Senior Software Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $100,526.40 - $128,315.20 Annually
Location : Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04679
Department: Information Technology
Division: Business Applications/Development Services
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA
The Position
Join us as a Senior Software Analyst and bring big ideas to life through creative problem-solving, smart systems design, and leadership that inspires. You'll drive exciting projects, mentor talented teammates, and craft innovative solutions that actually make a difference. If you love variety, technology, and turning challenges into wins, this is your next adventure.
Salary Incentives:
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
The Senior Software Analyst role involves providing expert-level project management, conducting business process analysis, managing projects from inception to completion, and executing duties requiring specialized knowledge. Additionally, the Senior Software Analyst will offer administrative support to the assigned manager. This role is also responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of assigned personnel, and ensuring tasks are appropriately distributed and completed.
We invite you to explore this opportunity with the City of Modesto!
***This is an in-person position. The recruitment process will be held in person without the option of interviewing or testing virtually.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Supplemental Questionnaire is used as a Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submit onlineresponses to the supplemental questionnaire. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note:

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire MUSTbe submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.
• Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.
• A resume will not substitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.
• Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUST also be found under Work Experience on your application

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.
Essential and Marginal Function Statements
All Assignments:
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of professional application support, maintenance, and business process analysis duties.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments, ensuring that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Plan and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Assume a key role in the execution of professional IT consulting/development projects.
Recommend highly complex technology solutions to clients.
Monitor and manage departmental customer satisfaction for assigned areas of responsibility.
Resolve highly complex problems and issues pertaining to areas of assignment.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
When Assigned to Business Software Analysis/Development:
Coordinate and perform complex business process analysis/re-engineering, using a formal and proven methodology.
Coordinate and participate in the execution of the full life cycle of development projects client-server or web-enabled platforms.
Facilitate customer sessions to define their application requirements.
Coordinate and participate in database design and specification development and application prototyping, development, and production testing.
Solve complex software programming and system design problems.
Code highly technical programs for data processing applications.
Provide technical guidance and assistance to other staff associated with software development.
When Assigned to GIS Analysis/Development:
Work on the conceptual and physical design of GIS databases, including establishing and maintaining table relationships, indices, and the rules governing data input into database applications.
Design, develop, and maintain interfaces between GIS and existing City applications and databases such as: Permits Tracking, Fire Records Management, Police Records.
Management, Utilities work order processing, Business licenses, Financials, and other systems.
Develop and maintain SQL query statements and database connectivity.
Design, modify, and/or develop programming for the customization of end user applications or automation of processes.
When Assigned to Web Analysis/Development:
Manage domain names and associated records.
Provide representation on web related issues.
When Assigned to Application Database Administration:
Recommend measures to optimize system performance and response.
Perform database analysis and data modeling for logical and physical database design.
Coordinate and/or performs various database administration on various systems, including development, integration, sizing, tuning, rollout, and support.
Design and develop systems documentation and training.
Design and implement unattended backup and disaster recovery procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Depending on Assignment:
Industry best practices in the software development arena.
Advanced software design and relational and distributed database technology.
Data warehouse design and data mining practices.
Applied use of Geographic Information Systems as it relates to all sectors of local government.
Customization capabilities of GIS software.
Database backup and recovery.
Methods for installing and upgrading database servers.
Methods of database maintenance and system security.
Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
Database performance and optimization methods.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Depending on Assignment:
Organize, implement, and direct assigned functions.
Provide technical guidance and assistance to other staff associated with application development.
Coordinate highly complex third-party application systems, application design, development, deployment, support, and maintenance projects.
Solve highly complex application programming and systems design problems.
Design and develop presentations, documentation, and training oriented toward customers.
Prepare difficult workflow and process diagrams and cost/benefit analysis.
Analyze complex procedures and data, and develop logical conclusions.
Communicating the use of GIS tools to end-users; customize the GIS graphical user interface (GUI) according to customer needs.
Understand and integrate GPS technology within the GIS environment.
Manage DNS and domain related issues.
Design the physical layout of databases and the physical relationships of databases and/or database tables; construct SQL calls to external or relational tables.
Recommend measures to optimize systems performance and response and troubleshoot database problems.
Code highly technical programs for data processing applications.
Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of responsible experience equivalent to Software Analyst II with the City of Modesto. Depending on assignment, focused experience in general software analysis, GIS analysis, or Web analysis may be required.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business information systems, computer science, geographic information systems, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation prior to appointment for clearance to work on Police Department Information Systems.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; frequent color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to computer noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to frequent noise from computers and related equipment. Some work may occur at remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.
VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will