Research Data Specialist II

Job Description and Duties

Under general direction of the Education Research and Evaluation Administrator I in the Data Visualization and Insight Office (DVIO), the Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) is responsible for independently organizing and managing complex data analysis using TK-12 data exported from various student-level data systems, including the Department’s SQL server and data warehouse, to support a wide range of data requests from policy makers, administration, and outside agencies.

The RDS II will also compile data files, conduct data quality assurance and broad-scope research data projects, and develop novel insights to support the production of communication materials that include data visualizations to tell the data story. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with staff internal and external to the department to support data inquiries, as well as the production of one-time, short-term, and long-term reports.

The DVIO is currently entering its third year of operation within the California Department of Education. The core work of this office is to communicate the trends and analysis of data on students, teachers, and schools that are published through DataQuest. These insights help decision-makers be informed of emerging trends and enable them to take effective action on policy and programs.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

TELEWORK OPTION

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Special Requirements

Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ,”be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:

1. How does your education and experience pertain to this position?

2. Describe your experience completing a research project, data request, or data report for which you were the lead or subject matter expert. Please include your process for completing this work, how you used software application(s) SQL and/or SAS, the data analysis you conducted, how you interpreted the data results, and how you communicated your final product and responded to questions about the product.

3. Given an example of your experience where teamwork was essential to meeting a tight deadline. What role did you play? What did you do specifically to help the team succeed?

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office components, T-SQL Server, statistical software (e.g., SAS and/or SPSS), and data visualization software,

• Ability to leverage AI technologies to develop and deploy solutions and support the office mission,

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals and explain complex data concepts to a lay audience,

• Have strong interpersonal skills with ability to work collegially in teams and work independently, and

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work under pressure under stringent deadlines, be detail-oriented, have strong analytical skills, adapt to changing priorities, and have familiarity with writing documentations.

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

· Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

·401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

· Employee Assistance Program

· Commute Program

More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Important Application Information

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies:
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
• For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: .

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions. Applications without the SOQ will not be considered.