Senior Business Systems Analyst
Apply NowCompany: County of Sonoma, CA
Location: Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Description:
Salary : $121,553.87 - $147,747.22 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/04-0163-OC
Department: Human Services Department (HSD)
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 05
Position Information
The Human Services Department (HSD) seeks an experienced IT professional to join their team as a
Senior Business Systems Analyst!
Starting salary up to $70.79/hour ($147,747/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*
The Senior Business Systems Analyst (Sr BSA) will work with Human Services Department's internal stakeholders to identify key business requirements, support technical design, and manage the development and implementation of internally developed business information systems and data engineering projects that support data-informed decision making. The Sr BSA will be responsible for working with stakeholders to clearly identify and document the department's business objectives, requirements, and pain points to ensure completion of ongoing software development and data engineering projects. They will also oversee the establishment of a comprehensive documentation framework and a standardized Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process that aligns with the specific needs of the software and data engineering team, with the goal of enhancing team efficiency, ensuring consistent project delivery, and improving overall quality and maintainability of software products. Additional responsibilities include:
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
About the Human Services Department (HSD)
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department's mission is to build upon strengths, bridging people to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.
HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Senior Business Systems Analyst position in the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified candidates who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Typically, four (4) years of full-time or its equivalent experience analyzing business processes and information systems and managing complex business projects, which must have included three (3) years of design and project management responsibility for small and medium business applications.
Education: Any combination of education, training and experience, which provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Typically, possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information processing, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
License:Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of project analysis and management on large business implementation or change management projects; methods of long-term strategic management and technical planning; business and financial best practices; methods of developing business process specifications; procedures and methods for testing business functions; principles and practices of producing effective project documentation; application software including presentation, spreadsheet and work processing applications; business systems applications in finance, and/or human resources; enterprise resource planning systems.
Ability to: Analyze, evaluate and integrate business processes and procedures; develop and document business and technical process, functions and procedures; apply the principles of business or public administration and marketing; coordinate and manage large groups of people from various business units or departments in business re-engineering projects; work closely with technical and business managers and staff in a teamwork setting; develop a solid understanding of departmental business processes and technology requirements; read and interpret a variety of technical manuals and instructions; respond to requests and inquiries from external groups and citizens, business and automated system users; employ high levels of independent judgment and decision-making in the process of problem resolution; prioritize and meet project timelines; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
03
For this question and all subsequent questions provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, which normally includes:
04
Please describe a specific IT project you worked on that included multiple stakeholders, end users, IT staff, and vendors. Include the purpose of the project, your role, the techniques you used to manage conflicting needs, analyze complex business requirements, capture the right level of details, and translate complex technical concepts into business-friendly language. Highlight any challenges you faced, how you addressed and overcame them, and the end result.
05
Please describe your experience collaborating with software developers and data engineers to ensure a proposed solution aligned with both business needs and technical feasibility.
06
Please describe how you align your documentation practices with each phase of the software development lifecycle. Highlight the tools, methods, standards, and frameworks you utilize to manage and document your project workload.
Required Question
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25/04-0163-OC
Department: Human Services Department (HSD)
Opening Date: 04/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 05
Position Information
The Human Services Department (HSD) seeks an experienced IT professional to join their team as a
Senior Business Systems Analyst!
