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 .
Working Conditions TELEWORK OPTION
HYBRID
This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of two days per week in the office.
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-536812
Position #(s):
174-550-1402-016
Working Title:
Information Technology Specialist I
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:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Educational Data Management Division
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.
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: 11/5/2026
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 Education
Human Resources Division-Mail In
Attn: C&P PC 3633 /JC-536812
1430 N Street, Ste. 1802
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Education
Department of Education Drop-Off
Attn: C&P PC 3633 /JC-536812
1430 N Street (Lobby Drop-Off Box)
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 required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications -
A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered.
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:
- 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.
Benefits The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee's bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:
• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commute Program
More benefit information can be found on CalHR's website: Benefits Summary
Contact Information The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Cassandra Casanova
(916) 319-0529
ccasanova@cde.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
(916) 445-9174
oeoinfo@cde.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
