INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.

Under the general direction of the Information Technology Manager I (IT Manager I), the Information Technology Specialist II (IT Specialist II) acts as a senior network/infrastructure engineer working on the most complex IT network/assignments and issues that impact the Department statewide. The incumbent is expected to be proficient and have strong working knowledge in the following competencies with monitoring, maintenance, support, and troubleshooting services for the Department's online software productivity solutions, Cloud solutions and service providers, identity management and authentication services, firewall services, Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Network Access Control systems (NAC), Web Application Firewall (WAF), wireless controller and access points, protection and management solutions, network switches, and server virtualization services. The incumbent will primarily be working in the System Engineering domain, with secondary emphasis in the Client Services and Information Security Engineering domains.

The incumbent works collaboratively with the ITSD management team and staff, briefs and advises the manager, exercises a high degree of initiative, independence of action, and originality, and must demonstrate tact and good judgment. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively in order to develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships. The incumbent must be able to adapt easily to changing priorities and maintain consistent, predictable attendance in the performance of these specific functions.

The Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) is responsible for the oversight and management of all information technology and telecommunications activities including, but not limited to, information technology, information security, and telecommunications personnel, contractors, systems, assets, projects, purchases, and contracts. ITSD is tasked with ensuring compliance with state information technology policy and conformance to state information technology and telecommunications policy and enterprise architecture. The range of services that ITSD provides encompasses the areas of Technology Governance, Application Development Services, Customer Support and Services, Infrastructure and Security Operations, Enterprise Architecture, and Procurement. ITSD provides IT services to over 2,000 employees in eight major program areas as well as executive and administrative staff distributed over 100 locations throughout the state including district and field offices in 32 counties, two extraterritorial offices in Hawaii and Arizona, and 16 agricultural stations at the state's borders.

As an employee of the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA), you are required to perform the "essential functions" of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, then C DFA is the place for you!!

This CDFA work location is near restaurants, coffee shops, and a farmer's market. We are within walking distance to light rail/public transportation, across the street from beautiful Capitol Park, and two miles from Downtown Commons (DOCO).

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The CDFA does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes.


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

Working Conditions


The duties of this position are primarily conducted indoors in an office environment. The incumbent will have a workstation with modular furniture, an adjustable rolling chair, a computer with various software programs, a telephone with voicemail, and stationary filing drawers and bins. The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time and operate a personal computer utilizing a mouse and keyboard.


The incumbent must be able to give presentations, participate in meetings, and interact with other staff. They must also be able to: push buttons on a keyboard, calculator, photocopy machine, facsimile machine, and telephone; grasp papers, small objects, and manuals; access upper and lower files and cabinets; and exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently in order to move or position objects.


Travel to various CDFA facilities and sites throughout the state as needed using various means of transportation systems; overnight stays, and weekend and off-shift work may be required.

Regular or recurring telework may occur as part of the incumbent's ongoing regular schedule in accordance with CDFA's Telework Policy.


This position may/may not be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the CDFA and based on the current telework policy. While the CDFA supports telework where possible, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises, as determined by the Department.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-533704


Position #(s):
014-005-1414-004

Working Title:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II


Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II $8,625.00 - $11,557.00 A
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


Department Information
The Mission of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to safeguard a resilient food system and promote an equitable marketplace, cultivating a California grown food supply that is globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability.


The Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) is responsible for the oversight and management of all information technology and telecommunications activities including, but not limited to, information technology, information security, and telecommunications personnel, contractors, systems, assets, projects, purchases, and contracts. ITSD is tasked with ensuring compliance with state information technology policy and conformance to state information technology and telecommunications policy and enterprise architecture. The range of services that ITSD provides encompasses the areas of Technology Governance, Application Development Services, Customer Support and Services, Infrastructure and Security Operations, Enterprise Architecture, and Procurement. ITSD provides IT services to over 2,000 employees in eight major program areas as well as executive and administrative staff distributed over 100 locations throughout the state including district and field offices in 32 counties, two extraterritorial offices in Hawaii and Arizona, and 16 agricultural stations at the state's borders.






Special Requirements
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate SOQ based on the instructions below may be disqualified from this recruitment. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered in lieu of the SOQ. The SOQ instructions and questions/prompts are below.


• Restate questions/prompts prior to response

• Include your name and job control number at the top of each page

• Must be single-spaced, no more than three (3) pages, and Arial size 11 font

• Based on the job description and duty statement, what skills and abilities do you believe are most critical to be successful in this position? Please be specific and provide examples that highlight: the complexity of the networks or server services you have worked with; your proficiency with key technologies such as DNS, VPN, network security, server virtualization, authentication and authorization services, and IDS/IPS systems.
• Describe your experience related to the installation, configuration, and support of enterprise firewall services, Wi-Fi APs, switches, and enterprise VPN services. Please include specific technologies that you may have supported.
• Describe a time when you managed multiple high-priority assignments with multiple deadlines in a highly complex IT environment. What were assignments and the major obstacles that you faced? How were you able to prioritize the assignments and overcome the obstacles?

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: 10/21/2026
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 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 Food & Agriculture
Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-533704
1220 N Street, Room 242


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


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


Department of Food & Agriculture


Attn: Human Resources Branch, JC-533704
1220 N Street, Room 242


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 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 completed Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your State Application (STD. 678) to be considered. Please see the Special Requirements section for the SOQ details.

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.


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:
Scott J. McArdle
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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
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Information:


Employment History on the STD 678 (State Application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes or other documents cannot substitute for a completed state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 may be disqualified.


Please do not include any confidential information such as social security number, marital status, ethnicity, age, salary or disability information on any of the documentation uploaded with your online application.

If the classification you are applying for has an education requirement, transcripts will be required to verify you meet the minimum qualifications of the classification. Please be sure to redact any confidential information before uploading your transcripts.

Upon hire you may be required to provide official sealed transcripts or an original degree or certificate.

Applicants with foreign degrees may be asked to provide an official foreign transcript evaluation which indicates course work is equivalent to a degree from an accredited U.S. College or University.

This position may require a medical clearance.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.