Research Data Specialist III

Job Description and Duties

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking a Research Data Specialist III (RDS III). In this role, you will help CSAC and its stakeholders to use data to improve financial aid for California students.

As a RDS III on the Data, Analysis and Research Team, part of the Research, Analysis, and Program Innovation Division, you will conduct independent research and quantitative analysis. You will also model policy change scenarios; oversee and manage large-scale surveys of student populations; respond to both internal and external data requests; and assist with budget preparation and expenditure projections.

You will use your expertise to provide technical guidance and to answer questions with data to facilitate the development of new programs and policies.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
• Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artifical lighting.
• Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations.

• Current residency in the State of California is required. This position’s location is designated in Rancho Cordova, California and may be eligible for hybrid teleworking. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on CSAC’s current telework policy. While CSAC supports telework, regular in-person attendance will be required at CSAC’s Rancho Cordova location based on operational needs. Teleworking from outside the State of California is strictly prohibited.

Special Requirements

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:

• Think critically and creatively while working with and analyzing large datasets. Outstanding customer service skills.
• Familiar with the Commission’s financial aid programs and/or California higher education institutions.
• Knowledge of statistical methods and/or financial aid and education research.
• Interact with high-level policy and legislative audiences.
• Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex governmental and managerial problems.
• You have strong communication skills, including effective presentation skills, written and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

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

Additional Application Instructions

A completed application package must include the following:

• On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and Job Control Number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section.
• "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678.
• Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors.
• "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable).
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles).
• All required documents listed in the "Required Application Documents" section.
• If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include a copy of your official/informal transcripts for verification. These transcripts must include your name and the name of the school. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment.
• If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine its US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website to find organizations that provide these services.

All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your completed Application Package to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.

Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.

Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required, completed Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678).

Personally Identifiable Information:
Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any of your documents in your application package.

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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.