Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Information Technology (IT) Portfolio Manager, an IT Manager I of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), the IT Specialist II (Senior Business Analyst) is responsible for performing a variety of complex analytical activities and supporting the delivery of IT solutions to the Authority. The incumbent will combine complex analysis for business needs with project management tasks for highly complex projects. This is accomplished through advanced expertise in business systems analysis techniques, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Project Management Life Cycle (PML) practices, and leveraging best practices and thoughtful analysis to bridge business needs with technology. The incumbent works with cross-functional teams across diverse business areas to analyze evolving business needs, perform strategic assessments, document processes, and capture detailed business requirements. The Senior Business Analyst is responsible for leading concurrent efforts while making critical decisions and delivering results in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent may directly manage IT projects of varying complexity and/or provide oversight of IT projects led by other state or contracted staff.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. The incumbent must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. The incumbent must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. The SOQ must be no more than four (4) pages, single-spaced, with one-inch margins, in 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. The SOQ must discuss the applicant’s applicable experience as it pertains to each item below. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process. A resume is required but does not take the place of the SOQ. Letters and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

You must respond to all of the following items:

1. Provide an example from your professional experience leading a complex IT project, including the tools used and artifacts developed, in the following areas:
   1. Eliciting and analyzing requirements.
   2. Performing market research and solution analysis.
2. Provide a specific example when you identified a gap or inefficiency in business process(es) and proposed a solution.
   1. Describe your analysis process, recommendations, and the measurable results achieved.
3. Describe a specific example of when you had to manage conflicting stakeholder expectations on an enterprise IT project.
   1. How did you identify and address the conflicts?
   2. What strategies did you use to ensure alignment, maintain project momentum, and support successful project delivery?
4. Describe your experience in system testing activities, developing test scripts, user guides, training materials, or conducting end-user training sessions.
   1. What approach did you take to ensure the materials were clear, accessible, and aligned with user needs?
   2. Include an example of how your material improved user adoption or system understanding.

NOTE: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences . Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process .

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:

• Experience working on complex enterprise IT initiatives in a senior technical business analyst capacity.
• Experience conducting research into system issues and available market products.
• Experience facilitating collaboration sessions among various stakeholder groups and driving outcomes.
• Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Visio.
• Experience preparing and producing clear and concise documentation (e.g., user guides, training, test cases, test scenarios, user acceptance test scripts, requirements, business processes, information security policies, processes and procedures, and plans)
• Experience with quality assurance and testing strategies.
• Knowledge of and experience with PML and SDLC.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence.
• Ability to think critically and develop solutions to business problems, project risks, and issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to meet business needs through innovative solutions while demonstrating a service-oriented, customer relations-sensitive attitude.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff and management; communicate effectively with peers, technical teams, executives, external partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced achievement-oriented environment and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive tasks, assignments, and information.
• Willingness to work excess hours to achieve business results.
• Display enthusiasm for continuous learning.
• Demonstrate keen attention to detail.

Benefits

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

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-522009 and Senior Business Analyst, 311-460-1414-901 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please  click here to access the exam bulletin.

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 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 (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work at office, Remote work

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