INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST III

Under administrative direction of the Chief Data Officer, an Information Technology (IT) Manager II, the IT Specialist III (Data Architect) leads the design, development, and implementation of the enterprise data strategy. This includes defining the technical data architecture, modern data platforms, enterprise data warehouse, and analytics infrastructure. The incumbent collaborates with business and IT stakeholders to establish scalable data engineering practices, enterprise data governance, and business intelligence capabilities. The Data Architect drives innovation by designing secure, high-performing, and future-ready data solutions that make data accessible, trusted, and actionable across the organization. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement., 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: United States Telework: Hybrid Job Type: Permanent, Full Time Department Information Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California’s history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity. Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/ 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 the following items:

• Describe a modern data architecture that you designed or implemented (e.g., data lakehouse, event-driven data system, microservices-based data platform). Provide a specific project example, including the technologies used, your responsibilities in the design, and the key decisions you made. Explain why you made those decisions and how they impacted the final architecture.

• Describe a specific project where you designed and implemented modern data pipelines using tools such as Apache Airflow, dbt, AWS Glue, or similar technologies. Explain the steps you took to ensure data quality, reliability, and scalability in a production environment. Include the tools used, the challenges you encountered, and your role throughout the implementation.

• Provide an example of a project where you implemented a data governance framework. Describe how you addressed data privacy, metadata management, and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA). Include the tools, processes, or platforms you used and explain how they supported your overall governance strategy.

• Describe a project where you enabled self-service analytics or developed a semantic layer to support business users. Include the tools and technologies used (e.g., Power BI, Looker, Tableau), the specific features or capabilities you delivered, and how your work improved data accessibility, usability, or organizational decision-making.

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.

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: 8/27/2026

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.

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., 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:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in data architecture, data management, business intelligence, and governance.
• Proficiency in data analysis, data modeling, and data visualization.
• Experience with modern data platforms (cloud-native architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), data lakehouse (e.g., Delta Lake, Snowflake), event-driven or microservices-based data platforms).
• Experience with modern data pipeline tools and technology.
• Experience designing and implementing data pipelines for production environments.
• Experience of governance frameworks (evidence of work with data cataloging tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation), metadata management, and data lineage.
• Experience with implementing governance and compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.
• Enabling analytics and self-service BI (experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker, ThoughtSpot), semantic layer design, and data modeling for analytics).
• Ability to lead teams, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and influence decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, and vendor partners; communicate effectively with executive leadership, peers, end users, technical staff and partners, oversight agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare or direct the preparation of clear and concise documentation (e.g., architecture diagrams, workflows, roadmaps, policies, etc.).
• Ability to research and analyze technical solutions and provide recommendations that support the Authority’s technical direction.
• Ability to meet business needs through innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in direction or organizational change.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives in a fast-paced achievement- oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information in a manner easily understood by non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive tasks, assignments, and information.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Display a working knowledge of project management practices, the system development lifecycle, etc.
• Demonstrate a service-oriented and customer relations-sensitive attitude.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the California State Administrative Manual and California Statewide Information Management Manual.
• Willingness to work excess hours to achieve business results.
• Display enthusiasm and aptitude for continuous learning.

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.