Information Technology Specialist II, LACERA (Java Architect)



Information Technology Specialist II, LACERA (Java Architect)

Salary

$158,155.68 - $207,444.00 Annually

Location

Pasadena, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

9-0802-D, Bul. #24-05

Department

Various

Opening Date

03/28/2024

Closing Date

4/18/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

POSITION INFORMATION

This examination will remain open until the needs of LACERA are met and may close without prior notice. 

EXAMINATION INFORMATION: Examination Number: 9-0802-D, Job Bulletin Number: 24-05

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT: Open Competitive Job Opportunity

COMPENSATION: $13,179.64 - $17,287.00 Monthly. 

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) administers and manages the $75+ billion retirement fund for the County of Los Angeles. We provide retirement, disability, and death benefits to eligible County Employees and their Beneficiaries, and collect, deposit, invest, and manage retirement funds collected from the County, Outside Districts, and County Employees.  LACERA is one of the largest county retirement associations in the United States with over 184,000 Members. Our Membership is comprised of individuals from a diverse range of careers, age groups, and ethnicity - all contributing to the greater welfare of Los Angeles County.

LACERA is located in Gateway Plaza at 300 North Lake Avenue in the beautiful City of Pasadena.  The building is easily accessible from the Foothill Freeway (210) and the Metro Lake Station.  We offer convenient free parking for staff members in our secure structure adjacent to the building in addition to a robust rideshare program providing commuting alternatives such as ride-matching, vanpool, carpool, parking services and more. Prioritizing health, well-being, and sustainability, Gateway Plaza is a Class “A” office building, LEED Gold Certified and EPA Energy Star Certified.   With a Walkability Score of 91, LACERA staff members are able to easily enjoy the approximately 150 shops, food, and dining options that make up the popular South Lake Avenue District.  
 
Our Members dedicate their careers contributing to the welfare of Los Angeles County. For their service, the County contributes to their promised benefits, and LACERA is dedicated to serving them in return throughout their career and their life afterwards. 

Our Core Values serve as our cultural guide and foundation in meeting our mission. As a member-focused government agency, we abide by our core values to ensure the public's trust, operate efficiently and cost effectively, and provide our members their promised benefits.  


 If you are interested in being part of this rewarding team, LACERA invites you to apply!

Benefits include a cafeteria benefit plan (14.5%-17% of monthly salary), annual leave, defined benefit retirement plan, Savings Plan (401k), Deferred Compensation Plan (457), 13 paid holidays per year, savings plan, a hybrid work schedule, tuition reimbursement, and a ride share program.
 
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Java Architect will report to the IT Manager II - Business Solutions, playing a pivotal role in crafting high-performance, scalable solutions that drive innovation at LACERA. This position will lead the design and development of enterprise-level applications, leveraging their expertise in object-oriented programming and API architectures. In addition to coding, their responsibilities extend to optimizing user experiences, enhancing security measures, and promoting best practices. They will also utilize tools, like JIRA, for efficient bug tracking, and maintain the integrity and quality of software. The Java Architect will have a comprehensive understanding of security fundamentals such as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and OWASP guidelines, along with expertise in relational databases like MS SQL Server, and prior experience with containers and exposure in non-SQL databases. They will demonstrate adaptability by staying updated on emerging technologies and play a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative development environment, providing technical leadership in areas like code reviews, build automation, source control, and configuration management.
 
The ideal Java Architectwill:
  • Act as a subject matter expert in application security, performance, and scalability.
  • Lead POC effort during the design process for enterprise n-tier web-based applications.
  • Work closely with the team’s developers to create internal tools and platforms during the build process.
  • Work with systems analysts and UX developers to create UI prototypes for end users.
  • Conduct critical code reviews and create necessary automations.
  • Implement CSS files for improving the aesthetic design of LACERA’s applications.
  • Provide technical leadership for the continuous integration and continuous delivery process. 
  • Take a flexible and creative approach to their work, listening to the input of other team members and seeking innovative solutions when challenges arise.
  • Possess hands-on experience in creating architectural blueprints and other technical architectural documents.
  • Solve problems, assess issues, identify areas for improvement in design and infrastructure of Java systems, and work collaboratively to solve problems when they arise.
  • Be an excellent relationship builder and team member, with the ability to communicate complex technological concepts to others in a simplified and engaging way.
  • Adapt to changing timelines and demonstrate flexibility to new ideas.
  • Efficiently manage their time, prioritize multiple tasks concurrently, and break down long-term projects into manageable parts.
  • Believe in and protect LACERA’s mission, vision, and values!
Please view the recruitment brochure for Information Specialist II, LACERA (Java Architect).
 
Vacancy Information: The current vacancy is in the Systems Division; however, the resulting eligible register for this examination can be used to fill other vacancies in LACERA, as they occur.

Work Schedule:  This full-time position is required to work a 5/40 schedule (e.g. an eight (8) hour day, Monday through Friday), with occasional nights and weekends in emergent situations. LACERA offers a hybrid work environment, and this position may be eligible to telework up to three (3) days per week.  
 
