IT Quality Assurance (Journey) – Test Coordinator

Salary: $79,296.00 – $106,644.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

Job Type: Full Time – Permanent

Job Number: 2023-11357

Department: Dept. of Retirement Systems

Division: Project Management Division

Opening Date: 08/30/2023

Description

Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7222 or TTY Relay Service at 711.

About DRS
Here at the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), we are responsible for providing information, tools, expertise, and services that ensure our members receive the retirement benefits they earn while in public service. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and serve over 870,000 current and former public employees in Washington.

Our Customers
Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers. Our customers expect to be treated respectfully, to receive responsive service, and for the information they receive to be right. We are dedicated to our customers and to meeting and exceeding these expectations.

Our Location
Our office is located in Tumwater, part of the Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey tri-city area on the southernmost tip of Puget Sound. We are part of a community rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

Why Work for DRS?
At DRS, we are one team. Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: serving our customers. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) customer expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful.

At DRS, team members enjoy:

• $1000 COVID booster incentive with up-to-date vaccination
• A modern work environment
• Flexible and compressed work schedules
• Free parking
• Commute Trip Reduction
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement/charitable giving

Come join our team!

Duties

Note: This recruitment will remain open until we fill the position. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Applications will be reviewed weekly until the position is filled.

The DRS IT Quality Assurance (Journey) – Test Coordinator ensures that critical department systems, vital to the department’s ability to serve its customers, meet the needs of the department and produce their intended outcomes accurately. The position serves as a subject matter expert in creating and implementing software testing to safeguard department systems and the integrity of system automations prior to deployment. The IT Quality Assurance (Journey) – Test Coordinator works as a contributing member of the Testing Program to the PAS vendor for co-developing testing strategies and resolving bugs with the vendors and the project team. The main purpose of the position is to coordinate and perform the software testing activities to support the DRS systems in partnership with its technology vendors, consistently delivers functional, accurate and bug-free software, system enhancements and system changes. Tasks Include:

• Provide IT Quality Assurance testing technical knowledge and consultation to business teams, IT Business Analysts, IT Project Managers, Quality Assurance Testers, Developers, System Configuration Administrators and Database Administrators
• Coordinate testing efforts across teams and projects, develop and execute test plans and strategies;
• Analyze system requirements and creates data validation plans and test data to ensure that new and revised systems meet the customers’ data needs;
• Ensure quality assurance testing standards are practiced and applied to systems that support our agency;
• Implement the department’s testing strategies leveraging technical, analytical, and operational knowledge of department goals and objectives;
• Work collaboratively with other technical staff to ensure changes, modifications and/or maintenance and operation schedules are followed, supported, and appropriately identified in standard change management practices that supports standard system/software development life cycle;

Qualifications

Qualifications For This Position Include:

• At least four years of progressively responsible experience providing software test coordination to complex systems; conducting user acceptance testing; and researching, analyzing data and assessing business processes in a professional setting;
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in software development processes eliciting user testing requirements, analyzing and formally documenting business testing needs, processes and workflows, and using defined formats for functional use cases and business rules;
• Experience reviewing and preparing documentation including internal technical documents, system diagrams, use cases, preparing test cases, and user documentation and manuals;
• Experience in proficiently translating complex technical issues into readily understood concepts for staff, management, and the public. Ability to understand target audiences and write in explanatory and procedural styles for multiple audiences;

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in the information technology, or related field;
• Experience supporting the software testing needs of at least one (1) large scale (enterprise) system modernization effort;
• Experience with requirements traceability and testing software such as Azure DevOps (ADO), Jira, or like software;
• Professional certification in software testing or business analysis;
• Additional position-specific competencies:

Facilitating Others
Effectively organizes, coordinates and leads small groups and/or projects to accomplish specific goals. Manages change by providing the needed structure and environment for interactions to be effective. Is an effective communications link and reliable source of information for others.

Coordinating and Organizing
Effectively organizes work and coordinates activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work. Is an effective communications link and reliable source of information for others. Keeps interested parties informed of the status of events.

Planning
Accurately scopes and estimates the length and difficulty of tasks and projects. Identifies clear goals, objectives, and outcomes. Breaks down work into process steps; develops schedules and assignments, and anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks. Measures performance against goals and evaluates results.

Problem Solving
Analyzes problems to identify the root cause(s). Evaluates possible course of action; uses reason, logic and creativity to reach conclusions. Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources and constraints.

Attention to Detail
Plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. Follows processes and procedures in the completion of work. Carefully monitors the details and quality of work and double-checks work product to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Communication
Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Commitment to Diversity
Recognizes the value of diversity. Helps create an environment that embraces and supports diversity, equity and inclusion.

Supplemental Information

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to attend a skills assessment the week of September 18th or September 25th, 2023. Participation in this event is required as part of our recruitment and selection process.

Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Be sure to complete all sections of the electronic application and answer all supplemental questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work history section of the application template. Applications with comments “see attachments” will be considered incomplete. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely matches the desirable qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

Please attach the following to your online application:

• A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position;
• A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date;

Important Information:

• If you are the preferred candidate for this position, a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor will be required;
• Candidates who are current or recent state employees, we will also review the personnel file as part of our process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review;
• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment;

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran’s Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

02

How did you learn about this employment opportunity?

• The careers.wa.gov website
• The DRS website
• E-mail/text notification from DRS
• From a DRS employee
• WorkSource
• College Career Site
• Handshake
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• WA State Business Resource Group (VERG, RAIN etc.)
• From another source
• Career Fair
• Facebook

03

If you learned about this career opportunity from another source, please provide the name of the source.

04

The application process requires that you attached a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume? Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume.
• No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume.

05

Are you willing and able to undergo a criminal background check if you are the preferred candidate for this position? Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining suitability and competence to perform in this position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question