System Software Specialist

Job Description and Duties

All applicants will be considered, however SROA/Surplus candidates will be given priority.

Are you interested in making life better for Californians? Are you looking for a career and not just a job? Do you want to create a meaningful impact in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has a career opportunity waiting for you! California not only needs you, it wants you as part of the growing workforce. New employees, new ideas, and new creative perspectives are needed in all areas at the CDTFA. We value staff and are dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility. To learn more about us, please see CDTFA Gateway to New Opportunities video
Under direction of the Information Technology Manager I, the Information Technology Specialist I (IT Specialist I) acts as a high-level technical expert on very complex information technology systems and servers as the technical specialist. The incumbent will perform a wide range of the more complex consultative, analytical, and evaluative assignments in order to maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, and support the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s (CDTFA) servers and related components.

How did you hear about this opportunity? 

Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for partial telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change.

Currently, per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California Department of Tax and Fee Administration salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California’s Personal Leave Program.

This recruitment has been posted for more vacancies than currently exist as it may be used to fill additional identical vacancies which occur within 180 days of the closing date of this bulletin. 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Position may be located in a high-rise building.

• Standard office environment.

• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.

• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Telework is partially available. 

Special Requirements

• This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to

• Position requires employee to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background investigation.

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:

• In depth experience with MS SQL Server Database Administration.

• Strong understanding of server infrastructure platforms and technologies such as: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Active Directory, Microsoft Azure, Azure VMware Services (AVS), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Domain Name System (DNS), S3, Kerberos and authentication technologies.

• Hands-on experience installing, configuring, and maintaining software.

• Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and execute concurrent assignments.

Benefits

CDTFA appreciates and proudly celebrates diversity with an emphasis of an inclusive atmosphere in all levels of the organization. CDTFA is a participant in The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Capitol Cohort to advance racial equality and advance opportunities for all in California. Employees of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, gender orientations and personal experiences are welcomed to contribute to the success of CDTFA.

The CDTFA was presented with the Large State Employer of the Year Award for 2018 from The Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED); showcasing CDTFA’s support of employment, promotion, and fair treatment of persons with disabilities.

CDTFA values its staff and is dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility.

Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development. In addition, you can look forward to:

• Nearby (third-party) parking. 
• Convenient to public transportation. 
• Located near downtown, major freeway access.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees

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

Supplemental Questionnaire Requirement

Applicants must include a Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) for this recruitment. Applications without an SQ or include an SQ that does not directly answer all the items below will not be considered. Resumes do not take the place of the SQ.

SQ Requirements:

• Name on SQ.
• Job Control number on SQ.

Respond directly to the following SQ question(s):

1. Describe your education and/or work experience as a technical specialist as it relates to: VM Infrastructure, SQL, and Active Directory. In your response, include specific examples and the number of years you have experience with each platform/technology.

2. Describe your experience utilizing IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Cite specific examples.

You must provide specific information in your response(s) which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of 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 required and must be included.
• Other - A completed Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) must be submitted with your STD. 678 in order to be considered for this position. Please see the Supplemental Questionnaire Requirement section of this job posting for additional information.