​Research Manager (Various Classes) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established April 1, 1976

Definition of Series

Research Managers are responsible for leadership of a distinct research or statistical segment of a department. They plan operations, develop staffing requirements, organize and direct the work of a group of employees, and evaluate their work. They hire and separate employees. Research Managers propose and manage budgets for their operations. They set goals, manage resources to meet these goals, and report the results to their management. They direct their operations within the context of the total department and coordinate their work and cooperate with the other parts of the department and with other organizations involved to meet overall departmental goals.

The three levels in this series cover a range from the working supervisor to the highest non-CEA level. Employees may function as generalists or specialist managers.

The basic series in this grouping is Research Manager I, II, III (General). Classes reflecting various occupational specialties are activated as needed by use of the general specification and an appropriate parenthetical designation in the title, such as Research Manager I, II (Economics); Research Manager I, II, III (Demography); or Research Manager I, II, III (Social/Behavioral); or Research Manager I, II, III (Geographic Information Systems). Emphasis is on management skills, with a background in a specific occupational area required where this is essential to informed decision making. The term research as applied to this class series, is defined as systematic, critical, intensive investigation directed toward either a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject or for use in the resolution of program-related issues. This does not include library research solely to gather information; preparing and designing plans, projects, and specifications for transportation or construction projects; or scientific research work in laboratories.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series is typically through the journey level (Research Analyst II) in the Research Analyst class series.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Level, variety, and complexity of work; independence of action and decision; supervision received; and degree of supervisory responsibilities serve as differentiating factors between individual classes. The absolute size of staff (indicated in relative terms such as "large" or "very large") is not controlling in determining a supervisor's position allocation if supervision of staff is accompanied by responsibility for consultation to top staff and responsibility for managing the work of the staff in a wide variety of broad research activities. While size of staff should normally reflect activity, scope of program, and the extent to which the head of the activity is a program manager rather than a project worker, size of staff should not be considered an absolute criterion.

The other factors which enter into level determination (particularly in borderline allocations) insofar as they directly affect the Manager's operation, are:

1. Size of research function and number of technical employees supervised.

2. Complexity of research function.

3. Sensitivity of assignment.

4. Level and location of executive to whom the Research Manager reports.

5. Responsibility for decisions made (impact of research projects on the department).

Definition of Levels

Research Manager I (Various Classes)

This is a working supervisor level responsible for a small group of analysts or equivalent employees performing journey level work. A Manager I personally performs the most difficult or sensitive work of the group.

Research Manager II (Various Classes)

This is the first full supervisory level over analytical research and administrative work. In most settings, managers at this level are in charge of a well-established and fully developed research function in a moderate to large department or an equivalent segment in a larger department. Managers II spend much of their time in supervision and management activities rather than personally performing work which can be done by a journeyperson or research program specialist.

Research Manager III (Various Classes)

This is the second full supervisory level responsible for a large and varied research function in one of the larger departments. Supervision is typically given through Managers I and II or equivalent subordinate supervisory levels.

Scope of Research Manager Classes

General

Incumbents in this parenthetical are distinguished from other Research Managers by being required to perform any combination of general management and research duties listed in the Definition of Series. The depth of knowledge required in any one discipline are not as pronounced as found in other areas. This parenthetical is most appropriate for those settings requiring a broad understanding of research or statistical methods, ability to manage analysts, and ability to synthesize data from a variety of disciplines. The general classes require an overall comprehension of management, research methodology, and statistical procedures.

Demography

Incumbents in this parenthetical specialty are distinguished from other Research Managers by being required to manage and direct research and statistical studies involving the assessment of demographic patterns such as the composition and magnitude of the population, and future population trends. The study conclusions are utilized in estimation of current and future population for the purposes of revenue estimating, tax allocation and limitation, State budget preparation, energy and environmental planning, and providing for future needs for education, transportation, water, air quality and special programs and facilities for the disadvantaged.

Economics

Incumbents in this parenthetical specialty are distinguished from other Research Managers by being required to perform, manage and direct research and statistical studies involving assessment of: the cost, supply, demand, utilization, and trends of a variety of resources, and for program planning and funding purposes. The study conclusions involve analyses of such resources as energy, agricultural products, water, utilities, air, and their impact on the environment; economic and/or labor market trends, as well as program and budget planning.

Geographic Information Systems

Incumbents in this parenthetical specialty are distinguished from other Research Managers by being required to perform, manage, and direct research and statistical studies involving various types of digital spatial data and methodologies associated with geographic information systems. The objectives and conclusions of the studies involve analyses for various purposes, including natural resources management, land use and transportation planning, emergency response planning, and health assessments.

Social/Behavioral

Incumbents in this parenthetical specialty are distinguished from other Research Managers by being required to perform, manage, and direct research and statistical studies involving the research and evaluation of individual or social aspects of human behavior. The study conclusions are utilized for test development, program planning and implementation in such areas as traffic accidents, driver behavior, health care, vocational rehabilitation, delinquency, and criminal behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

Research Manager I (General)

Experience and education which provides ability to perform successfully as a Research Manager at the level for which application is made. and Either I One year in the California state service performing pertinent research-related duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Analyst II.

Or II

Experience: Three years of pertinent professional research experience above the trainee level which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and methodology for a complete research project. (A Doctorate Degree in Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, or a related research-oriented field may be substituted for two years of the required experience or a master's degree in a similar field to that described for the doctoral degree, may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) (Research experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing the duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Analyst II.) and

Education: Graduation from college, with any major but with extensive course work in economics, psychology, sociology, geography, or a related research-oriented field. This must include or be supplemented by at least six semester hours in statistical methods.

Research Manager II (General)

Experience and education which provides ability to perform successfully as a Research Manager at the level for which application is made. and Either I One year in the California state service performing pertinent research-related duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Manager I.

