Policy Analyst

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of a Supervisor I, the incumbent performs the more responsible, varied, and complex full journey-level analytical duties in the Division of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC). The successful candidate must adhere to ethical practices and policies, ensure best value for the State, and demonstrate a positive attitude and a commitment to providing quality service that is accurate, timely, and exceeds customers' expectations.

The incumbent is expected to be an expert on and stay abreast of developments and changes with laws and regulations that can affect the department and/or division; work with customers individually and in task teams to review pertinent data and ensure activities are performed in accordance with State, Federal, and departmental laws, policies, standards, and controls; partner with control agency representatives, Caltrans Legal counsel, and Caltrans Information Technology staff, as necessary to resolve administrative issues and facilitate improvements; accomplish tasks in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines imposed by State control agencies and established levels of service for DPAC; and communicate findings through reports, memorandums, and presentations. This is a Limited Term position which may become permanent.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job. 

Apply today to join our team!  We especially encourage applicants to check out our tool!  The is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Position located at 1727 30th St., Sacramento, CA.  

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

This is a Limited Term position which may be extended to 24 months or become permanent. 

Special Requirements

Occasional travel may be required. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state owned or leased vehicle.

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below. The SOQ must be typed, no more than two pages in length, and 12-point Arial font.

1.Describe a specific example of how you ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies or procedures while completing a work assignment or resolving a complex issue. In your response, describe the situation, your role, how you analyzed and interpreted the applicable requirements, the actions you took, any challenges you encountered and the outcome.

2. Provide an example of how you have collaborated with internal teams or external partners to complete a project or resolve an issue. Highlight your communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

3. Describe how you manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Include how you prioritize work, monitor process, communicate project status, and ensure timely completion of assignments.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

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:

The incumbent must have general knowledge of principles, practices, and trends of public and business administration, management, and supportive staff services such as budgeting, management analysis, governmental functions and organization, and State contract and procurement processes. Must have knowledge of methods and techniques of effective team or conference leadership.

Must have the ability to read, understand, and apply laws, rules, policy, and procedures, including those found in the Government Code, Public Contract Code, SCM, SAM, Streets and Highways Code, applicable Federal regulations, and applicable regulations of Caltrans and the various control agencies. Must have the ability to act as a team or conference leader.

A high level of analytical and interpersonal skill is required. The incumbent must have the ability to analyze routine problems and recommend an effective course of action. The incumbent must have the ability to speak and write effectively and perform with some degree of independence. The incumbent must be able to make presentations and competently represent the Department. The incumbent must have the capability of working with personal computers and an aptitude for learning various software programs. The incumbent must be able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with managers, Caltrans' employees, and contractors.

The incumbent must exercise good judgment. The incumbent will be required to prepare and present findings and make recommendations on specific problems.

Benefits

to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Important Application Instructions:

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be  excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.