Research Data Specialist II

Job Description and Duties

Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy must have eligibility. If you are new to state service or need to gain eligibility to this classification, please to open the examination bulletin and follow the instructions on “How to apply”. 

The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.  Please be sure to follow all instructions for each process.  

Virtual interviews via web portals or phone may be offered as deemed appropriate and feasible by the hiring manager – standard in-person interviews will still be offered if conditions permit.

Under the general direction of a Program and Project Supervisor, the individual filling the position will assist the team's efforts to understand the extent to which certain portions of California's residents do not have access to broadband service. This Research Data Specialist II will also provide the team with the capability to analyze why there are gaps in both availability of and subscription to broadband services at the service address level.

This individual has these other responsibilities:

• Create data requests to collect granular data on actual locations served by broadband providers.
• Conduct quality assurance/quality control with regard to granular data submitted.
• Geocode granular data using broadband serviceable location fabric.
• Conduct geographic analysis to evaluate granular broadband availability data and incorporate other data such as socioeconomic data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
• Create maps to visualize conclusions of geographic analysis.
• Perform geographic analysis and create maps as needed to support staff, Commissioner offices, and  respond to inquiries from the Legislature and other state agencies.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position requires travel.

This is a hybrid position that will require the selected candidate to report to their assigned headquarter office a minimum of two (2) days a week. Hybrid positions may be eligible for telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. In accordance with CPUC Telework Policy, telework arrangements are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time.

Special Requirements

Prepare and submit a response for each question below. The SOQ should provide specific details and examples that clearly demonstrate how your training, experience, and education qualifies you for the position. Refer to the job description and duties, and duty statement to prepare your response. Applicants who do not submit a completed SOQ and writing that exceeds the page limit will not be considered or scored. All information in the SOQ is subject to verification. The SOQ must be no smaller than 11-point Arial font, single-spaced, and no more than two pages.

Please number your responses in the same order as the questions are listed, 1- 3. Do not consolidate your responses.

1. Describe your experience in using geospatial software programs and business intelligence software programs (such as ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, Phyton R and Tableau).
2. Describe your experience with analyzing complex quantitative and qualitative data visually using charts, graphs, tables, maps and other appropriate methods to produce research reports and presentations.
3. Describe your experience in designing/directing complex research projects utilizing business intelligence software programs to query, validate, format, and organize structured and unstructured data to forecast trends and assess potential impact of new or revised policies and procedures.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see the Work4CA guide.

It is strongly encouraged to apply through your CalCareer Account at

Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer Account are highly recommended and will be received/processed faster than other methods of filing .

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position,  you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency by the application deadline. Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at 

Employment information on the STD 678 State Application MUST be complete with dates, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Resumes, or referring to resumes, will not be accepted in place of the completed STD 678. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD 678 will not be considered.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Per CCR 249.3, this job control may be used to fill subsequent vacancies.   

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:

• Familiarity with broadband policies and data in California and at the national level.
• Experience in working with large data-sets.
• Experience in writing research reports or memorandums.

Benefits

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 - (SOQ) is required. Please see “Special Requirements” for instructions.