Starting salary up to $70.79/hour ($147,747/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!*
The Senior Business Systems Analyst (Sr BSA) will work with Human Services Department's internal stakeholders to identify key business requirements, support technical design, and manage the development and implementation of internally developed business information systems and data engineering projects that support data-informed decision making. The Sr BSA will be responsible for working with stakeholders to clearly identify and document the department's business objectives, requirements, and pain points to ensure completion of ongoing software development and data engineering projects. They will also oversee the establishment of a comprehensive documentation framework and a standardized Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process that aligns with the specific needs of the software and data engineering team, with the goal of enhancing team efficiency, ensuring consistent project delivery, and improving overall quality and maintainability of software products. Additional responsibilities include:
- Translating business needs into technical requirements for the engineering team
- Aligning project objectives with the overall business strategy, ensuring the development work supports broader organizational goals
- Monitoring and reporting project progress to ensure it stays on track with business expectations
- Facilitating regular meetings, such as sprint planning, retrospectives, and requirement-gathering sessions to maintain clear communication
- Working with data engineers to ensure that data is collected, processed, and analyzed effectively
- Providing insights and recommendations based on data analysis to inform business decisions
- Identifying and proposing improvements in the development and business processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction
- Implementing agile methodologies, as needed, to meet the team's specific needs
- Participating in testing phases to ensure that the developed software meets the documented requirements and business needs
- Validating that the final product delivers the intended business value before released
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
- A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
- Four years of experience in business systems analysis, IT project management, or a hybrid role, including experience with design and project management
- Experience leading projects in public sector IT, social services, or a highly regulated environment, including managing cross-functional teams, technical projects, migrations, and system implementations
- A familiarity with HIPAA, CJIS, and other data security/privacy standards relevant to social services IT
- An understanding of government procurement, budgeting, and compliance processes
- Experience working with county or state-level Human Services IT systems (e.g., CalWIN, CWS/CMS, MEDS, CMIPS, or equivalent case management systems)
- Strong experience in project management methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall
- Familiarity with DevOps principles and ability to work with DevOps teams
- The ability to perform detailed analysis of business processes and systems, identifying gaps, inefficiencies, or opportunities for improvement
- Knowledge of CI/CD, cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), SQL, Teams, SharePoint, C#, Visual Studio, Git, Azure DevOps, and IT service management
- The ability to plan projects, including setting timelines, defining deliverables, managing resources, and overcoming potential issues or roadblocks
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate requirements and project updates clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the ability to present complex technical concepts in a simplified manner
- A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desired
About the Human Services Department (HSD)
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department's mission is to build upon strengths, bridging people to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.
HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
- Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
- Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Senior Business Systems Analyst position in the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified candidates who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Typically, four (4) years of full-time or its equivalent experience analyzing business processes and information systems and managing complex business projects, which must have included three (3) years of design and project management responsibility for small and medium business applications.
Education: Any combination of education, training and experience, which provides an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Typically, possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information processing, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
License:Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of project analysis and management on large business implementation or change management projects; methods of long-term strategic management and technical planning; business and financial best practices; methods of developing business process specifications; procedures and methods for testing business functions; principles and practices of producing effective project documentation; application software including presentation, spreadsheet and work processing applications; business systems applications in finance, and/or human resources; enterprise resource planning systems.
Ability to: Analyze, evaluate and integrate business processes and procedures; develop and document business and technical process, functions and procedures; apply the principles of business or public administration and marketing; coordinate and manage large groups of people from various business units or departments in business re-engineering projects; work closely with technical and business managers and staff in a teamwork setting; develop a solid understanding of departmental business processes and technology requirements; read and interpret a variety of technical manuals and instructions; respond to requests and inquiries from external groups and citizens, business and automated system users; employ high levels of independent judgment and decision-making in the process of problem resolution; prioritize and meet project timelines; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination(weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: EP
HR Tech: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
- Craigslist
- Dice
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- Press Democrat
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Start Here!
- X (Twitter)
- Veterans Services Office
- Women's Organization or Group
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
- I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
- I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
- I am only interested in full-time positions
03
For this question and all subsequent questions provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, which normally includes:
- Four years of full-time or its equivalent experience analyzing business processes and information systems and managing complex business projects, which must have included three years of design and project management responsibility for small and medium business applications; AND
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information processing, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field
04
Please describe a specific IT project you worked on that included multiple stakeholders, end users, IT staff, and vendors. Include the purpose of the project, your role, the techniques you used to manage conflicting needs, analyze complex business requirements, capture the right level of details, and translate complex technical concepts into business-friendly language. Highlight any challenges you faced, how you addressed and overcame them, and the end result.
05
Please describe your experience collaborating with software developers and data engineers to ensure a proposed solution aligned with both business needs and technical feasibility.
06
Please describe how you align your documentation practices with each phase of the software development lifecycle. Highlight the tools, methods, standards, and frameworks you utilize to manage and document your project workload.
Required Question