Research Data Specialist I

Job Description and Duties

This is a 12-month limited term position, may be extended up to 24 months, with the possibility of becoming permanent.

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

As a RDS I on the Data, Analysis and Research Team, you will conduct research and quantitative analysis. You will also serve as the point of contact for the analysis of program-level data for the Workforce Pell program and respond to both internal and external data requests regarding the Workforce Pell program. You will assess proposed legislative changes and model impacts to program administration and agency resources and will interact directly with a wide range of stakeholders.

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

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is presently headquartered at 11120 International Drive, Suite 100

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. This position may also be expected to report to the Downtown Sacramento location at 1102 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

• Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment.
• Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artificial lighting.
• Attend meetings in de signated 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, CA and may be eligible for hybrid teleworking. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on the 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.

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:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, and have experience with SQL query language, data visualization software such as Tableau, and/or statistical software such as SAS, STATA, R, or SPSS.
• Think critically and creatively while working with and analyzing large datasets.
• 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.
• 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 complete application package must include the following:

• On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and the 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 unofficial/informal transcripts for verification. 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 the 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 should be included 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 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 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.