This position is an exempt position as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act and not eligible for overtime.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To view the complete job description for this classification, please click: Information Technology Specialist II, LACERA.

REQUIREMENTS

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS (Specialty)


Application Development
Two (2) years of experience, within the last three (3) years, at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA*, or Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA**, in a large information technology organization providing technical leadership in java application development using standard systems development methodology and techniques for resolving business problems. Experience must include systems design, database management, development of online data entry and data inquiry capability, and defining techniques to be used for backup, restart, recovery, data security, file structuring, and optimum processing techniques; and communications network analysis, design, planning, and performance tuning.


 Special Requirement Information:
*Experience at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA includes acting as a consultant, technical expert, systems architect, or project manager in a specialized area of applications development, database administration, operating systems, cybersecurity, information system analysis, or network systems for a centralized IT organization.  This is principal level technical expert.
 **Experience at the level of Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA, includes supervising through subordinate supervisors a large staff engaged in the analysis, design, and implementation of manual and electronic information and work processing systems, or coordinates the systems program of a centralized IT organization.


LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
 
PHYSICAL CLASS II– Light: Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  • Degree(s): A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major study in information technology, computer science, cyber security administration, or a related field
CERTIFICATION:
  • Java Certifications: Java Enterprise Architect
DESIRED PROGRAMS AND KNOWLEDGE:
  • Relational Data Management Systems: DB2, VSAM, RDBMS, MS SQL
  • Programming Languages and Tools: Java, JavaScript, Java Beans, Java Servlets, CSS, COBOL, PL/I, Assembler, PowerShell, Python, C#, Rust, experience writing and documenting unit tests
  • Operating Systems: z/OS, Microsoft, Lynx, Linux on Z systems, z/VM
  • Security Tools: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), OWASP guidelines.
  • Java Design: Experience designing and coding high-performance, event-based, real-time, scalable, reusable, enterprise Java applications
  • Java Tools and Frameworks: SOAP, RESTful, Spring, Spring Boot, JIRA bug tracking; knowledge of OOPS concepts
To receive credit for the above desirable qualifications, your application must clearly describe your experience.

Those applicants, who meet the Selection Requirements AND most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process.

EXAMINATION CONTENT: This selection process will consist of:

Part I: A qualifying evaluation of application information and the desirable qualifications.

Only the highest qualified applicants as determined under Part I, will be invited to continue in the selection process under Part II.

Part II: An Appraisal (Oral) Interview weighted 100%

The appraisal (oral) interview will assess the applicant's knowledge, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position. 

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVE A PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON THE WEIGHTED PORTIONS OF THE EXAMINATION IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE REGISTER. 

All notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application.  It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add CChan@lacera.com, lauren@wbcpinc.com, and info@governmentjobs.com, to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Test scores/results cannot be given over the telephone. 
 
DO NOT select "Off" under Email Preferences within your profile or click "Unsubscribe" on our notices if you would like LACERA to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position.

LACERA will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.

Those candidates which are determined eligible for hire under the Los Angeles County's Civil Services Rules may be invited to the selection process which may be comprised of a selection interview and/or job-related assessments.

ELIGIBLE INFORMATION: The names of candidates receiving a passing grade will be placed on the register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

Application must be submitted online. If you wish to be considered, please attach your resume which details your experience.

Applicants can check the status of their applications at any time by logging into their account on www.governmentjobs.com.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that clearly demonstrates meeting the Minimum Requirements for the position as stated above.  Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.  Information provided in the supplemental questionnaire must be reflected in your resume to be considered.

Failure to provide complete information on the employment application and resume will impact the assessment of an applicant's qualifications and acceptance in the selection process. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in your application being rejected as incomplete and will removed from consideration.

EDUCATION: In order to receive credit for any college course work, or college degree, such as an Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctorate degree, or for completion of a certificate program, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official and/or unofficial transcripts, or an official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization or official certificate(s) at the time of filing or within five (5) business days from application submission date.

Applicants must provide the appropriate attachments during application submission, email the documentation to humanresources@lacera.com within five (5) business days of filing. Please include the examination title and number on the documentation.

Failure to provide the appropriate documentation may result in your application being rejected as incomplete and will be removed from consideration.

RESUME: Your resume must be attached during the submission of your application.

Your employment history on your resume should be listed in order beginning with the most recent.

For each job held, provide the name and address of your employer, your job titles, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, and reason for leaving.

If you have worked in more than one position for one employer, list each job title and/or area of assignment separately on your application to demonstrate your experience in various assignments/occupational areas.

Part-time experience will be evaluated on the basis of its fractional equivalent of a 40-hour workweek.

All required experience must be paid.

This position may require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

TO APPLY ONLINE GO TO:www.lacera.com and click on the Careers link.

