Entry Programmer Jobs in Centralia, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description Are you energized by leading teams through business and technical changes to deliver results that support organizational operations while providing excellent customer support. Do you thrive when you can bring order to moving parts, keep people aligned, and see a project through from planning to completion. If you have a knack for working with collaborative teams, managing competing priorities, and translating strategy into action, then the role of IT Project Manager - Entry in PMO may be the ideal next step for you.

This recruitment will be open until filled. Applications received by 8 am on Monday, August 17, 2026, will get first consideration so your prompt response is encouraged. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.

Duties The Opportunity: As an entry-level IT Project Manager, your primary focus will be leading annual processes - cyclical, mission-critical activities that keep the agency operating in compliance with state and federal requirements. You will also lead small-to-medium cross-divisional project teams that include developers, business analysts, testers, communications staff, and subject matter experts, guiding them from project initiation through a successful go-live. Some of What You'll Do: Lead annual processes by planning and coordinating the business activities, system changes, and communications needed to deliver critical services on time and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Lead cross-divisional project teams - including developers, business analysts, testers, and business subject matter experts - by setting clear project expectations, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and keeping the team motivated and on track. Build and maintain project planning documents that define scope, schedule, budget, and approach, and use these documents to guide project teams to successfully deliver projects on time, in scope, and according to business requirements. Track and manage project risks, issues, and decisions using the agency's RAID log, and ensure that standard project governance is used to facilitate decision making.

Prepare and deliver regular project status updates to sponsors, agency leaders, and team members, keeping everyone informed and aligned. Collaborate with the organizational change management team to make sure people-side impacts are identified and addressed throughout the project. Support the Project Management Office by analyzing proposed legislation, estimating resource and timeline impacts, and contributing to fiscal note development when assigned.

Participate in developing and improving project management standards, tools, and practices used across the agency's PMO. Telework Information: After effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, incumbent may be eligible to telework up to four (4) days per week, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place. The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity.

You must live in Washington State and within a reasonable commuting distance to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing to adjust your telework schedule to attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc., at the DRS facility. Qualifications What we're looking for (Required Qualifications): Experience can be gained through various combinations of professional employment and volunteer/personal experience. Demonstrated experience performing project management or project coordination responsibilities; This experience is typically gained by at least one (1) year of full-time professional experience Demonstrated ability to lead, direct, and support team members; Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally to both technical and non-technical audiences; Strong analytical, problem solving, and consultative skills; and Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas: Project Management - Directs and integrates all aspects of a project, ensuring that work is well defined and progresses toward achieving established goals and objectives

Prepares and uses project controls (such as the project management plan, RAID log, decision making tools, or project schedule) to effectively manage the project. Can readily explain the purpose of the project, the roles and responsibilities of team members, and the desired outcome. Defines and ensures outcomes and key results for each project are met.

Be aware of timeframes to ensure deadlines are successfully met. Effectively manages project resources and budgets. Leading Others - Using project management principles, concepts, and methodologies, leads annual processes and project team members by setting clear project scope, goals, work assignments, schedule, roles and responsibilities and governance for decision making.

Monitors completion of project work assignments and works with project team members to adjust assignments as needed to ensure project success. Models successful behaviors, including quality work, professional communication, and ethical standards. Problem Solving - Analyzes problems to identify the root cause(s).

Evaluates possible course of action; uses reason, logic and creativity to reach conclusions. Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources and constraints. Uses effective conflict management strategies when needed.

Communication - Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams. Planning - Accurately scopes and estimates the length and difficulty of tasks and projects.

Identifies clear goals, objectives, and outcomes. Breaks down work into process steps; develops schedules and assignments; and anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks. Measures performance against goals and evaluates results.

Adaptability/Flexibility - Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment. Adapts easily to changing business needs, adjusting effectively to work within new structures, processes, requirements, or cultures to achieve successful solutions. Demonstrates openness to new and different ways of doing things.

Learning and Growth - Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities. Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback. Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes.

Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington. Meeting the Needs of Others - Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members. Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly.

Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all. Balances and considers all parties' needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction. Preferred Qualifications: The following qualifications are not required but will set you apart.

Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Management, Business Administration, Information Systems, Public Administration, or closely allied field. An understanding of public pension terminology, laws, rules and policies. Supplemental Information Be sure to read this entire section - We promise, it'll be helpful.

Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.

To be considered for this position, pleaseattach the following to your online application: A cover letter describing why you are interested in this role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position. References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks DRS requires at least two professional references including a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor. If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process; Job offers will be contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future; DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT).

For information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law

Certified Candidate Pool This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days. Why Work for DRS. At DRS, we are one team.

We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers. Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service.

We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers' expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful. DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System, health, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program.

Also, as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness. (See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information). Other perks include: Flexible work schedules Infants at Work Program Tuition reimbursement Opportunities for professional growth Access to LinkedIn Learning Commitment to team member safety and wellness Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities Commute Trip Reduction Program Free Parking & and EV Chargers available Veteran's Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application.

Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7309 or TTY Relay Service at 711

Come join the DRS team!