SB125 Transit Data Scientist

Under general supervision, the CalSTA SB125 Transit Data Specialist (RDS II) will independently perform a variety of tasks including data management, complex research development and execution, data analysis/visualization, and reporting on policy impacts and actions to take. The RDS II will lead collaboration with a variety of teams inside and outside CalSTA and the Caltrans Division of Data & Digital Services, translating transit policy into data products with plans for ongoing maintenance and iteration. The RDS II will independently seek and incorporate user feedback, develop and update products in an iterative and agile manner using version control (Github) and statistical/data science programming tools (mainly Python). The RDS II will lead the development of SB125-related data collection, performance metrics and data products for statewide use. The RDS II will be the technical lead for public-facing transit analytics products, including data hosted on the Caltrans Open Data Geoportal or web-hosted visualizations/dashboards supporting the implementation of SB125 and related initiatives by Caltrans including the California Integrated Mobility Program. The RDS II will be part of a community of practice with other data analysts and provide peer support for their work as requested.


Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Research Data Specialist II exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

PARF#91-26-0020 JC#518733


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Position is located at 400 Capitol Mall, Suite 2340 Sacramento, Ca 95814

This is a Limited Term position which may be extended to 24 months or become permanent.


This position involves teleworking and reporting to the office as needed and/or required. The incumbent is required to comply with telework agreement policies and procedures.


While at their base of operation, employee will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting.


Employee may be required to sit for long periods using a keyboard and video display terminal to review and access information. The employee may also be required to work after hours as needed.


New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-518733


Position #(s):
703-008-5758-XXX

Working Title:
SB125 Transit Data Scientist


Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


Shall Consider:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A


# of Positions:
Multiple


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time


Department Information
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) develops and coordinates California's transportation policies and programs to achieve the state's mobility, safety, equity and environmental sustainability objectives. Our agency oversees the policies and activities of California's eight state organizations that deliver transportation-related programs and services and support the movement of people and goods throughout the state.


Mission: We lead people-first transportation programs and policies to enhance safety, equity, climate action and economic prosperity for all Californians.


Vision: Whoever you are, wherever you live, every person has access to a safe, sustainable and convenient transportation system throughout California.


Department Website:


EEO Contact Info:

Name: EEO Office

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


Special Requirements All applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) as part of their application. This document is intended to highlight your interest in the position, as well as your relevant knowledge and experience.


The SOQ should be typed and no more than two pages in length, utilizing Arial 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. The page should include your name at the top of the page and must include a response to the questions below:


1. Please describe your experience with analyzing quantitative data to answer research questions or business questions. Please describe the specific tools or methods you have used or are familiar with.


2. How do planning decisions made by transit operators and right of way managers, such as Caltrans, affect the experience of riding public transit in California? Which data do you think is most relevant to empower agencies to implement changes that will reduce wait times and speed travel times, and how would you design a tool to present that data?


3. How would you approach assembling a dataset for transit grant making and reporting purposes? What data would you request? On what frequency?


Applications without a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) will not be considered for this position.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or . Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/28/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).


Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY
Attn: Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
PO Box 168036


Sacramento , CA 95816-8036


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY
Drop-Off Address
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
Department of Transportation, Division of Human Resources
1727 30th St, MS - 90
Sacramento , CA 95816
Closed on weekends and holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:
Please see duty statement.



Benefits
Click HERE to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
Karlee Wootan
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io
Hiring Unit Contact:
Hunter Owens
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
View phone number on click.appcast.io
View email address on click.appcast.io
California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Important Application Instructions:


The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-518733), PARF# 91-26-0020 and title of the position (Research Data Specialist II or I) must be included on the STD. 678 form.


Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.


Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.


NOTE: Do not submit the "Equal Employment Opportunity" questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this 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, birth date, driver's license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.


Survey


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Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.