Become a Research Data Analyst I

• Checked
  Entry Level
• Not checked
  Supervisory
• Checked
  Full Time
• Not checked
  Seasonal
• Checked
  Benefits Eligible

This series specification describes professional research data classifications responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting studies in a variety of areas, which affect programs or systems development. Incumbents in these classifications perform quantitative and qualitative data-driven research and statistical analysis. The term research as applied to this classification series is defined as a systematic, critical, quantitative and qualitative analytical approach to data collection and querying, mining and manipulation, data quality determination, and intensive investigation directed toward either a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject or for use in the resolution and operational improvement of program-related issues. Incumbents in this series gather, compile, populate, edit, and interpret structured and unstructured data, or they create, implement, troubleshoot and monitor data reporting tools, simulation models, and procedures to assemble and structure the necessary data. Incumbents present findings in a user-friendly format, such as tabulated, charts, or dashboards, make comparisons with similar or historical data, and/or discuss the findings in writing.  Incumbents provide expert consultative services on the feasibility, impact, or potential impact on a variety of state operations, projects, or proposals to interested parties. Incumbents advise management, departmental staff, legislative bodies, governmental entities, commissions, and agencies on findings related to the assigned area of research.

Research Data Analyst I

This is the entry, recruiting and developmental classification. Under direct supervision, incumbents perform basic research, data gathering, scheduled report maintenance, and statistical work in one or more areas of a broad range of subject matters, utilizing structured and unstructured data from existing reports and resources for statewide business improvement. Incumbents are assigned duties and responsibilities commensurate with their background and training. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on proven techniques and methodologies and usually involves assignments in areas where a comparable body of knowledge and experimentation exists.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,339 - $6,922 (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other differentials.

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

Minimum Qualifications

Education
Incumbents must possess 12 semester or 18 quarter units course work in any combination of a data driven research-related field, such as economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, data science or a research-related field. This must include at least one course in statistical methods;

And

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree. Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis by applicants who have the required units mentioned above.

A Master's Degree in economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, data science or a related research-oriented field may be substituted for two years of the required experience. A doctoral degree in the same areas may be substituted for three years of the required experience.

Experience applicable to one of the following patterns may be combined on a proportional basis with experience applicable to the other pattern to meet the total experience requirements.

Experience:
Either I

One year in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Analyst II; 

Or II

Four years of progressively responsible technical research experience engaged in the collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data. (Experience applied toward this requirement must include one year of experience performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Analyst II.).

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Data analysis methods and techniques including gathering and collection of structured and unstructured data, as well as general principles, concepts and terminology used in research; planning studies and investigations; trend analysis procedures; time management techniques to provide for efficient prioritization and completion of projects and assignments; software to prepare spreadsheet summaries, reports, charts, and tables; basic arithmetic and statistical techniques to analyze numerical data; and departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to:
Research, gather, compile, and analyze structured and unstructured data; conduct and interpret descriptive statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations; prepare research and statistical reports; analyze written and numerical data regarding general governmental problems; speak and write effectively; develop and evaluate alternatives, recommendations, solutions, and conclusions or approaches to research problems; manage a workload consisting of multiple projects and assignments; complete work under critical timelines to meet project. objectives and deadlines; be objective and flexible to adapt to changes in priorities and work assignments; and gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of others, collaborate, and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications
 All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.