Azure API Specialist

Quetica is seeking one full-time resource to work with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED staff as a subject-matter-expert in Azure API Management to facilitate the design, development, deployment, and management of Azure-based solutions tailored the State’s requirements, policies, and standards.

The resource will support the project to replace MinnesotaWorks.net by enhancing CareerForceMN.com to satisfy the regulatory requirements for the Wagner-Peyser program and provision of labor exchanges by states. The enhanced CareerForceMN.com will function as one, easy-to-use website to help Minnesotans find jobs and find the other resources to help them overcome barriers to employment. The website will leverage APIs to interface data and systems, including a cloud-based MNIT-DEED database used for federal, state, and local reporting, and a job posting feature for employers provided by DirectEmployers.

To be successful in the role, the resource shall use the guiding values found in the MinnesotaWorks.net Replacement Project Charter: 

• Commit to a great customer experience
• Prioritize the needs of job seekers
• Build for sustainability
• Improve the customer experience as we’re working on the project
• Listen to you and stakeholders and continuously improve the site

At a high level, the resource will work closely with MNIT and DEED staff as a subject-matter-expert in Azure API Management and streamline API management processes within a to-be-established Azure ecosystem. Their responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• creating secure, scalable, and efficient APIs
• developing, managing, and securing connections between a vendor managed front-end and a MNIT managed back-end
• implementing API management solutions and services needed in Azure
• configuring API gateways
• establishing API policies for security and performance optimization
• monitoring API usage to ensure efficient operation and identify potential areas for improvement.

This is NOT a remote position.  The work is expected to be hybrid, part remote and part in-person. Some on-site at DEED headquarters, Great Northern Building, 180 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55102, and will be requested on an as needed basis.

Desired Skills

• 3 years experience with Azure API management
• 3 years experience developing RESTful APIs
• 3 years experience with .NET application development using SQL Server database(s)
• 5 years of C# experience
• Experience with implementing API management solutions, and other needed services, that adhere to policies and standards for security while also monitoring and optimizing API use and performance
• Experience developing and scaling Azure API solutions from the ground up – including integrations with systems to deployments via Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and effective collaboration and knowledge transfer abilities.
• Experience replacing and modernizing legacy systems
• Experience integrating with legacy systems

Sample Tasks:

• Systems design documentation, recommended roadmap, estimated costs, and phased timeline for completion
• Develop and implement APIs in a to-be-established Azure ecosystem for the MinnesotaWorks.net replacement solution, connecting the vendor managed front-end to the MNIT managed back-end
• Set up Azure API Management processes and policies for security, performance optimization and monitoring API usage
• Configure API gateways
• Conduct performance testing and propose continuous improvement
• Ensure the application is fully ADA accessible and meets WCAG 2.1 standards.
• Perform knowledge sharing/transfer with embedded MNIT/DEED staff and partners.
• Write or Supply product technical architecture documentation.
• Provide knowledge transfer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Outcomes of Tasks

• One easy-to-use website that can help Minnesota job seekers find jobs
• Enhanced CareerForceMN.com website for the user experience with the CareerForce system that helps Minnesotans find the resources that can help them overcome barriers to employment
• Fulfill regulatory requirements for providing a labor exchange and reporting on Wagner-Peyser customers

Mode of Interview

Interviews will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Project Schedule

Anticipated Project Start Date: January 3, 2025
Anticipated Project End Date: January 2, 2026

Company Overview

Quetica is a specialized consulting and product development firm led by industry experts with deep expertise in engineering, information technology and big data solutions. Quetica helps state and government agencies, commercial clients and financial institutions globally to efficiently and effectively accelerate business growth, achieve sustainable cost reduction and accomplish better service levels through delivery of hands-on practical expertise and world class solutions.