Overview
About this Role
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by creating customer focused solutions that are responsive and agile; supporting a modern infrastructure, tools, architecture, and standards; to effectively provide efficient services following service level agreements. The Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) leverages data and technology to create sustainability across CDPH by creating efficient solutions that meet customer expectations and reduce waste. As well as, creating innovative solutions, strengthening partnerships and collaborations, and embracing technology.
Under direction of the Information Technology Manager (ITM) II, Chief of the Technology Integration Services Branch (TISB), the Information Technology Specialist (ITS) I provides critical technical oversight for AI and Automation initiatives deployed and being deployed at CDPH to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and support emerging program needs, audits, and compliance activities. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in enterprise governance and risk management efforts, developing foundational AI and automation architecture frameworks and processes, collaborating with the Security Operations Center and cross-functional teams to ensure appropriate monitoring and controls for automated systems, and making recommendations to improve performance, reliability, and scalability.
The ITS I performs duties within the System Engineering and Information Security Engineering domains.
Key Responsibilities
25% Assists in the design, configuration, testing, and implementation of automation and AI augmented workflows (e.g., Power Platform/robotic process automation, scripts, and integrations) that streamline recurring business and IT processes. Develops and debugs code and automation logic using only CDPH-approved AI tools and verifies all output before deployment. Documents solution requirements, test cases, and workflow logic to support maintainability and knowledge transfer.
25% Performs studies and research analysis related to technology projects; provides information technology consultation in support of business programs; coordinates and consults with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements; develops and sustains cooperative working relationships with project stakeholders; identifies infrastructure system requirements and recommends technology standards and methods to support organizational needs. Conducts research and performs analysis to recommend system upgrades, cost-effective solutions, and process improvements; troubleshoots, tracks, and conducts root cause analysis of system/database/operational issues. Acts in a leadership role and demonstrates technical versatility for lower-level staff aligning with technological modernization strategies in support of CDPH programs.
20% Assists in preparing, structuring, and validating data used by AI and automation solutions, and performs quality checks to ensure accuracy, context, and relevance. Conducts the required human review of AI-generated content prior to use, escalating anomalies, bias concerns, or accuracy issues to senior technical staff or subject matter experts. Ensures all AI/automation activities comply with CDPH data privacy, security, and Acceptable Use requirements.
15% Monitors deployed automation and AI workflows for performance, errors, and drift; performs routine maintenance and remediation under guidance; and generates status and exception reports upon request. Maintains technical documentation and adheres to CDPH governance controls, including routing any new or expanded AI use case through the appropriate review/approval process before implementation.
10% Attends and completes formal and informal training to develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to AI, automation, and emerging information technologies, including CDPH required Generative AI and information security/privacy training. Participates in self-directed learning (e.g., Microsoft Learn, Power Platform, and vendor or state-sponsored courses), knowledge-sharing sessions, and communities of practice to stay current with evolving tools, standards, and departmental policies. Applies newly acquired skills to assigned automation and AI-support tasks. Provides cross-training to ensure organizational resilience and fault tolerance to backup support personnel.
Qualifications
All employees shall possess the general qualifications, as described in California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 172, which include, but are not limited to integrity, honesty, dependability, thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Competencies The competencies required for this position are found on the classification specification for the classification noted above. Classification specifications are located on the California Department of Human Resource’s Job Descriptions webpage.
Special Requirements
Conflict of Interest (COI)
Background Check and/or Fingerprinting Clearance
Medical Clearance
Travel:
Bilingual: Pass a State written and/or verbal proficiency exam in
License/Certification:
Other:
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
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