State of California

Test Analyst

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

Qualifications

  • 5+ years experience in software testing, preferably in government payroll systems
  • Familiarity with software development life cycle (SDLC) and system testing life cycle (STLC)
  • Experience with Agile methodologies
  • Proficiency in testing tools, particularly IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM)
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret complex business and system requirements

Responsibilities

  • Execute the CSPS Test Plan and manage testing activities according to project timelines
  • Develop and document test cases, scripts, and results while managing defect resolution
  • Collaborate with stakeholders for walkthroughs and approval of testing documentation
  • Analyze requirements to create effective test scenarios and document outcomes
  • Maintain testing artifacts and ensure traceability of requirements to defects
  • Support preparation and validation of test environments and required data
  • Participate in quality assurance reviews and recommend process improvements

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid telework options available
  • Location near amenities like parks, gyms, and restaurants in Sacramento
  • Potential training and development assignments
  • Affordable parking options in the Emerald Tower
  • Access to office facilities and resources
Full Job Description
Training and Development assignments will be considered.

The California State Payroll System (CSPS) IT Project is a project to improve and replace the current personnel and payroll systems. CSPS will deliver a modern solution for Human Capital Management (HCM) including core HR functionality (position control, personnel administration, benefits administration, time management, and travel and expense management) and payroll with employee self-service and streamlined business processes using innovative technology solutions.

Under the general direction of the Information Technology Manager I (ITM I), the Information Technology Specialist I (ITS I) serves as a Test Analyst for the California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project. The ITS I performs complex analytical and technical activities supporting the planning, development, execution, and documentation of software testing efforts utilizing industry best practices, the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), System Testing Life Cycle (STLC), and Agile methodologies.

They will support testing activities by assisting in the development and execution of testing plans, test cases, test scripts, and test scenarios to validate system functionality and ensure business requirements are met. Activities include system testing, integration testing, end-to-end testing, functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, interface testing, and user acceptance testing.

Duties performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

  • Participate in the execution of the CSPS Test Plan and testing activities according to established processes, procedures, and project schedules.
  • Develop, review, and execute test cases, test scripts, and testing procedures, documenting test results, identifying and reporting defects, and assisting with defect triage and resolution activities.
  • Verifiy corrective actions and retest system functionality to ensure issues are resolved.
  • Support walkthroughs of testing documentation, obtaining stakeholder review and approval.
  • Ensure testing activities adhere to established quality assurance standards and identify potential testing risks and issues for escalation.
  • Collaborate with project staff, business subject matter experts, and vendor resources to support the development of testing strategies, plans, schedules, and processes.
  • Analyze business and system requirements to develop test scenarios and test cases that validate functional and technical requirements.
  • Identify test data requirements and support preparation and validation of test environments.
  • Participate in change management and release readiness activities.
  • Utilize project-approved testing and requirements management tools, including IBM Engineering Test Management (ETM), to support test planning, execution, defect tracking, and reporting activities.
  • Maintain testing artifacts, update testing records, and ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and defects.
  • Help develop user guides, job aids, and training materials related to testing processes and tools.
  • Provide support to project staff and stakeholders on the use of testing tools and established testing procedures.
  • Monitor assigned testing activities and track progress against established schedules and milestones.
  • Maintain accurate testing documentation and producs reports on test execution status, defect metrics, and testing outcomes.
  • Participate in quality assurance reviews, provide recommendations for process improvements and support management in identifying and resolving testing-related issues that may impact project objectives.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Training and Development assignments will be considered.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.

This position is designated as excluded from collective bargaining: Where do I fit in?

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-524919

Position #(s):
051-221-1402-XXX

Working Title:
Test Analyst

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:
California State Payroll System

Special Requirements
A resume is required.

A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see 'Required Application Package Documents' for instructions.

Take the required examination here: Information Technology Specialist I Examination

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: 7/29/2026
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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). 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:

State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300

Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
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 - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) should be no longer than one page in length, use size 12 font, and be written in narrative format. Respond to the prompt provided below :

    • Describe your experience and the qualifications you possess that would make you a successful candidate for this position.

    Resumes and cover letters cannot be substituted for the SOQs. Applications submitted without the SOQ will not be considered for the position. Applications submitted without a SOQ in a narrative format will automatically be excluded from the recruitment process.
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:

  • Ability to uphold SCO's T.R.U.S.T.E.D values
  • Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust
  • Ability to communicate effectively while using tact and good judgment
  • Ability to work under pressure with changing priorities and/or deadlines
  • Strong customer services skills
  • Ability to work well with others at all levels
  • Excellent attendance and dependability
  • Experience with IBM Doors, JIRA, and SharePoint
  • Knowledge of data, analytic and metric toolsets
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application to business processes
  • Knowledge of the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) principles and practices
  • Knowledge of application and implementation of information systems to meet organizational requirements
  • Ability to analyze and resolve complex business problems
  • Ability to make critical and timely decisions
  • Ability to develop and foster collaborative working relationships
  • Ability to develop new and innovative approaches and recommend changes
  • Ability to formulate and recommend policies and procedures

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
PPSD Recruitment
(916) 322-3682
[email protected]

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:
EEO Officer
(916) 324-2223

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Dev

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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