Research Data Specialist I

Job Description and Duties

The Research Data Specialist I (RDS I) independently performs technical research and statistical work, with primary responsibility for a wide range of research and analytical duties for the Department of Developmental Services (Department) Research and Data Analytics Branch, Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Section, including complex statistical data generation, manipulation, and analysis. The RDS I provide expert consultative services to department management, staff, regional center representatives, community members informing of pertinent issues and proposing corrective courses of action as needed. The RDS I must have strong analytical, critical thinking, organizational, and writing skills, extensive experience with complex data, and be able to establish and nurture collaborative relationships with internal and external entities to build, monitor, and manage highly complex projects through their lifecycles. The RDS I must also serve as a resource for staff and regional center for questions regarding official program statistics for developmental services.

Effective July 1, 2025, State employees are subject to a salary reduction of three percent in exchange for five hours per month of the Personal Leave.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Under Government Code 14200, this position is a hybrid, in-office/telework position, and may be subject to change. Incumbent can be required to report to the office, or any designated location at any time. Telework agreements can be modified and/or cancelled at any time.

Pursuant to California Government Code requirements, candidates must be residents of the State of California at the time of appointment.

All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States. The Department does not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Work requires the use of a computer. This position requires the incumbent to maintain consistent and regular attendance; communicate effectively; develop and maintain knowledge and skills related to specific tasks, methodologies, materials, tools and equipment; complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner; and adhere to departmental policies and procedures.

Special Requirements

The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be numbered in the same order as the following areas, typed in 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and be no more than two pages in length. Applicants who fail to answer the questions or submit an SOQ may not be considered.

1. Describe your experience using multiple technology platforms such as Structured Query Language, Python, and PowerBI. Give examples of how you have used such platforms to process data and perform analytic procedures.
2. Describe your experience generating and reporting actionable data to inform policy or program development.

If you are basing your eligibility on educational requirements, you MUST provide a legible copy of your degree or transcripts (unofficial is acceptable) as proof of meeting the education requirement as listed in the Classification Specification (please see the Class Specification located under “Minimum Requirements” on the left-hand side of this job posting).

Note: All foreign transcripts MUST be accompanied by a third-party academic credential evaluation. The link for the commission certification is:

If you are not basing your eligibility on an educational requirement, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File). Please redact birthdate and social security number from degree/transcripts.

***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 may be required prior to appointment. 

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:

Knowledge of: Programming skills in SQL and Python. Research methods and techniques; application of computerized models to research data; statistical and other methods used in the data analysis; and survey methods and analytical techniques.

Ability to: Communicate effectively to individuals and groups with diverse skillsets and backgrounds related to the area of research; analyze and make recommendations; plan and carry out research projects; prepare and present technical reports; establish and maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with others; work effectively with professional, technical, and support personnel; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; reason logically and creatively; analyze data and present ideas and information clearly; draft, review and edit written reports; and establish and maintain project priorities.

Benefits

As a state employee working for the Department of Developmental Services, you and your family will have access to excellent medical, dental and vision insurance benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base and length of appointment. Additional benefits may also be outlined for specific bargaining units in employee collective bargaining contracts. For more information, please visit the links below:

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

Additional Information

Electronic application submission is highly encouraged.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. This recruitment may be utilized to fill future vacancies that may occur during the life of the certification list.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate may be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the California Department of Human Resources.

All appointments are subject to State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), Re-employment List procedures, pre-employment physical and fingerprint clearances. Further information on the definition of the above may be found on the California Department of Human Resources' website at: .

If you have not taken the Research Data Specialist I exam/assessment you may find the exam for this classification at the link below. You must take and pass the exam/assessment to obtain eligibility for hire. Click to gain list eligibility.

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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and is a narrative discussion of how the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills meet the minimum and desirable qualifications and qualify them for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” ABOVE FOR INSTRUCTIONS.