Record Linkage Specialist / Workforce Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties

California’s long-awaited statewide Cradle-to-Career Data System has launched. You can help build a statewide system that brings together existing data with an aim of addressing barriers to opportunity from early learning, through K-12, college, and career.

We are hiring two (2) Research Data Specialist IIIs from this recruitment:

• A Record Linkage Specialist to develop and implement strategy and code for linking workforce data in the C2C Data System. This role will lead the development of the linking methodology by conducting research on the workforce data domain and related policy and convening external partners to build consensus. 
• A Workforce Data Specialist to lead data analysis that focuses on workforce data, including topics like job placement and value-added earnings calculations. Activities will include analytic strategy development, code development, code review, data validation, and data export. This role will conduct data analysis and share it with a wide audience, including internal staff and external partners. 

We are looking for leaders who are excited to build something new with a small, entrepreneurial team. Our ideal candidates are passionate about reproducible data analysis, research, design thinking, and collaboration. We are looking for candidates who are experienced in implementing state, federal, and industry standards and best practices. Your work will be challenging, fun, and focused on enabling Californians to build a more equitable future.

About these Roles

As the Record Linkage Specialist, you will link and analyze data for the data system and the creation of analytical products. This includes:

• Develop methods and strategy for data linkages that support data analysis, including workforce data.
• Develop and support processes for bringing in new data and new data sources.
• Collaborate with Data Programs and Data Infrastructure teammates to implement data linkage methods and strategy.
• Develop effective documentation for analyses and processes, including data linkage methods.
• Apply principles of user-centered design to ensure data analysis meets the requirements and expectations of its users.

As the Workforce Data Specialist, you will conduct data analysis on workforce data, including analysis of program participant wages and post-program earnings. This includes:

• Develop methods and strategy for relevant data analysis, including analysis of workforce data.
• Conduct activities related to reproducible analysis in secure data environments, including C2C’s secure data enclave.
• Apply principles of user-centered design to ensure data analysis meets the requirements and expectations of its users.
• Engage in iterative feedback loops with both internal and external stakeholders to refine and improve the work products continuously.
• Communicate with external partners through multiple methods, including presentations, written reports, and memos.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program:

The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check (see Education Code 10873).

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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:

Record Linkage Specialist Only: 

• Abilility to review research questions and recommend variables and record linkages required to accomplish analytic goals.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical programming languages like SQL, R, and Python to prepare data for analytical use.
• Experience using SQL in data warehouses and in enterprise data environments.
• Knowledge and experience with governance and technical elements of importing data.
• Preparing and maintaining clear documentation about data analysis strategy and methods, especially as it relates to record linkages and matching.
• Communicating technical information to a variety of audiences, including technical staff, executive staff, and the public.
• Design thinking, including rapid prototyping and iterating based on user feedback.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills; ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across the enterprise.
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities and quickly respond to urgent matters
• Reproducible research principles, including collaborative coding using version control systems like Bitbucket.

Workforce Data Specialist Only: 

• Building pipelines in SQL, R, Python, or a related programming language to prepare data for analytical use.

• Conducting data analysis using SQL in an enterprise data environment, including producing summary statistics, communicating findings, and collaborative development activities.

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills; ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across the enterprise.

• Ability to adjust to changing priorities and quickly respond to urgent matters.

• Design thinking, including rapid prototyping and iterating based on user feedback.

• Communicating technical information to a variety of audiences, including technical staff, executive staff, and the public.

• Reproducible research principles, including collaborative coding using version control systems like Bitbucket.

• Knowledge and experience with governance and technical elements of importing data.

Benefits

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

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
• U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

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.