Job Description
Job ID: 31627
Agency: Bureau of Information & Technology
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $38.42 - $55.31 hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: 08
Closing Date: 6/5/25
This is a Part-Time >= 20 Hours Weekly position with the Bureau of Information & Technology. For more information on the I Bureau of Information & Technology, please visit https://www.sd.gov/bit .
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Software Engineer to lead complex technical initiatives that impact the entire organization. This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of our software systems-including our enterprise-wide modernization efforts through Project BISON and Project Evergreen-as well as ensuring the continued integrity and evolution of the State's payroll systems.
Project BISON is a statewide initiative to modernize how we deliver and manage HR services. This multi-year project includes:
- replacing legacy systems with cloud-based technology;
- improving data access and security;
- streamlining payroll, benefits, and workforce operations;
- enhancing user experience for employees and HR professionals alike.
Project Evergreen involves updating outdated payroll workflows, expanding system automation, and improving data fidelity across agencies.
Under administrative supervision, this position is responsible for leading the design, architecture, and high-level implementation of complex software systems. This role provides expert technical leadership across multiple projects and teams, while also setting direction for system architecture, development standards, and future-focused solutions.
The individual in this role will:
- lead technical design and system architecture across critical initiatives;
- guide cross-functional development teams with best practices, mentorship, and technical oversight;
- ensure continuity between legacy systems and modern solutions through strategic integration;
- contribute to performance testing, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability planning;
- serve as a trusted SME (Subject Matter Expert) for both technical teams and executive stakeholders.
The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in government payroll systems, demonstrated experience with enterprise transformation initiatives like Projects BISON and Evergreen, and the ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational realities.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:- Minimum 1 year of active engagement on Project BISON, with hands-on experience in system integration, requirements translation, and technical architecture.
- Proven experience in migrating legacy payroll systems into cloud-hosted environments.
- Knowledge of how BISON interfaces with employee timekeeping, payroll auditing, and compensation policies.
- Strong track record of supporting business process reengineering through secure and scalable technology.
- Familiarity with cloud-based testing environments, such as Workday or other SaaS HR solutions, is highly valued.
- Minimum 2 years of direct involvement with Project Evergreen, contributing to software development, business requirement definition, and implementation planning.
- In-depth experience in payroll lifecycle redesign, with a strong emphasis on compliance, audit trails, and data accuracy.
- Demonstrated ability to build tools or integrations that support decentralized agency needs within a central system.
- Participation in test plan development, risk assessments, and iterative rollouts.
- 20+ years of experience developing and supporting the State's payroll system, including knowledge of regulations, audits, data integrity, and system dependencies
- 20+ years of experience designing and maintaining payroll integration systems, including APIs, testing, and performance monitoring
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of object-oriented and component-based system design.
- Strong understanding of RESTful API design, web services, and system integration.
- Skilled in unit, functional, and integration testing with automated testing frameworks.
- Ability to review and debug code to build secure, scalable applications.
- Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Capacity to independently interpret and apply policy, make system design decisions, and influence cross-agency technical direction.
- Experience leading system validation and deployment processes.
- Familiarity with modern architectural design patterns and cloud platforms.
- Demonstrated success working in Agile and iterative development environments.
This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ .
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=1PJ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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