Examination and Research Specialist

Job Description and Duties

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is recruiting for the position of Research Data Specialist I in the Strategic Communications and Research Bureau.

The Research Data Specialist I (Examination and Research Specialist) is responsible for conducting job analyses, developing and validating employee selection tests, developing skills and scenario tests, and implementing and managing online testing systems that support entry-level tests and pre-employment assessments. Pre-employment assessments are primarily focused on entry-level knowledge examinations for peace officer and dispatcher selection, and scenario and skills testing for basic training. These projects will require working with individuals from varying backgrounds who may have differing opinions and/or levels of understanding. The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively and professionally with internal staff, external stakeholders, and subject matter experts.

Competitive candidates possess well-developed verbal and written communication skills; are dependable, tactful, methodical, and team oriented; possess strong analytical, statistical, and advanced research skills, preferably in personnel selection or a closely related field; demonstrate experience independently developing and applying research methodologies to complex issues; are proficient in interpreting and validating data and making data-driven recommendations; and capable of managing time and resources, working independently on major projects, and meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at POST headquarters in West Sacramento, CA. The office is located in a two-story building with a business park setting.

Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position. 

This position is Hybrid and may be eligible for telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Special Requirements

A fingerprint check is required.

A complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. The SOQ must be typed on an 8 ½ X 11 paper using 12-point Arial font, including the applicant’s full name and date at the top of the page. The SOQ must not exceed 2 pages in length. By submitting your application for this position, you affirm the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Failure to submit an SOQ and/or submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

In your SOQ, address each of the following areas separately. For each response, identify the employer(s), position(s), and specific duties, responsibilities, or projects that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. The experience described must be supported by the information listed in your application and/or resume.

1. Describe your professional experience in pre-employment testing, personnel selection, workforce assessment, or other areas relevant to the duties and responsibilities of this position.

2. Describe your professional experience using statistical analysis or data to address work-related issues, support recommendations, identify trends, or improve processes.

Benefits

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary 

Application Process

This position is being advertised as until filled. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application cut-off dates are as follows: November 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026.

Please note: If you are having trouble submitting your application electronically, please contact the Human Resources contact listed on this advertisement. 

Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. 

Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

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.
• School Transcripts
• Statement of Qualifications - Please see the Special Requirements section of this advertisement for detailed information regarding the required Statement of Qualifications.
• Other - Minimum Qualifications (MQs): When using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States (US), you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the to find organizations that provide these services. If you are not providing an evaluation of your degree, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).