Test Analyst

Job Description and Duties

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 .

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:

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

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.

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 -

  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.