Data analyst

CAREER DESCRIPTION

DATA ANALYST

Please note that this position will be filled as limited-term.

Limited term positions are funded for a specific duration—this assignment is estimated to last approximately three (3) years. While limited in funding, incumbents appointed to limited-term roles receive the same benefits as regular employees. All limited-term positions are subject to the same probationary period as regular-status positions within the same classification.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the needs of OCERS have been met. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Data Analyst recruitment.

WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $25 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.



Mission

OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.



Vision
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.



Values

• Open and Transparent
• Commitment to Superior Service
• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
• Reliable and Accurate
• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY

OCERS is seeking an experienced Data Analyst to support the implementation and ongoing operations of our new pension administration system (PAS), Horizon. This role is critical in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and usability of OCERS’ data assets. The Data Analyst will play a key role in data cleansing, governance, integration, and reporting, while partnering with internal departments and external employers to ensure successful adoption of Horizon.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Quality & Cleansing

• Lead data profiling, validation, and cleansing activities to ensure accurate migration and integration with the Horizon PAS.
• Identify and resolve data inconsistencies, duplicates, and errors across multiple sources.
• Develop repeatable processes to maintain high data quality standards post-implementation.

Data Governance & Policy Development

• Help develop and implement a comprehensive data governance framework for OCERS.
• Define and document data standards, ownership, and stewardship roles.
• Ensure compliance with data management best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.

Collaboration with Internal & External Stakeholders

• Collaborate with employers to define, implement, and support data exchanges between employer systems, the existing PAS, and Horizon.
• Serve as a liaison between OCERS business units, IT, and external stakeholders to resolve data-related issues.

Data Platform & Integration

• Support the establishment of a centralized data estate in Microsoft Fabric (or other appropriate environments) to enable analytics, reporting, and secure data access.
• Define requirements and support the design of data pipelines, integrations, and automated workflows between systems.

Reporting, Analytics & Dashboarding

• Design, develop, and maintain dashboards and reports in Power BI or Tableau to provide actionable insights.
• Collaborate with OCERS departments (including Member Services, Finance, Communications, HR, Legal, and IT) to develop dashboards that improve business processes and support decision-making.
• Monitor and optimize dashboard performance to ensure timely and accurate reporting.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Data Analyst role for OCERS Horizon project will have a specialized focus on enterprise data management, governance, and transformation in support of the Horizon pension administration system.

Key distinguishing elements include:

• Enterprise Data Focus – Direct responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, quality, and integrity of OCERS’ core pension and member data during and after migration to the Horizon PAS.
• Data Governance Leadership – Plays a lead role in developing OCERS’ data governance framework, establishing standards, and promoting data stewardship across departments.
• Employer Collaboration – Serves as a primary point of contact with external employers to define, establish, and maintain automated data exchanges critical to both current and future PAS operations.
• Cross-Departmental Impact – Unlike other data roles, this position partners with all OCERS business units (including Member Services, Finance, HR, Communications, Legal, and IT) to deliver dashboards and insights that directly improve organizational processes.
• Strategic Systems Contribution – Supports the creation of OCERS’ long-term data estate within Microsoft Fabric (or similar environments), shaping how data is integrated, secured, and leveraged across the enterprise.
• Advanced Analytics – Distinctly emphasizes visualization and insight delivery through Power BI and Tableau, going beyond reporting to support data-driven decision making.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience of experience as a Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or similar role, ideally in public sector, financial services, or pension administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in data cleansing, validation, and transformation.
• Hands-on experience with data governance frameworks and best practices.
• Proficiency in Power BI and/or Tableau for dashboard design and analytics.
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large, complex data sets.
• Familiarity with cloud data platforms (Microsoft Fabric, Azure, or similar).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across business and technical teams.

SPECIAL NOTES, LICENSES, OR REQUIREMENTS

• A valid California class C driver’s license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel; may be required to use personal vehicle.
• A complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be a disqualifying factor from employment.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience of working with pension systems or other financial/benefits administration platforms.
• Knowledge of ETL/ELT tools and modern data integration patterns.
• Familiarity with data privacy, security, and compliance requirements in the public sector.

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Please click here for additional details about the Data Analyst classification.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:



Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of data management, cleansing, and validation.
• Data governance frameworks, standards, and best practices.
• Database systems (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, or other relational databases) and querying languages.
• Data integration and exchange methods, including ETL/ELT processes and API-based data sharing.
• Pension administration systems or similar benefits/financial systems (preferred).
• Cloud-based data platforms such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure, or equivalent.
• Reporting and visualization tools, including Power BI and Tableau.
• Best practices in data privacy, security, and compliance, especially in the public sector.
• Project management principles, particularly in relation to system implementation and data migration.

