Information Security Specialist

About the Organization

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

About the Role

Under the general direction of the Security Operations Manager, an Information Technology (IT) Manager I of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), the IT Specialist II (Information Security Specialist) serves as a lead for the Enterprise Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) section. The incumbent works independently and collaboratively to plan, implement, maintain, and oversee the Authority’s enterprise-wide GRC activities, with a strong focus on identifying, assessing, and managing information security risks. As a technical specialist within the Authority’s Information Security Program, the incumbent provides leadership in the development, documentation, and maintenance of information security policies, standards, and procedures; ensures effective configuration management practices; and coordinates enterprise reporting on governance, risk posture, privacy, and compliance performance.

The incumbent leads efforts to establish and maintain a consistent, repeatable risk management framework; ensures alignment with statewide and federal requirements; and drives integration of risk-based decision-making across IT and business units. Through expert-level guidance and oversight of risk identification, evaluation, mitigation, and monitoring activities, the incumbent strengthens the Authority’s security governance and elevates organizational risk awareness and accountability. These efforts enhance the Authority’s ability to manage enterprise security risk effectively and support the protection of critical assets in alignment with mission objectives.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

Desirable Skills

• Hands-on experience with AWS platforms, SaaS integration, and enterprise application architecture.
• Hands-on experience with Programming languages such as .Net, Python, etc.
• Hands-on experience with SaaS applications such as ServiceNow, Salesforce, etc.
• Experience with complex integrations, Application Programming Interfaces (API).
• Experience with generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Copilot Studio, Azure AI, etc.)
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of project management practices, the system development lifecycle, etc.
• Demonstrate a service-oriented and customer relations-sensitive attitude.
• Ability to meet business needs through innovative solutions and demonstrate a service-oriented, customer relations-sensitive attitude.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all levels of staff and management; communicate effectively with peers, other technical teams, executives, external partners, vendors, and others.
• Ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives in a fast-paced, achievement-oriented environment and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive tasks, assignments, and information.
• Ability to prepare and produce clear and concise documentation (e.g., processes and procedures, plans, technical diagrams, information security policies, etc.)
• Willingness to work excess hours to achieve business results.
• Display enthusiasm for continuous learning.

Minimum Qualifications

To learn more about the minimum qualifications, please click here.

State Hiring Process

For more information about the State hiring process, click here.

To learn more about how to get a State job, click here.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.