Computer Applications Specialist Jobs in California

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.
Under the direction of the Information Technology Supervisor II, the Information Technology Specialist I (IT Specialist I) will work as an expert level technical specialist in consulting and Web applications development role. The IT Specialist I demonstrates leadership competencies, works both independently and as part of a team on the most complex system and software projects related to several of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) information technology systems of varying priorities, and mission-critical Web applications projects. The IT Specialist I will be responsible for Web application development and perform the programming needs of the CDFA Systems Development Unit. The IT Specialist I is responsible for the full software development life cycle for large enterprise-level applications and systems utilized by CDFA.
The IT Specialist I partners with ITSD staff to plan and implement complex network, server, middleware, and database solutions. The IT Specialist 1 works to lead and assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues involving legacy applications and systems and is responsible for documenting technical findings and communicating effective resolutions to the appropriate staff and management.
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 CDFA 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). The location offers convenient access to major freeways, the California State Capitol Museum, downtown shopping, the Sacramento Convention Center, and the Golden 1 Center.
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 at 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 15 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.
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 I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527604
Position #(s):
014-015-1402-XXX
Working Title:
Applications Developer
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST I $6,513.00 - $8,729.00 A
$7,163.00 - $9,599.00 B
$7,864.00 - $10,537.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
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, Information Security, Infrastructure 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.
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/
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 are below:
• Restate questions/prompts prior to response
• Include your name and job control number at the top of each page
• Must be no more than two (2) pages, single-spaced, and Arial size 11 font

Describe your Information Technology education and experience as a software application developer on complex and legacy systems.

Describe your experience in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, distributed multi-tier applications using the .NET technology stack, or similar technology stacks.

Describe and provide an example of your knowledge, ability, and skills to troubleshoot complex IT technical issues with minimal documentation or guidance.

Please describe your experience in working with and using software configuration control library tools, ensuring version control of developed software, and performing automated builds.

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: 8/20/2026
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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-527604
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-527604
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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 Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required with your state application (STD. 678). 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.
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:
Knowledge and Experience of:
- C# or similar OOP languages
- ASP.NET MVC and Entity Framework
- Full stack development
- Architecture styles/APIs (REST, RPC)
- MS SQL Server (or similar) databases
- Modern application development principles, practices, and methodologies (Agile, SDLC, etc)
- Microsoft Power BI and Power Apps
- Microsoft Office productivity tools and usage
- Systems development software tools and assistive software
- Azure Dev Ops features
- Security Scanning tools experience (SAST and DAST)
- Coding practices to alleviate application security vulnerabilities.
Ability to:
- Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing;
- Communicate effectively with business and technical personnel with various levels of IT knowledge.
- Produce technical documentation for business and technical personnel with various levels of IT knowledge to help understand products and services.
- Provide technical guidance to others.
- Work collaboratively with multiple teams within IT.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
- Problem solve using both critical and creative thinking.
- Apply technical knowledge effectively and methodically.
- Apply industry-standard methodologies to perform analysis.
- Be proactive, positive, and open-minded to direction and new ideas, be flexible with shifting priorities and situations.
- Work well under pressure, work independently in completing assigned work, and meet required deadlines.
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:
Dennis Nguyen
(916) 767-7787
dennis.nguyen@cdfa.ca.gov
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:
Civil Rights
(916) 654-1005
Civil_Rights@cdfa.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (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 offic