Research data analyst

Under general supervision of the Research Data Supervisor I (RD Sup I), the Research Data Analyst II (RDA II) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and reviewing for the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), cost management data including budget and cost forecast and providing accurate and timely reporting of cost data. The incumbent is responsible for exporting and mapping cost data from Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) to EcoSys, budget tables for Business Oversight Committee (BOC) items, for financial, budget, cost management, and reporting. The RDA II is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the project and the performance of contractors against the budget to the Authority.

The incumbent must have knowledge of accounting principles, governmental budgeting, and state financial systems (like the uniform accounting system and FI$Cal). They must be able to apply these principles, analyze data effectively, and make sound decisions and recommendations regarding departmental budgets. High-level technical skills with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and an aptitude for learning and working with technology are essential.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.


While working on site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled cubicle which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. Incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and video display terminal and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees may be required to travel outside of their workstation to perform general tasks.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-503761

Position #(s):

311-320-5731-801

Working Title:

Cost Team Analyst

Classification:

RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II

$6,647.00 - $8,325.00 A

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.

For additional information please visit

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

Department Website:

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. An SOQ is a narrative that describes your qualifications for this position. The SOQ must be no more than two (2) pages, 12-point font, organized and numbered as reflected below. You must respond to all the following items. Applicants who do not follow these requirements may be disqualified from the hiring process.

1. Describe your experience with monitoring detailed projects by *Work Breakdown Structures, *Task Orders and *Notices to Proceed.

• Methods used in project management

2. Describe how your experience and skills are a good fit for this role.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 1/26/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.


Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

CA High Speed Rail Authority

High Speed Rail Authority

Attn: Human Resources (MP)

770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

CA High Speed Rail Authority

High Speed Rail Authority

Human Resources (MP)

770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4

Sacramento, CA 95814

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.

Other - Provide unofficial transcripts if you meet minimum qualifications based on education. If you are using foreign transcripts, you must provide a transcript evaluation. Organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at . If selected for this position, official transcripts may be required. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or engineering preferred.
• 3 or more years of experience in financial and reporting roles.
• Experience in understanding of data privacy, protection regulations (such as GDPR), and best practices for ensuring data security and integrity.
• Experience with detailed project Work Breakdown Structures and/or Task Orders and NTP's.
• Expert-level data analytics skills.
• Experience with contracts.
• Knowledge of and experience in governmental accounting.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, SPSS) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Cost Management System (EcoSys).
• Expert-level Excel skills, including pivot tables, XLOOKUPs, Power Query, analysis, reconciliations, reporting, and the creation of ad hoc reports.
• Experience with FI$Cal or similar accounting systems (e.g., Hyperion, PeopleSoft).
• Experience and knowledge of financial management systems.
• Experience with database management, data warehousing, and the ability to query, validate, and synthesize data from various sources.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and research skills with a proven ability to solve complex problems.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.


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

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Humane Resources
(916) 669-6606
[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
[email protected]

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Location

The High-Speed Rail Authority headquarters building is located in downtown Sacramento on the corner of 8th and L Street. We are located one block away from the 8th and Capitol light rail stop, as well as the 7th and Capitol light rail stop. The building is also within walking distance of DOCO, the California State Capitol Park, a farmer’s market during summer months, and Old Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.