Or II

Experience: Four years of pertinent professional research experience above the trainee level which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and methodology of a complete research project. (A Doctorate Degree in Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, or a related research-oriented field may be substituted for two years of the required experience or a master's degree may be substituted in a similar field to that described for the doctoral degree, for one year of the required experience.) (Research experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year of experience in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Manager I to two years equivalent to Research Analyst II.) and

Education: Graduation from college with any major but with extensive course work in economics, psychology, sociology, geography, or a related research-oriented field. This must include or be supplemented by at least six semester hours in statistical methods.

Research Manager III (General)

Experience and education which provides ability to perform successfully as a Research Manager at the level for which application is made. (Those applications showing qualifications below the minimum listed below may be eliminated without further examination.) and Either I One year in the California state service performing pertinent research-related duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Manager II.

Or II

Experience: Five years of pertinent professional research experience above the trainee level which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and method for a complete research project. (A Doctorate Degree in Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, or a related research-oriented field may be substituted for two years of the required experience or a master's degree in a similar field to that described for the doctoral degree, may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) (Research experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include at least one year of experience in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Manager II.) and

Education: Graduation from college with any major but with extensive course work in economics, psychology, sociology, geography, or a related research-oriented field. This must include or be supplemented by at least six semester hours in statistical methods.

Research Manager I (Demography)

Experience and education which provides the ability to manage and perform research and statistical studies in the assessment of demographic patterns; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager I (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Demography).

Research Manager II (Demography)

Experience and education which provides the ability to manage and perform research and statistical studies in the assessment of demographic patterns; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager II (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager I (Demography) or two years equivalent to Research Analyst II (Demography).

Research Manager III (Demography)

Experience and education which provides the ability to manage and perform research and statistical studies in the assessment of demographic patterns; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager III (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager II (Demography).

Research Manager I (Economics)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of economic resources and finances; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager I (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Economics).

Research Manager II (Economics)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of economic resources and finances and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager II (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager I (Economics) or two years of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Economics).

Research Manager I (Geographic Information Systems)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully direct and perform evaluation and research of spatially referenced geographic data; and all of the requirements specified in Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager I (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Geographic Information Systems).

Research Manager II (Geographic Information Systems)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully direct and perform evaluation and research of spatially referenced geographic data; and all of the requirements specified in Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager II (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager I (Geographic Information Systems) or two years of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Geographic Information Systems).

Research Manager III (Geographic Information Systems)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of spatially referenced geographic data; and all of the requirements specified in Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager III (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager II (Geographic Information Systems).

Research Manager I (Social/Behavioral)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of psychological and sociological behavior factors; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager I (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Social/Behavioral).

Research Manager II (Social/Behavioral)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of psychological and sociological behavior factors; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager II (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manger I (Social/Behavioral) or two years of experience equivalent to Research Analyst II (Social/Behavioral).

Research Manager III (Social/Behavioral)

Experience and education which provides the ability to successfully manage and perform evaluation and research of psychological and sociological behavior factors; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Manager III (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Manager II (Social/Behavioral).

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels (General):

Knowledge of: Research methods and techniques; public administration, including management and supportive staff services such as budget, personnel, program planning and evaluation, or related areas; employee supervision, development, and training; program management; governmental functions and organization at the State and local level as they affect departmental research functions; department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Plan, organize and manage a research function; reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical and research techniques to solve complex problems; develop and evaluate alternatives; analyze data and present ideas and information effectively; consult with and advise administrators or other interested parties on a wide variety of subjects; gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of others; review and edit written reports; use interdisciplinary teams effectively in the conduct of studies; manage a complex program; establish and maintain project priorities; and develop and effectively use all available resources; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

All Levels (Demography):

Knowledge of: Principles and concepts of demography as applied in a research and statistical setting; application and interpretation of statistical techniques to demographic data; population projections; United States Census Bureau practices data and publications; all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General); department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Manage, research and evaluate demographic studies; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

All Levels (Economics):

Knowledge of: Principles and concepts of economics, public agency finance and resources, economic research methodology; econometrics as applied in a research setting; all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General); department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Manage and perform research studies as related to economics; econometric modeling; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

All Levels (Geographic Information Systems):

Knowledge of: Principles and concepts of geography, cartography, computer mapping, and spatial analysis techniques including map overlays, spatial statistics, and proximity analysis; familiarity with various map products provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, including digital formats; familiarity with map projections and coordinate systems; all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General); department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Manage, research, and evaluate geographic studies, involving digital spatial analysis techniques such as computer mapping and geographic information systems; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

All Levels (Social/Behavioral):

Knowledge of: Principles and concepts of psychological or sociological behavioral theory; techniques and methodologies for measuring psychological or ​sociological dimensions; social problems of governmental concern; experimental design procedures and all of the requirements specified in the Research Manager (General); department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Manage research and evaluate behavior, design and validate studies; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

All Levels (Demography):

College level courses equivalent to six semester hours of advanced statistics; six semester units of research techniques; and six semester hours of demographic studies.

All Levels (Economics):

College level courses equivalent to six semester hours of advanced economics and six semester hours of public finance.

All Levels (Geographic Information Systems):

College level courses equivalent to six semester hours of geographic analysis techniques and six semester hours of data base management techniques; which may include computer cartography, remote sensing, or spatial analysis of statistical data.

All Levels (Social/Behavioral):

College level courses equivalent to six semester hours of advanced statistics; six semester units of research techniques; and six semester hours of psychological-related or sociological-related courses.

Special Personal Requirements

All Levels (General), (Demography), (Economics), (Geographic Information

Systems), and (Social/Behavioral):

Demonstrated ability to act independently; flexibility; tact.

Class History