Description:
Project Overview
The Government of Alberta (GoA) has embarked on transforming the work of government to deliver simpler, more efficient, and better services for the citizens of Alberta, thereby ensuring that the needs of Albertans are effectively met in the digital age. The Province has a strategic role within government to drive efficiencies, innovation and modernization. The Digital Design and Delivery Division (DDD) is the Province’s new centre for digital delivery. It was established to maximize capability and confidence in modern digital practice by ensuring service quality and value through standards and controls. This includes utilizing human-centred design approaches together with agile methodology and modern data practices.
DDD is currently working with Ministries across the GoA, establishing working relationships with partner Ministries throughout this engagement.
DDD’s Platforms branch is looking for three (3) experienced and motivated Senior Quality Assurance Engineers (QA Engineer) to ensure the implementation quality of large-scale enterprise platforms, products, and services. If you’re passionate about delivering enterprise solutions that ensure government services are secure, cost-effective, and easy to access, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. QA Engineer(s) will be working with modern, user-centered Agile processes within a high-performing team culture to make a meaningful impact.
QA Engineer(s) provides expertise in ensuring that solutions meet required standards of quality, performance, and security by adhering to GoA best practices and processes. QA Engineer(s) collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to plan and execute comprehensive system tests, identify defects and areas for improvements.
To succeed, a solid testing background in QA engineering is required, with experience in both functional and non-functional testing, performed manually and through automation, in an Agile environment. It is important that a QA Engineer possesses strong problem-solving abilities and fosters a culture of quality across teams. A strong foundation in current and emerging testing technologies, as well as excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, are essential. The ability to balance business acumen with project leadership expertise will be crucial in driving projects to success.
Scope of Services
The QA Engineer(s) will be required on a full-time basis, working across two (2) to three (3) projects. Time, location, and frequency of work will vary depending on the needs of the particular project. At the end of each term, it is expected that the QA Engineer(s) may work a maximum of 1,960 hours, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Province. However, QA Engineer(s) may be required to work fewer or more hours depending on the nature and needs of their work, as directed by the Province.

Services and project deliverables should evolve as the work progresses, in response to emerging user and business needs, as well as design and technical opportunities. However, the following must be delivered (iteratively) over the course of the project:

• Lead in ensuring the delivery of quality digital services:

o Create and document test plans to support frequent delivery of features with consistent and satisfactory quality;
o Create and document test cases and test scripts;
o Plan and execute system tests for functional testing including system testing and integration testing;
o Plan and execute system tests for non-functional testing including usability testing and compatibility testing;
o Perform security testing including vulnerability testing, penetration testing, authentication and authorization testing;
o Perform performance testing including load testing, stress testing, scalability testing, and response time testing;
o Perform regression testing, smoke testing, sanity testing, and exploration testing;
o Perform Application Programming Interface (API) testing including security, performance, data validation, error handling, integration testing and standards compliance testing;
o Perform mobile testing including device compatibility testing and mobile-specific testing; and

o Perform cross-browser compatibility testing.

• Lead in database testing:

o Write SQL queries to validate data in databases, ensuring the correct data is inserted, update and retrieved;
o Verify data integrity ensuring data is processed correctly and is consistent across the solution; and

o Perform data conversion testing, ensuring data integrity and accuracy in data quantity throughout the conversion process.

• Manage automation that allows for rapid and frequent delivery:

o Implement automated test suites; and

o Coordinate contributions to automated test suites.

• Contribute to defect management and best practices:

o Track defects during testing with detailed, accurate information, screenshots and logs for reproducing, following best practices;
o Create detailed bug reports and work with the team to prioritize and identify the severity; and

o Ensuring defects are properly fixed without introducing new issues.

• Support and encourage the adoption of quality practices on teams and foster continuous improvement.
• Support any initiatives regarding the use of re-usable testing components/suites, the creation of test databases or the use of AI during testing.
• Support a team in defining metrics for service quality:

o Contribute to and coordinate automated metrics collection; and
o Contribute to and coordinate automated generation of reports and artifacts on quality.
The Province and the Contractor shall determine changes to Services and Materials as required. The Province and the Contractor will determine changes to Services and Materials through the Artifacts.
Location of Work
QA Engineer(s) will primarily work remotely; however, may be required to attend meetings or work sessions in Edmonton on reasonable notice from the Province. At the time of providing such notice, the Province will advise of the expected duration of any such meetings or work sessions. However, time to travel and any associated expenses to and from Edmonton will be at no cost to the Province.
The Province reserves the right to alter this work arrangement on reasonable notice to the QA Engineer(s). The Supplier and the QA Engineer(s) will be consulted about the alteration in work arrangement; however, the Province retains ultimate discretion as to the appropriate work arrangement.
Some travel within Alberta may be required to conduct field research and user interviews. The Province will make arrangements for travel for field research and user interview purposes where possible at no cost to the province.
Facilities
QA Engineer(s) shall be responsible for providing all of their equipment, including computers, software, printers, supplies, desks and chairs. However, the Province shall ensure that the QA Engineer(s) have the necessary access and credentials to the GoA system.
In the event that the QA Engineer(s) are directed to work in-person, the Province shall provide the requisite office space, furniture and office supplies. However, the QA Engineer(s) shall continue to be responsible for providing computers and software and the Province shall continue to ensure that the QA Engineer(s) have the necessary access and credentials to the GoA system.
The virtual meeting tool for the Province is Microsoft Teams. Zoom may sometimes be used when needed, however, Zoom accounts are not provided by the Province.
Criminal Records Checks
Upon request by the Province, the QA Engineer(s) shall, at no cost to the Province, provide a current criminal record check. A QA Engineer may be rejected if, in the opinion of the Province, the criminal record is unacceptable.
Should a QA Engineer be assigned to a team working for Justice, prior to performing Services, the QA Engineer must provide the Province with an Enhanced Security Clearance. A QA Engineer may be rejected if, in the opinion of the Province, the Enhanced Security Clearance or equivalent is unacceptable. The Province does not receive any information specific to the reason an Enhanced Security Clearance may be rejected. Participating law enforcement agencies only identify if an applicant’s clearance is not accepted.
QA Engineer(s) should be aware that over the course of the WO, QA Engineer(s) may be required to complete higher-level security clearances, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Top Secret Clearance. Please ensure applicants are eligible to apply if required by the ministry.
Acceptance by the Province of all QA Engineer(s) requires written approval from the Province following acceptable security clearances.
Incumbency
Three (3) new positions.
Evaluation
The evaluation criteria will be distributed within the following categories. Subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), the evaluation of Responses shall be confidential, and not released to any party. Candidates must also achieve a minimum score of 60% in the interview to be considered for selection.
1. Requirements - 40%
2. Interview - 50%
3. Pricing - 10%
Anticipated Interview Dates: Interviews are estimated to be held between September 22 – September 26.
Mandatory Training Courses
Once hired the resource will be required to complete all mandatory training which includes but is not limited to FOIP, Security/Cybersecurity, Information Management, and Respect in the Workplace. There may also be other mandatory and/or optional training.

ALL REQUIRED EXPERIENCE MUST BE DESCRIBED IN THE RESUME UNDER THE JOB/PROJECT WHERE EXPERIENCE WAS ATTAINED.

EACH JOB/PROJECT MUST CONTAIN THE TERM OF THE JOB/PROJECT IN THE FORMAT MMM/YYYY to MMM/YYYY.

Please refer the Job description for details