JOB SUMMARY

Minnesota IT Services partnering with the Department of Direct Care and Treatment (MNIT DCT), is seeking highly skilled and motivated IT Quality Assurance Analysts to join our team. These positions are posted at two levels: Information Technology Specialist 4 (ITS4) and Information Technology Specialist 5 (ITS5). The positions will be filled based on the selected finalists’ qualifications.
At the ITS4 level, you will bring advanced expertise in software testing and quality assurance, ensuring the quality and functionality of application systems. You will work on complex tasks under some direction and guidance, promoting best practices in testing and collaborating with senior team members to manage software defects and ensure high-quality coding and execution.
At the ITS5 level, you will act as a lead, guiding and mentoring junior QA analysts and working independently on larger, more complex projects. You will be responsible for consulting with business representatives and development teams to ensure the testing, deployment, and adoption of solutions align with organizational goals. Your role will also include leading the planning, implementation, and release of system changes, with minimal direction and a strong focus on mentoring others in QA processes.
Both levels are essential to ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable software solutions for the Department of Direct Care and Treatment.

This position requires an employee to be onsite in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota at least 50% of the time, with some opportunity to perform work from a telework location.

• Telework for Minnesota IT Services is available on a limited basis.
• Only candidates residing in Minnesota and its bordering counties are eligible for telework.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications in their resume. Resume tips here.:
Information Technology Specialist 4:
This position requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in performing IT quality analysis functions.

Experience must include:

• Developing key QA artifacts such as test strategies, plans, cases, data, reports, and closure documentation to support business-critical testing efforts.
• Reviewing business and functional requirements and application designs to ensure quality alignment and test coverage from the outset of the development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to coordinate test schedules and manage testing activities to meet test plans, project milestones, and release timelines.
• Proficient in conducting both manual and automated regression, system, and project-related testing to validate functionality, performance, and overall software quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail, used to identify, investigate, and resolve quality issues across complex systems.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with cross-functional teams with the ability to lead QA efforts, work independently, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences.

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.
Information Technology Specialist 5:
Position requires a minimum of five (5) years of experience in performing IT quality analysis functions.

Experience must include:

• Developing key QA artifacts such as test strategies, plans, cases, data, reports, and closure documentation to support business-critical testing efforts.
• Reviewing business and functional requirements and application designs to ensure quality alignment and test coverage from the outset of the development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to coordinate test schedules and manage testing activities to meet test plans, project milestones, and release timelines.
• Proficient in conducting both manual and automated regression, system, and project-related testing to validate functionality, performance, and overall software quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail, used to identify, investigate, and resolve quality issues across complex systems.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with cross-functional teams with the ability to lead QA efforts, work independently, and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Customer-focused approach grounded in active listening, empathy, and solution-oriented problem-solving to deliver positive user experiences.

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 leading testing efforts and mentoring junior QA team members, with a strong ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Certifications in Agile or Scrum (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster, Agile Testing Certification) and experience working in Agile environments.
• Proficiency in writing queries, performing data analysis, and testing across diverse platforms (database, client-server, web applications).
• Experience managing complex projects, defining issues, proposing solutions, and leading Defect Triage meetings with stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of workflow applications and experience testing in healthcare systems or government IT environments.

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
• Education 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.

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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

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 Direct Care & Treatment (DCT). The MNIT DCT team provides essential IT support for a wide range of healthcare services, including mental health, substance abuse treatment, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that the technology needs of DCT are met, enabling them to deliver high-quality care and treatment services to Minnesotans in need.