Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Telework is available.

The California Department of Technology (CDT) is focused on improving how state government develops and implements innovative solutions to meet the public’s evolving needs, enrich customer experiences, and improve critical technology applications. CDT’s Office of Digital Services (ODS) plays a critical role in improving digital government and building a California that works for all Californians. We do this by providing foundational platforms, toolkits, statewide services and technology solutions for state organizations to provide innovative digital services.

Under the administrative direction of the Information Technology Manager I overseeing the Web Development Unit, the Information Technology Specialist I (IT Spec I) serves as a Front-End Developer for the California Department of Technology (CDT). CDT is responsible for the design, development, and operation of ca.gov websites and web-based applications. The IT Spec I develops performant, secure, and accessible user interfaces and experiences for state websites, mobile applications, progressive web apps, and various platforms that support public-facing and organizational digital services and initiatives. This role combines advanced front-end software development with user experience design principles and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to deliver innovative, user-centered digital solutions for California residents and state employees.

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. Pursuant to Executive Order, effective July 1, 2025, employees in this position will be required to report to the work site a minimum of two (2) days per week, increasing to four (4) days per week effective July 1, 2026. The specific on-site days will be determined by the department based on operational requirements.

Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

CA Residency:

Candidates who  reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

• Hybrid office work environment (subject to change).

• During state emergencies or activation by the California Office of Emergency Services, incumbents may be asked to work extended hours, 12-hour shifts, and/or off site and occasionally out of town.

• May be required to carry a cell phone.

• May be required to work outside of normal work schedule.

• Travel to internal and external customer locations for meetings is required.

• Managing multiple high priorities simultaneously, each with tight deadlines.

• Adapt to new technologies and trends in Information Technology (IT) and learn new skills to keep current with industry standards and best practices.

Special Requirements

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.  

Must pass a fingerprint background criminal record check completed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

All interested applicants  are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). You must provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Each individual response must be numbered and include the full text of the numbered items prior to your response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. Limit your SOQ to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

1. Describe your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to build reusable web-based components, front-end functionality, or shared design artifacts.
2. How do you approach accessibility, maintainability, and code review in your work, and can you share specific examples of innovative approaches or emerging technologies you applied?

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:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Techology, Digital Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field; OR equivalent experience.
• 2+ years professional front-end development experience with demonstrable portfolio

Technical Expertise:

• Expert proficiency in modern, semantic HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript/TypeScript with focus on minimal, stable, maintainable markup grounded in web standards
• Experience building reusable components using standards-based approaches that work across different frameworks or stacks
• Demonstrated ability to translate design specifications (Figma files, design tokens) into  accessible, maintainable front-end code Strong experience with modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, or Angular)
• Version control expertise using Git, GitHub, and Azure DevOps
• Proven experience in peer code reviews and maintaining shared coding standards

Accessibility and Standards:

• Deep understanding of WCAG 2.1 guidelines, Section 508 compliance, and ARIA specifications
• Experience testing with assistive technologies and accessibility testing tools
• Knowledge of web performance optimization, Core Web Vitals, and SEO best practices

User Experience and Collaboration:

• Strong understanding of UX/UI design principles and user-centered design
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to
• gather requirements and implement scalable solutions
• Ability to work independently while contributing to shared codebases and common standards
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts clearly

AI and Emerging Technologies:

• Awareness of AI technologies and their application in web development and user experience
• Interest in implementing AI-enhanced features and intelligent interfaces
• Understanding of ethical AI principles and privacy considerations
• Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn evolving design system practices and modern
• front-end standards

Professional Skills:

• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends
• Understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Application Instructions

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. 

Applicants who wish to submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State Application (STD. 678) revised 10/2023. The position number and job control number must be identified in the job title line of the STD 678 (these numbers will auto-populate in the job title of the STD 678 if submitting an electronic application through CalCareers Account). The hard copy application MUST be signed. Applicants who fail to submit the most current version of the STD. 678 may be disqualified.   

Note: Applications MUST include the “From dates“ and “To” dates, “Hours Per Week”, and “Duties Performed” fields for all job listed in the “Employment History” fields, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles). Applications that are submitted blank will be considered incomplete. Reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties will not be accepted. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. 

Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application information once it is submitted. For all other questions regarding your CalHR CalCareer account, you may contact the CalCareer Unit at (866) 844-8671. 

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 - Required. Please see “Special Requirements” section for further information.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Shift work, 2 days per week

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