Job Title: Quality Assurance and Testing Specialist

Work Arrangement

• This position follows a hybrid model, requiring on-site presence at 5700 Yonge St. (North York) for 2-3 days per week, or as directed by the manager.

CRJMC clearance is ideal but not a must have

Core Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on test strategies, planning, tool selection, and resource identification to ensure effective testing processes.
• Lead and coordinate comprehensive testing efforts for complex systems across both Graphical User Interface (GUI) and non-GUI environments. This includes system integration testing, specialized testing, and user acceptance testing such as performance and stress testing.
• Develop and execute detailed test plans, scripts, and cases across system components. Collaborate closely with testing and IT leads, as well as project teams, throughout the analysis, design, development, implementation, and ongoing system support phases.

Technical Expertise

• Work collaboratively with business analysts, stakeholders, and team members to define and understand user stories and requirements.
• Design and execute comprehensive test cases focusing on both functional and non-functional aspects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of case management solutions, web-based front-end technologies, and data-mining/reporting tools.
• Strong grasp of SDLC methodologies, ITIL processes for change/release management, relational databases, and SQL-based data query tools.
• Familiarity with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and related standards.
• Create and implement detailed test strategies aligned with project timelines and goals.
• Conduct early-stage testing to reduce future defect remediation costs and durations.
• Execute manual and automated test cases, track and analyze defects, and identify root causes.
• Report defects using tools such as Azure DevOps and follow through until resolution.
• Monitor performance, uncover system vulnerabilities, and ensure data/resource protection.
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive test summary reports and lead UAT activities to secure final approvals.

General Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing and executing large-scale test initiatives.
• Familiar with structured development methodologies for application lifecycle management.
• Skilled in using CASE tools, automated testing platforms, and version control systems.
• Extensive experience in various testing types: unit, integration, system-level, load, and performance.
• Capable of supporting UAT processes and validating both technical and business functionality.
• Knowledge of the full SDLC, combined with strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated team collaboration, creativity, and deadline adherence.
• Proficiency with automated testing tools.

Preferred (Desirable) Skills

• Programming experience in at least one language.
• Knowledge of object-oriented testing methods and information management principles.
• Experience working with COTS applications (e.g., Curam, Case Management systems).
• Prior exposure to testing child welfare applications.
• Hands-on experience using Azure DevOps for test management.
• QA leadership experience, including mentoring junior testers and guiding test automation initiatives.

Communication & Project Management

• Understanding of project management principles, including task estimation, scheduling, and oversight.
• Ability to develop documentation and knowledge transfer materials for continuity and onboarding.
• Strong communication skills to interact with stakeholders, BAs, PMs, developers, and clients effectively.
• Contribute to a phased knowledge transfer approach to build internal capabilities.

Agile Methodologies

• Hands-on experience working within Agile project environments.
• Familiarity with Agile tools and practices, particularly within Azure DevOps.
• Ability to prioritize testing tasks, clarify acceptance criteria, and collaborate with product owners and cross-functional teams.