IT Quality Analyst/Tester - ITS3 or ITS4

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking state agency as an IT Quality Analyst/Tester, where your expertise will enhance the reliability and functionality of vital software applications. This role is crucial for ensuring that systems supporting Minnesotans' well-being meet the highest standards of excellence. You will leverage your analytical skills and testing methodologies to identify defects and drive continuous improvement in software solutions. With a commitment to equity and inclusion, this position offers a collaborative environment where your contributions will directly impact the quality of services provided to the community. If you are passionate about quality assurance and want to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

6 weeks paid leave for parents

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years in IT quality analysis with strong focus on testing methodologies.
• Experience in developing test strategies and managing testing activities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure reliability and quality of software applications through testing.
• Evaluate application software and systems, identifying defects.

Skills

IT Quality Analysis

Analytical Skills

Problem-solving

Effective Communication

Collaboration

Education

Master's Degree in Information Technology

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology

Associate's Degree in Information Technology

Tools

SQL Server

Job description

IT Quality Analyst/Tester - ITS3 or ITS4

Working Title: IT Quality Analyst/Tester
Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 3 or 4
Agency: Minnesota IT Services

• Job ID: 83587
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/10/2025
• Closing Date: 02/18/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services / IT Quality Assurance
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Information Technology Specialist 3 Salary Range: $32.89 - $54.06 / hourly; $68,674 - $112,877 / annually
• Information Technology Specialist 4 Salary Range: $36.52 - $60.24 / hourly; $76,253 - $125,781 / annually
• Job Class Option: Info Tech Quality Assurance
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position serves our partners at Minnesota’s largest state agency, the Department of Human Services (DHS). The MNIT DHS team supports complex and varied technical needs, including systems that provide health care coverage, deliver child protection and welfare services, and provide support for Minnesotans with special needs including mental illness, chemical dependencies, and physical or developmental disabilities.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented IT Quality Assurance Analyst/Tester to join our team and play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and quality of our software applications. This position involves applying professional knowledge and expertise to software testing, quality assurance, and quality control processes. You will focus on evaluating the quality of application software and systems, including the coding itself—not just the outcomes of application execution. By promoting and implementing effective testing methodologies, you will help identify and manage defects, ensuring our software meets the highest standards of excellence and performance. If you are passionate about delivering top-notch software solutions and driving continuous improvement, we want to hear from you.

This position is currently eligible for full-time telework:

• Telework for Minnesota IT Services allows an employee to perform work from a telework location and an employee may be required to be in the office based on business needs and other dependencies in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
• Only candidates located in Minnesota and bordering states (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin) are telework eligible.
• The vacancy is being posted at the Information Technology Specialist 3 and the Information Technology Specialist 4 levels; the final classification will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications.
• This position is temporary and includes full state fringe benefits; it is anticipated to last two (2) years.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications in their resume.

This position requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience in performing IT quality analysis functions.

Experience must include:

• Developing business-critical artifacts, including test strategies, test plans, test cases, test data, test reports, and test closure documentation.
• Actively participating in formal reviews of business and functional requirements, as well as application design.
• Coordinating test schedules and supporting the management of all testing activities to align with test plans and release timelines.
• Performing regression testing, system testing, and other project-related testing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.

A master’s degree in Information Technology or an IT related field substitutes for three (3) years of experience, OR an IT related bachelor’s degree substitutes for two (2) years, OR an IT related associate’s degree substitutes for one (1) year.

Position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in performing IT quality analysis functions.

Experience must include:

• Developing business-critical artifacts, including test strategies, test plans, test cases, test data, test reports, and test closure documentation.
• Actively participating in formal reviews of business and functional requirements, as well as application design.
• Coordinating test schedules and supporting the management of all testing activities to align with test plans and release timelines.
• Performing regression testing, system testing, and other project-related testing activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.

A master’s degree in Information Technology or an IT related field substitutes for three (3) years of experience, OR an IT related bachelor’s degree substitutes for two (2) years, OR an IT related associate’s degree substitutes for one (1) year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in leading testing efforts or mentoring junior QA team members.
• Proficient in using SQL Server, writing SQL queries, and performing data analysis.
• Experience working on complex projects while organizing and prioritizing multiple deadlines, including defining issues and possible solutions.
• Proven ability to work independently while maintaining focus and meeting deadlines.
• Experience in leading Defect Triage meetings with project stakeholders.
• Proven experience in database, mainframe, and web application testing, demonstrating a strong ability to ensure quality across diverse platforms.
• Experience with workflow applications.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Other legally required checks

Minnesota IT Services does not participate in E-Verify. Minnesota IT Services will not sponsor applicant for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

To be considered for any Veteran's Status , you MUST indicate this on your application.

RECENTLY SEPARATED VETERANS (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. You must:

• Meet all Minimum Qualifications identified in this posting.
• Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office.

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.