INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I

Job Description and Duties The California Department of Education (CDE) is seeking a highly skilled and analytical Information Technology Specialist I to support California's SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) Program through the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS)—the largest TK-12 state longitudinal data system in the nation. In this role, you will help ensure eligible students receive essential summer nutrition benefits by supporting the collection, monitoring, analysis, validation, and use of statewide student data. You will serve as a key technical resource and subject matter expert, working closely with CDE program staff, the California Department of Social Services, local educational agencies, and technology teams to support eligibility determination, data quality initiatives, and program operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys solving complex data challenges, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and leveraging technology to support programs that directly benefit California's students and families. Key Responsibilities- Research, analyze, and resolve SUN Bucks eligibility data issues.- Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to gather, document, and maintain business requirements and file specifications. - Analyze the impact of policy, business, and system changes on data collection, reporting, and student eligibility.- Support data reporting and operational needs for the CDE Nutrition Services Division and SUN Bucks program. - Provide technical consultation and support to CALPADS users, local educational agencies, Nutrition Services Division staff, and California Department of Social Services personnel. More information can be found in the duty statement. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following: Describe your experience:- Resolving complex data issues in large-scale systems and implementing data quality controls; - Designing and managing data quality assurance plans;- Providing technical consultation and/or resolving service desk issues; - Participating in all phases of the systems development life cycle, including documentation, testing, and integration; and- Conducting business analysis and requirements gathering to support issue and change management processes. The SOQ will be used to assess your qualifications. CDE is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Additionally, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. For more information click here: E-Verify Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: - Proficiency in SQL and data querying.- Experience using programming languages for data analysis, automation, and system integration.- Business requirements gathering and documentation- Experience with software development life cycle methodologies and testing frameworks.- Service desk support and issue resolution- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in cross-functional teams.- Familiarity with CALPADS or other state-level administrative data systems is highly desirable.