State of California

Information Security Specialist

State of California$78K — $107K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in information security or related field.
  • Familiarity with network security best practices and procedures.
  • Experience in monitoring and examining security logs and alerts.
  • Proficiency with security assessment tools and vulnerability management.
  • Ability to communicate complex security concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and analyze data loss prevention alerts and network security appliance logs.
  • Monitor, investigate, and document data protection incidents.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments using approved scanning tools.
  • Analyze security artifacts to assess risk and validate findings.
  • Collaborate with technical experts to ensure accurate incident response.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage options.
  • Flexible work arrangements with possible hybrid telework.
  • Convenient location near public transport and amenities.
  • Access to professional development and training opportunities.
Full Job Description
This is a 12-month limited-term position and may be extended to a maximum of 24-months and/or may become permanent based on operational needs.

Identifies, reviews, and analyzes network security appliance logs, Tier 1 Data Loss Prevention (DLP) alerts, audit logs, endpoint activity, email security events, cloud activity, and other data movement indicators to detect potential security incidents, unauthorized disclosure, improper transmission, misuse of data, or data exfiltration attempts. Monitors, investigates, triages, documents, and escalates DLP and data protection incidents involving sensitive, confidential, personal, or regulated information; identifies appropriate technical and business stakeholders to support incident response and resolution. Analyzes phishing, malware, endpoint protection, antimalware, DLP, vulnerability, configuration, and other security artifacts to assess risk, validate findings, identify trends, and recommend mitigation or remediation actions. Conducts vulnerability and data protection risk assessments by configuring approved scanning tools, coordinating scan schedules based on asset criticality, analyzing vulnerability scan results, reviewing security misconfigurations, and validating findings using network, endpoint, application, and security monitoring tools. Monitors public, vendor, governmental, and authorized threat intelligence sources for emerging vulnerabilities, threats, and indicators of compromise that may affect departmental systems. Reviews logs, DLP events, vulnerability data, configuration information, and related security telemetry to identify evidence of potential intrusion activity, attempted data exfiltration, systemic security issues, or control weaknesses. Performs technical impact and risk assessments and prepares findings, metrics, reports, and recommendations related to security.

Collaborates with senior ISPO staff and technical subject matter experts to ensure accurate root-cause analysis is conducted and appropriate remediation options are identified. Conducts vulnerability assessments of networks, applications, operating systems, and related technical environments using approved security assessment tools, procedures, and methodologies. Develops, tests, and maintains scripts, queries, dashboards, tool configurations, workflows, and documentation used to support vulnerability scanning, validation, analysis, and reporting. Analyzes vulnerability scan results and related security data to validate accuracy, identify false positives, assess risk and business impact, prioritize findings, and recommend remediation options. Evaluates, prepares, and disseminates threat advisories and vulnerability notifications to system owners and other stakeholders in a timely manner. Develops metrics, reports, and technical summaries on system security posture, threat activity, vulnerability exposure, remediation progress, and patch management status. Uses authorized security testing and assessment tools and techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented controls, validate identified weaknesses, and provide insight into the organization's threat and vulnerability environment.

Working Conditions
This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers' markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-531998

Position #(s):
800-721-1402-955

Working Title:
Information Security Specialist

Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I $6,513.00 - $8,729.00 A
$7,163.00 - $9,599.00 B
$7,864.00 - $10,537.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Special Requirements
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

Statement of Qualifications must be no more than two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font.

1. Describe how you stay current with emerging technology and industry trends.
2. Describe your experience in preparing written reports, documentation or presentations.
3. How does your previous work experience align with the duties and responsibilities of this position?

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58

Sacramento , CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58

Sacramento , CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

  • Analytical Skills: Approaches problems using a logical, systematic and sequential approach. Weighs priorities and recognizes underlying issues.
  • Learning on the Fly: Learns quickly, is open to change, experiments and is flexible.
  • Planning and Results Oriented: Organizes and executes work to meet organizational goals and objectives while meeting quality standards, following organizational processes and demonstrating continuous commitment.
  • Problem-solving and Decision-making: Identifies problems and uses logical analysis to find information, understand causes and evaluate and select or recommend best possible courses of action.
  • Thoroughness: Ensures that work and information is complete and accurate. Ensures that assignment goals, objectives and completion dates are met. Documents and reports on work progress.
  • Teamwork/Partnership: Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside of the organization through effective communication and collaboration.

Benefits There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes m

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
Size
150 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

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