, IL

Civil Service Classification: Information Technology Technical Associate

Main Duties

• Perform application maintenance and development 
• Investigate production issues and collaborate with end-users
• Adhere to established software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes
• Code, test, and debug software programs and configure commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) applications to align with specific business needs and workflows
• Participate in release management planning for commercial off-the-shelf applications and vendor releases
• Performs quality assurance (QA) activities, including unit testing, system testing, and integration testing
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including user guides, system architecture, and security plans
• Ability to analyze business needs and translate them into specification documents.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
   1. College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
      • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
      • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
      • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
      • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
   2. Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required.
   1. 3 years of experience with application development processes and associated techniques. Experience may run concurrently with the time used above to meet the minimum qualifications. 
   2. Proficient in programming languages and data structures, evidenced by at least 3 years of experience in programming languages or data structures.
   3. Demonstrated knowledge of programming best practices and theories. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to oversee and coordinate activities of user groups.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other colleagues, supervisors, administrative staff, and other IT users.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and consistently meet deadlines.
• Dependable, excellent work record of attendance and punctuality; occasional evening, weekend and non-regular work hours required.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate and professionally interact with all staff levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient with at least one (1) programing language such as SQL, Visual Basic, Java, C#, C++, JavaScript, .Net, or Python.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies and knowledge of version control.

Position Information

This is a full-time position is based in Champaign, IL. During the initial 12 training period, fully in-office workdays may be required. After successful completion of the initial training period. this position may transition to a hybrid role. The starting salary range for this position is $93,067 - $104,701. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits, including medical, vision and dental
• Participation in SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• 2 additional floating holidays after 6 months of employment
• Paid Parental Leave after six months of employment
• Casual/business casual attire (dependent on job duties)
• Flexible work environment
• Free parking
• 37.5-hour standard work week
• Find more details regarding the benefits SURS offers at: SURS Employee Benefits - SURS

Application Process

To apply for this position, please click the apply button at the top of this job posting. Please fill out the online application and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter.

About SURS

SURS is the administrator of a cost-sharing, multiple-employer, public employee retirement system that provides retirement, survivor, disability and death benefits to employees of Illinois state universities, community colleges, and certain other affiliated organizations and agencies. SURS was created in 1941, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, and is governed by the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15-101 et seq.). SURS provides benefit services to over 255,000 members who work for 61 employers. SURS is responsible for investing assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments. SURS maintains a defined benefit plan, which on June 30, 2024, had assets valued at approximately $24.3 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2024, had assets of approximately $4.3 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $67.4 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.