Technical Support Specialist

Under the general supervision of the California Department of Technology (CDT), California Networks and Telecommunications (CALNET) program, Operations Section Information Technology Manager I (IT Mgr I), the Information Technology Associate (IT Assoc) serves as Point of Contact (POC) for onboarding newly awarded telecommunication contractors onto contracts with thousands of telecommunications services, including transitioning incumbent contractors from expiring telecommunication contracts to new CALNET contracts. The IT Assoc is responsible for oversight and ongoing contractor management to ensure compliance of CALNET contract business requirements. The IT Assoc participates in contractor and contract management activities, communications, and program policy responsibilities. The IT Assoc performs analysis and recommendations critical to statewide telecommunications contracts and the CALNET program for telecommunications projects, risks, and issues. This position conducts and/or reviews analytical studies and surveys, and acts as a resource for CDT management, technical staff, contractors, customers, and other CALNET stakeholders to ensure customers receive telecommunication services to meet critical State business goals and requirements. The IT Assoc performs all work in accordance with CDT and CALNET Program visions, goals, objectives, policies and practices, California Government Code (GC), State Telecommunications Management Manual (STMM), State Contract Manual (SCM), State Administrative Manual (SAM), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other related laws and regulations. This position is designated under the Conflict-of-Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict-of-Interest Code requirements may void the appointment. Telework This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule within California based on departmental policy and operational needs. The telework policy is subject to change depending on business needs, and/or reporting to the work site may be required with minimal notification given. Visa Sponsorship The Department of Technology does not provide visa sponsorship and is not an E-Verify employer., * Work effectively with a wide variety of people and personality types at all organizational levels.

• Work productively via telework using video conferencing, or in-office settings, and work additional hours as needed (frequency varies).
• Work during off-shift hours to ensure timely program deliverables.
• Travel as needed (the most frequent travel is local; rare overnight trips)., The California Department of Technology (CDT) is the guardian of public data, a leader in information technology (IT) services and solutions and has broad responsibility and authority over all aspects of technology in California state government, including policy formation, interagency coordination, IT project oversight, information security, technology service delivery, and advocacy. As an industry leader, we are committed to partnering with state and local government and educational entities to deliver digital services, develop innovative and responsive solutions for business needs, and provide quality assurance for state government IT projects and services. Our success and legacy of service is reliant upon our highly talented, dedicated, and diverse workforce, for it is our individual cultural diversity, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and unique identities that spark our collaborative strength and innovative approach to serving the State of California.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave. Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR. Department Website: https://cdt.ca.gov/career-opportunities/job-openings, The SOQ serves as a key component of the examination and hiring process and will be used to evaluate your qualifications, as well as your written communication skills. The SOQ is considered a writing sample and must clearly reflect your own knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience. While tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT), internet resources, or third-party reviewers may assist with research or preparation, by submitting your application you certify that your SOQ is your original work, written in your own words, and accurately represents your background and qualifications. Failure to submit an SOQ that is your own work, including the use of AI-generated or substantially AI-assisted responses that misrepresent your abilities, may result in disqualification from the examination or hiring process. If such misrepresentation is discovered after appointment, it may constitute dishonesty and could result in adverse action, up to and including dismissal from State service.

1. Describe specific experience or training from your current or past positions in planning, coordinating, and/or facilitating large-scale meetings.
2. Describe specific customer service experience or training from your current or past positions.
3. Describe specific experience or training from your current or past positions in contractor management duties similar to those named in this position’s duty statement. Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed state application (STD. 678) - For exam use only.

Please do NOT include your Social Security Number on any of the submitted documents.

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: 9/11/2026

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.

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:

• Knowledge of CALNET solicitations, contracts, directives, policies and practices.
• Knowledge of California Government Code (GC), State Telecommunications Management Manual (STMM), State Contract Manual (SCM), State Administrative Manual (SAM), and other related laws and regulations which apply to CALNET program and contracts.
• Knowledge of networking and telecommunications technologies, components, and processing environments.
• Knowledge of ITIL Service Delivery and Service Development Life Cycle (SDLC) concepts and best practices.
• Knowledge of lean principles and other process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of principles of public administration, organization and management.
• Ability to serve as a POC and liaison to build and maintain effective and productive business partnerships with contractors, customers, CDT staff and management.
• Effectively manage contractors, contractor meetings, and validate contractor deliverables.
• Provide quality customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and audiences at different levels and with different backgrounds both inside and outside of the organization.
• Ability to analyze information, reason logically, identify and solve problems, draw valid conclusions and develop effective solutions.
• Conduct presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to understand and interpret contract language and analyze financial information, including encumbrance, accrual, expenditure, and revenue data, to accurately reconcile financial reports. Proficient in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Visio.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, sound judgement, professionalism, and tact when working independently and collaboratively to resolve issues, adapt to changing priorities, and achieve program objectives.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload, exercise sound judgement, effectively manage multiple projects and assignments concurrently, and meet deadlines while adapting to changing priorities and requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Demonstrate sound work ethic, reliability, regular attendance, and punctuality