Faxed, emailed, or hardcopy (paper) applications will not be accepted.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES: For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

Candidate(s) who complete examination process with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Upon an offer of employment, a comprehensive background investigation will be conducted, which includes verification of experience, and/or education, credit history, and fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please note that 
ALL information included in the application materials is subject to VERIFICATION at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. FALSIFICATION of any information may result in DISQUALIFICATION or RESCISSION OF APPOINTMENT.

Utilizing VERBIAGE from the Classification Specification, Minimum Requirements, and/or Desirable Qualifications serving as your description of duties WILL NOT be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and you may be DISQUALIFIED. Applications may be rejected at any stage of the examination process. 

SPECIAL INFORMATION:
Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI)
LACERA recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. LACERA is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
LACERA is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. LACERA will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. 

Requests for accommodation: humanresources@lacera.com
Teletype Telephone: (800) 899-4099
Department Contact Name: Connie Chan
Department Contact Telephone: (626) 831-9826
Department Email: humanresources@lacera.com

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) recognizes excellence and performance by providing comprehensive and competitive benefit programs to its employees. Emphasis is directed toward offering you and your family a variety of benefits that help meet your needs and balance your career with your personal life. The main theme of all of the programs is flexibility.

MegaFlex Benefit Plan - Benefits may be purchased using a tax free monthly benefits allowance of 14.5% - 17% of the Staff Member's monthly salary. If the monthly cost of the benefits selected is less than the monthly allowance, the  Staff Member receives the difference as additional taxable pay.

Medical, dental, disability, life and AD&D insurance, annual leave, and health and dependent care spending accounts are available in MegaFlex.

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans  - to learn more about these plans, contact us at (800) 786-6464.

Savings Plan (401k) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that includes a County match up to 4% of employee's salary.

Deferred Compensation Plan (457) - Optional tax-deferred income plan that includes a County match of up to 4% of employee's salary.

Leave Time - Instead of traditional sick and vacation leave, employees earn 10 days of annual leave per year and may buy up to 20 additional days of annual leave.

Holidays - 13 days per year.

Bereavement leave

Flexible Spending Accounts - Employees may contribute up to $400 per month tax-free, to Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts. The County contributes $75 per month to the Dependent Care Spending Account.

Rideshare Benefits - Monthly transit subsidy, pass purchase program, monthly vanpool subsidy, commuter choice subsidy.

Tuition Reimbursement subject to availability of funds.

This information is intended to provide a general summary of benefits available to staff members of LACERA and is not legally binding.

01
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Only online applications are accepted. The information provided on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and compared to the information provided in your resume. The information provided in your resume will be used to determine if you are among the most qualified for the position.

Incomplete, false statements, omission of material facts, or partial information may result in rejection of the application.

I have read and understand the instructions and that in order to be further considered for this position, my resume must be attached to this application and thoroughly completed to reflect all relevant work experience. I acknowledge that all information I provide may be verified at any time and supervisors may be contacted during the final stages of selection.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Many important notifications such as test invitation, and other special information are only communicated via e-mail. DO NOT select "Off" under Email Preferences within your profile or click "Unsubscribe" on our notices if you would like LACERA to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Moreover, please add cchan@lacera.com, lauren@wbcpinc.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address book and to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being blocked or filtered as spam/junk/clutter email from your email provider. LACERA will not consider allegations of not receiving the email notification as an acceptable reason to authorize a reschedule or late exam administration.
  • I understand the above information and instructions.
03
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS (Specialty) Do you have two (2) years of experience, within the last three (3) years, at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA* or Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA**, in a large information technology organization providing technical leadership in java application development using standard systems development methodology and techniques for resolving business problems. Experience must include systems design, database management, development of online data entry and data inquiry capability, and defining techniques to be used for backup, restart, recovery, data security, file structuring, and optimum processing techniques; and communications network analysis, design, planning, and performance tuning?

Special Requirement Information:
*Experience at the level of Information Technology Specialist I, LACERA includes acting as a consultant, technical expert, systems architect, or project manager in a specialized area of applications development, database administration, operating systems, cybersecurity, information system analysis, or network systems for a centralized IT organization. This is principal level technical expert.
**Experience at the level of Data Systems Supervisor II, LACERA, includes supervising through subordinate supervisors a large staff engaged in the analysis, design, and implementation of manual and electronic information and work processing systems, or coordinates the systems program of a centralized IT organization.
  • Yes, I meet the Selection Requirements and my resume is attached.
  • No, I do not meet the requirements.
04
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Security, or closely related field? NOTE: In order to receive credit for any college course work, or college degree, such as an Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctorate degree, or for completion of a certificate program, you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official and/or unofficial transcripts, or an official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization or official certificate(s) with your application.
  • Yes, my diploma and/or transciprts are attached.
  • No
05
Are you a Certified Oracle Java Enterprise Architect?

NOTE: In order to receive credit for completion of a certificate program, you must include a legible copy of the official certificate(s) with your application.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
LACERA
Address
300 North Lake Avenue
Suite 650
Pasadena, California, 91101-4199
Phone
626-564-6000