Business Analyst 2

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Help Montana workers while building a career that puts your curiosity and problem-solving skills to work. As a Business Analyst in the Employment Standards Division’s Continuous Improvement Unit, you will turn real-world challenges into smarter systems, clearer information, and better experiences for the people we serve. If you are excited by untangling complex problems and seeing your ideas turn into visible, real-life improvements, this role keeps you close to the action. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. Position Overview: As a Business Analyst 2 with the Employment Standards Division’s Continuous Improvement Unit, you will be a key connector between business teams, project managers, and technology professionals. You will lead analysis efforts that sharpen how the Division works, from streamlining processes and improving digital services to strengthening how information is organized and shared. Partnering closely with the Continuous Improvement Manager, you will help shape tools, workflows, and communication practices so they fit real-world needs and expectations. This role is a strong match for someone who can turn complex ideas into clear plans, keep diverse groups aligned, and constantly look for better, smarter ways to deliver high-quality service to Montana workers and employers What's In It For You: Build strong collaboration and facilitation skills by working with program staff, state technology teams, vendors, and leadership on high-visibility projects that directly influence how ESD delivers services across Montana. Strengthen your analytical, testing, and change management skills as you plan, validate, and roll out new or improved systems, processes, and digital content. Develop a deep understanding of employment standards programs, data, and performance measures, and learn how to use evidence to guide decisions and show impact. Grow your documentation, communication, and training abilities by leading efforts to create clear requirements, workflows, user guides, and staff-facing materials. This full-time role offers the chance to support communities across Montana while enjoying the state’s outdoor recreation, strong sense of community, and high quality of life.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:
Business and process analysis skills: Ability to break down complex processes, identify pain points, map workflows, and define clear, actionable business requirements.
Systems and technical aptitude: Comfort learning new applications, understanding how systems support business processes, and recognizing basic data and integration concepts.
Project and change management skills: Ability to organize work, manage timelines and priorities, adapt when requirements shift, and support teams through change.
Analytical and critical thinking: Skill in interpreting qualitative and quantitative information, drawing logical conclusions, and using evidence to shape recommendations.
Communication and documentation skills: Strength in writing clear, plain-language documents (such as requirements, process maps, or guides) and explaining complex ideas to different audiences.
Collaboration and relationship building: Ability to build trust, listen to diverse perspectives, facilitate discussion, and work effectively with staff, leadership, and technical partners.
Problem-solving and innovation mindset: Willingness to question assumptions, explore options, and recommend practical solutions that improve efficiency and the experience of users.
Independence and accountability: Capacity to manage your own workload, follow through on commitments, and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
Experience leading or supporting business analysis or process improvement efforts, including gathering requirements, mapping workflows, or documenting current and future-state processes.
Skill in analyzing and translating complex information into clear, actionable recommendations or user-friendly documentation.
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders such as program staff, IT professionals, or vendors to identify needs, solve problems, and deliver system or process enhancements.
Ability to manage multiple tasks or projects, organize work effectively, and adapt to changing priorities.
Demonstrated strength in clear written and verbal communication, especially for explaining technical or analytical topics to non-technical audiences.
A Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, public administration or related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with digital tools or content management systems that support service delivery, information sharing, or process automation is preferred.
Proficiency using data and evidence to evaluate options, measure results, and guide decisions.

Responsibilities

Analyze business needs by gathering, documenting, and evaluating requirements for new projects, process redesigns, and system or content improvements, ensuring proposed changes advance the Division’s mission and priorities.
Translate requirements into clear, workable solutions by developing functional specifications, user stories, and workflows that connect business goals with what is technically possible for partners and vendors.
Assess risks and benefits by conducting cost-benefit and impact analyses, identifying gaps and dependencies, and recommending options that balance efficiency, compliance, and positive user experiences.
Plan and lead testing and validation activities, including creating test plans, executing tests, tracking issues, and confirming that system changes and content updates meet business needs before they go live.
Manage stakeholder communication by serving as a primary liaison between business users, technical teams, and vendors, helping maintain shared understanding, transparency, and alignment throughout the project life cycle.
Oversee and support content and information management for ESD websites and digital channels, promoting accuracy, accessibility, consistency, and clear information structure for internal and external users.
Drive process improvement by documenting current and future workflows across multiple business units, analyzing performance data, and recommending practical changes that improve efficiency and service quality.
Support project delivery by assisting project managers with planning, documentation, change management, and post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned and fuel ongoing improvement.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)