Salary : $97,356.00 - $130,992.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2025-04205
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Information Technology Services Division
Opening Date: 06/17/2025
Closing Date: 7/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
This position is open to current Employment Security Department employees only.
The salary listed above includes a 3% general wage increase effective July 1, 2025.
The ideal candidate for this Senior Business Systems Analyst (IT Business Analyst Senior Specialist) role is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in business systems analysis, quality assurance, and stakeholder collaboration within mission-critical IT environments. They possess a deep understanding of both technical and procedural solutions, allowing them to guide cross-functional teams in identifying and resolving complex business challenges.
With a strong background in software development, change management, and requirements definition, they excel in facilitating the communication between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure seamless operations of the Unemployment Tax and Benefits (UTAB) system. This individual demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, supervising a team of Business Analysts, Quality Assurance Testers, and User Acceptance Testers while fostering an environment of accountability and continuous improvement. Their expertise in system documentation, process optimization, and issue resolution supports the agency's ability to deliver reliable and effective UI benefits solutions to job seekers during their career transitions. As the highest-level authority for business analysis within the UTAB team, they manage essential IT services and lead strategic initiatives to align business needs with technology solutions.
The candidate will be committed to ensuring the stability and efficiency of ESD's critical systems, recognizing the significant impact they have on state and national unemployment programs. Their ability to drive innovation while maintaining system integrity supports the organization's mission of delivering timely UI benefits and empowering individuals in their job search journeys. With a combination of technical acumen, leadership excellence, and a passion for service, they will be a key contributor to ESD's success.
Duties
Lead, develop and mentor technical staff within the UTAB team. This includes:

• Write performance expectations, conduct evaluations, ensure expectations are implemented effectively and provide feedback and evaluations to manager

• Supervises staff, provides leadership, direction/guidance and mentorship to business analysts in business analysis best practices by providing advanced support in work-related activities, answers questions on how to approach the work assignment

• Strategically assigns workload to staff based on business priorities set through the IT governance process, adjusting assignments and schedules to maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure resources are appropriately utilized

Responsible to perform business and technical requirements definition for small to large and

highly complex application solutions. This includes:

• Elicit business and technical requirements from product owner(s), key stakeholders, and subject matter experts (business and technical) using interviews, document analysis, requirements meetings, prototypes, business process analysis, use cases or user stories, scenarios, tasks, workflow analysis and other techniques as needed using an incremental and iterative approach (Agile methodology) to design and document technology and business process solutions

• Lead requirements analysis and verification activities, ensuring that requirement statements are complete, consistent, concise, comprehensive, traceable, feasible, unambiguous, and verifiable and that they conform to standards and the solution will meet customer needs and achieve business objectives

• Validate, track, and prioritize requirements to ensure business needs are met throughout the project

Lead and manage the UTAB business analysts and QA testers, responsible for facilitating, elicitation, analyzing, testing, and documenting business requirements and enhancement of technology systems. This includes:

• Oversees the planning, documentation, and software requirement standards

• Independently researches, implements, and stays current with best practices in business analysis, ensuring policies and procedures are established and followed

• Provides leadership, management, and accountability for multiple high risk/high impact and small to large scale projects assigned to the business analysts

To request a detailed position description, click

Qualifications

• 11 years of IT experience in leading customers in elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams

• OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or closely related field and seven (7) years of IT experience in leading customers in elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams

AND:

• Progressive experience in leading requirement elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams

• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated ability to analyze highly complex, high visibility technical issues and requests, presenting concise, relevant, and well-documented findings in alignment with industry best practice as well as internal policy and procedures

• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated aptitude for, independently developing and monitoring highly technical system documentation standards

• Progressive experience in and demonstrated experience troubleshooting malfunctions and failures of highly complex applications and systems and participating in defining mitigation and resolution strategies

• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated aptitude for, independently developing and maintaining process standards for system requirements and documentation in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes such as Waterfall, Agile or other methodologies and processes

• Working level knowledge of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting malfunctions and failures of highly complex applications and systems and participating in defining mitigation and resolution strategies

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Supplemental Information
Our drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or at 253-306-2999 or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022
01

Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.

• Yes
• No

03

What experience do you bring to this position?

• 11 years of combined IT experience and education in leading customers in elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or closely related field and 7 years of IT experience in leading customers in elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams.
• Other
• None of the above

04

Please describe your experience listed in the above question
05

Which of the following experiences do you bring to the position?

• Progressive experience in leading requirement elicitation and management of requirements, and documenting technical and functional requirements, software specifications and system diagrams.
• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated ability to analyze highly complex, high visibility technical issues and requests, presenting concise, relevant, and well-documented findings in alignment with industry best practice as well as internal policy and procedures.
• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated aptitude for, independently developing and monitoring highly technical system documentation standards.
• Progressive experience in and demonstrated experience troubleshooting malfunctions and failures of highly complex applications and systems and participating in defining mitigation and resolution strategies.
• Progressive experience in, and demonstrated aptitude for, independently developing and maintaining process standards for system requirements and documentation in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) processes such as Waterfall, Agile or other methodologies and processes.
• Working level knowledge of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting malfunctions and failures of highly complex applications and systems and participating in defining mitigation and resolution strategies
• None of the above

06

Please describe your experience listed in the above question
07

ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• ESD Employee Referral
• Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Craigslist
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question