Skills in

• Data profiling, analysis, and transformation to ensure quality and consistency.
• Building and maintaining dashboards, reports, and visualizations that provide actionable insights.
• Using SQL and other query tools to extract, analyze, and manipulate large data sets.
• Designing and supporting data exchanges with external employers and systems.
• Documenting processes, standards, and requirements for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Communicating effectively, both in writing and orally, with diverse audiences.
• Facilitating cross-functional collaboration to gather requirements and deliver solutions.

Ability to

• Develop and enforce data governance policies that promote accountability and data stewardship.
• Work with business units and external employers to define, implement, and sustain data exchanges.
• Analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and recommend practical, data-driven solutions.
• Translate technical data concepts into clear business language for decision-makers.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high attention to detail.
• Build strong working relationships across departments, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
• Anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of a new pension administration system (Horizon).
• Uphold OCERS’ mission and values by ensuring data integrity that supports accurate, timely member services.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following attributes:

• Data-Driven Mindset – A passion for using data to solve problems, improve processes, and drive organizational success.
• Technical Proficiency – Skilled in SQL, data cleansing, data integration, and modern analytics platforms such as Power BI or Tableau; comfortable working in cloud-based environments like Microsoft Fabric or Azure.
• Strong Communicator – Able to translate complex data concepts into clear insights for both technical and non-technical audiences, including OCERS leadership, staff, and external employers.
• Collaborative Partner – Works effectively across diverse departments (Member Services, Finance, HR, Legal, IT, and Communications) and with external employers to build solutions that meet shared goals.
• Strategic Thinker – Sees beyond immediate reporting tasks and actively contributes to the development of a long-term data governance framework and data estate.
• Adaptable Problem-Solver – Comfortable navigating the challenges of a large system implementation and able to balance competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Mission-Oriented – Brings a public service mindset, with a commitment to ensuring that data integrity and governance support OCERS’ long-term ability to serve its members.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Speak and hear well enough to communicate in English clearly and understandably in person, over the telephone, and in small groups.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders repetitively to operate a telephone, keyboard, write, and use a calculator.
• Mental stamina to interact professionally with members of the Board of Retirement, Participating Employers, peers, and members.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print and a computer monitor.
• Independent body mobility, agility, and stamina to stand, walk, stoop, bend, and twist, to access a standard office environment.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Body strength sufficient to lift up to 15 pounds and carry files.

Environmental Conditions

• The primary work place is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment.
• Peripheral office equipment generates a quiet, moderate noise level.
• Operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs.
• Out of area travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE

OCERS Human Resources Department will screen all applications and supplemental responses to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified of all further procedures applicable to their application status.



Application Rating (AAP)
(Refer/Non-Refer) Application materials will be rated by a panel of job knowledge experts for those qualifications most needed to perform the duties of the job. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. All notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent via e-mail.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel (QAP)(Weighted 100%) Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

HOW TO APPLY
You may apply to this position online via the OCERS Job Board. Only online applications with completed supplemental questions will be accepted.


It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your online application. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sarah Abrahamson at (714) 569-4818 or email [email protected].

Please do not submit resumes to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION


Email is the primary form of notification throughout the recruitment process. Please ensure that you include your correct email address in the application and that you use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocers.org." If your email address should change, please update your profile at



APPLICATION INFORMATION

Please note, the information provided in your application may be shared internally within OCERS to evaluate your qualifications for potential opportunities in other teams or departments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

EEO INFORMATION

OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Administrative Management Benefits


Administrative Management employees enjoy a comprehensive selection of enhanced benefits, including:

• Retirement: Participation in the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), a defined benefit pension plan. Learn more about OCERS plans and pension benefits here: OCERS Active Member Information.
• Optional Benefit Plan (OBP): An annual amount of $3,500, which may be received in the form of lump sum payment (taxable) or other available benefit choices.
• Paid Leave
  • 12 paid holidays per year
  • Accrued annual leave
• Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts: Flexible spending accounts to help cover eligible medical and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Dental Insurance: Provided to team members and eligible dependents at no cost.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: $100,000 AD&D coverage, with the option to purchase additional coverage including dependent coverage.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance programs are provided at no cost to employees.
• 457 Defined Contribution Program: Voluntary retirement savings program with tax-deferred contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $10,000 maximum annually.

For a complete overview of our benefits, please visit the OCERS Benefits Page.