Become a Research Data Specialist III

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  Entry Level
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  Supervisory
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  Full Time
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  Seasonal
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  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 Specialist III

Under general direction, incumbents are required to determine the scope and parameters of research criteria and perform the most complex research and data analysis projects involving research and development of innovative or undefined methods for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data; identifying new strategies or sources for collecting data; coordinating data migration efforts, and assessing patterns to forecast future impacts and trends. The outcomes are used to advise department officials and state leaders in areas where programs or systems are being proposed or existing programs with a major impact. Senior departmental management view these incumbents as individuals who are widely recognized as having distinguished herself/himself in a special field of knowledge.  Incumbents serve as the department's top expert in that field. Incumbents may advise executive staff on complicated research projects and studies.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$8,148 - $10,505 (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 of experience in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Research Data Specialist II,

Or II
Six years of progressively responsible quantitative and qualitative data 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 at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Data Specialist 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.

Design and implement research-related projects; practices required to ensure and maintain data security, including securely transmitting confidential data; experimental design procedures; problem-solving techniques and processes to identify and resolve issues related to the completion of work assignments; and advanced mathematical techniques and descriptive statistical analysis techniques and methods.

Understand principles and concepts applied in research and statistical settings; principles and concepts appropriate to data and research techniques and methodologies; operations research methods; current data analytics processes, including the utilization of business intelligence software programs; broad principles of algorithms, data structures, and data management; application of computerized models to research data, statistical and other methods used in the analysis; survey methods and analytical techniques; organizational analysis including data presentation and interpretation; principles and procedures of forecasting, and of research planning, design, methodology; problem solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments.

State, federal and departmental regulations; benefit-cost analysis; complex database design and structure to understand and complete research projects and assignments; and project management principles in order to design projects (e.g., define schedules, tasks, milestones, deliverables).

Advanced automated processes for capturing data and applying quality control procedures to design and implement complex research projects; current leadership techniques and their application to ensure effective oversight of project team members; project management principles to monitor project progress and conduct final project evaluation; and function as lead for complex large scale research projects.

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.

Query, mine, analyze, and manipulate data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups related to the area of research; present ideas and information effectively; adapt and apply formal research methods and principles to research problems; design and validate studies and analyze the accuracy of data collected; analyze quantitative and qualitative data to reach sound conclusions and/or make recommendations; identify improvements and originate and develop new solutions which depart from traditional and existing patterns; identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project; reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex research and data problems; consult with and advise administrators or other interested parties on a wide variety of subject-matter areas; recognize when issues, activities, and/or decisions need to be elevated to management, and communicate information effectively to others.

Plan and carry out large scale research and data projects; prepare and present reports and data models; adapt and apply complex research methods and principles to research problems of an applied practical nature; identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project; identify data needs of complex analyses and evaluate adequacy of existing data to meet these needs; develop procedures for collection and integration of data sources; design and test complex data base structures for storage and manipulation; access and process data located on large databases, servers, mainframes and/or desktop computers; design and conduct a complex research project and/or validating studies; conduct program evaluation studies including the systematic analysis of program requirements, goals, and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness; analyze and evaluate the impact of programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies; develop documents related to data processing and analysis procedures for research projects and assignments to be used as a future resource; determine how a system or process works and how utilizing new inputs, operations, and environmental conditions would affect outcomes; function as a technical lead for complex projects to ensure timely completion; provide technical assistance to professional personnel; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others, and with stakeholders; communicate with internal and external stakeholders with diplomacy and tact, especially concerning difficult and sensitive issues.

Translate legislatively mandated program evaluation requirements into methodically rigorous study designs; translate departmental policy into action programs and/or test the impact of policy changes; evaluate the adequacy and merit of proposed research and evaluation study designs and techniques; provide expert consultation on the feasibility impact or potential of a variety of operations, projects or proposals to the department and to other organizations; analyze and evaluate the impact of changes to existing programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies; use creativity when independently designing research projects; and write clear and concise studies and reports; design and develop research methodologies required to ensure the collection and analysis of appropriate, meaningful, and unbiased data; conduct and interpret descriptive and/or inferential statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations; analyze situations accurately and take effective action at the appropriate time; and provide mentoring to staff.

Present complex quantitative and qualitative data visually using charts, graphs, tables, and other appropriate methods in order to complete reports and/or develop presentations; design and implement advanced automated processes utilizing statistical software for capturing data and applying quality control procedures to design and implement research projects work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously to finish assignments on time and within budget; develop and prioritize short-range and long-range plans and schedules that coordinate with operating goals and objectives of the department; and facilitate meetings and discussions in a manner that ensures participants remain focused on the intended topic and encourages active participation.

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

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