​​​​​​Research Data Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Salary Information

Description of Series

This series specification describes professional research data classifications responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting studies in a variety of areas, which affect programs or systems development. Incumbents in these classifications perform quantitative and qualitative data-driven research and statistical analysis. The term research as applied to this classification series is defined as a systematic, critical, quantitative and qualitative analytical approach to data collection and querying, mining and manipulation, data quality determination, and intensive investigation directed toward either a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject or for use in the resolution and operational improvement of program-related issues. Incumbents in this series gather, compile, populate, edit, and interpret structured and unstructured data, or they create, implement, troubleshoot and monitor data reporting tools, simulation models, and procedures to assemble and structure the necessary data. Incumbents present findings in a user-friendly format, such as tabulated, charts, or dashboards, make comparisons with similar or historical data, and/or discuss the findings in writing.  Incumbents provide expert consultative services on the feasibility, impact, or potential impact on a variety of state operations, projects, or proposals to interested parties. Incumbents advise management, departmental staff, legislative bodies, governmental entities, commissions, and agencies on findings related to the assigned area of research.

The supervisors and managers are responsible for leadership of a distinct research, statistical, or data analytics segment of a department. Incumbents may plan operations, develop staffing requirements, organize and direct the work of a group of employees, and evaluate their work. Incumbents are required to perform any combination of general management and research data analytic duties. These classifications require an overall comprehension of management, data analysis and modeling, research methodology, and statistical procedures, along with the ability to manage analysts, and to query, validate, and synthesize data from a variety of disciplines.

Research Data Analyst I

This is the entry, recruiting and developmental classification. Under direct supervision, incumbents perform basic research, data gathering, scheduled report maintenance, and statistical work in one or more areas of a broad range of subject matters, utilizing structured and unstructured data from existing reports and resources for statewide business improvement. Incumbents are assigned duties and responsibilities commensurate with their background and training. Work at this level is characterized by a reliance on proven techniques and methodologies and usually involves assignments in areas where a comparable body of knowledge and experimentation exists.

Research Data Analyst II

Under general supervision, employees  perform a variety of tasks including the more independent, responsible, varied and complex research and data analysis. Incumbents may have lead responsibilities, work on multidisciplinary teams or have primary responsibility for a project or activity.

Incumbents perform ad-hoc report development, conduct statistical work in a variety of subject matters, utilize structured and unstructured data from existing reports and resources; create and implement research projects, and data models. This includes but is not limited to routine dashboards, performance evaluation reports and visual aids, and identifying trends and patterns using historical data. Using in-depth analysis, incumbents develop strategies and solutions for addressing immediate and ongoing information needs with an emphasis on independent data research skills.

Research Data Specialist I

Under general direction, incumbents independently develop and utilize research methodology and techniques in areas where precedents are lacking, or a sparse body of knowledge or experience in the area exists. Incumbents work independently with primary responsibility for a major project or activity.

Incumbents are responsible for a wide range of research and analytical duties regarding complex statistical data including statistical investigation for use in the resolution of multiple program related issues; gathering, developing, implementing, and monitoring systems and procedures to assemble and structure necessary data; validating the accuracy of structured and unstructured data being reported; identifying relationships and trends in order to forecast potential risk; recognize improvement opportunities; ensure compliance with performance metrics, and support change in state programs or systems; and may provide consultative advice or support interpreting existing reports and data models to various governmental entities and agencies. Incumbents have a strong understanding of statistical methodologies and business intelligence software applications with a background in a specific occupational area.

Research Data Specialist II

Under general direction, incumbents independently perform the more complex data analysis in response to ad-hoc research and reporting requests utilizing business intelligence software programs to query, validate, format, and organize structured and unstructured data  to forecast trends and assess potential impact in areas where changes are being implemented and a body of knowledge or experience does not exist. Incumbents have responsibility for coordinating the more complex research projects or activities, which involves defining and creating new data models and visualizations to ensure information needs are met. Senior departmental management utilizes these highly skilled practitioners  as prime resource persons and innovators in the subject matter of their occupation. Incumbents have responsibility for designing and directing major complex research projects or activities.

Research Data Specialist III

Under general direction, incumbents are required to determine the scope and parameters of research criteria and perform the most complex research and data analysis projects involving: research and development of innovative or undefined methods for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data; identifying new strategies or sources for collecting data; coordinating data migration efforts, and assessing patterns to forecast future impacts and trends. The outcomes are used to advise department officials and state leaders in areas where programs or systems are being proposed or existing programs with a major impact. Senior departmental management view these incumbents as individuals who are widely recognized as having distinguished herself/himself in a special field of knowledge.  Incumbents serve as the department's top expert in that field. Incumbents may advise executive staff on complicated research projects and studies.  

Research Data Supervisor I

Under general direction, this is a working supervisor level responsible for a small group of analysts performing journey level work. A Research Data Supervisor I personally performs the most difficult or sensitive work of the group.

Research Data Supervisor II

Under general direction, this is the full supervisory level over analytical data research and administrative work. In most settings, incumbents supervise a well-established and fully developed research function. Incumbents spend majority of their time in supervision and management activities, rather than personally performing work which can be done by an analyst or Research Data Specialist.

Research Data Manager

Under administrative direction, this is the full managerial level responsible for a highly specialized or varied research data analytics function and may oversee multiple program areas. Incumbents supervise Supervisors I and II or Research Data Specialists.

​Minimum Qualifications

All Levels

Education

Incumbents must possess 12 semester or 18 quarter units course work in any combination of a data driven research-related field, such as economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, data science or a research-related field. This must include at least one course in statistical methods; and

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree. Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis by applicants who have the required units mentioned above.

A Master's Degree in economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, data science or a related research-oriented field may be substituted for two years of the required experience. A doctoral degree in the same areas may be substituted for three years of the required experience.

Experience applicable to one of the following patterns may be combined on a proportional basis with experience applicable to the other pattern to meet the total experience requirements.

Research Data Analyst II

Experience:

Either I

One year of data research, collection, analysis and reporting experience performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Analyst I, Range C; or

II

Three years of progressively responsible technical quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including but not limited to researching, identifying patterns and trends in historical data, as well as data model creation experience. (Experience applied toward this pattern must include at least one year of research data analysis experience performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Analyst I, Range C.)

Research Data Specialist I

Experience:

Either I

One year in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Analyst II; or

II

Four years of progressively responsible technical research experience engaged in the collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data. (Experience applied toward this requirement must include one year of experience performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Analyst II.)

Research Data Specialist II

Experience:

Either I

One year of experience in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Research Data Specialist I; or

II

Five years of progressively responsible quantitative and qualitative data research experience engaged in the collection, compilation, manipulation, analysis, and interpretation of data. (Experience applied toward this requirement must include one year of experience performing duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Data Specialist I.)

Research Data Specialist III

Experience:

Either I

One year of experience in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a Research Data Specialist II; or

II

Six years of progressively responsible quantitative and qualitative data research experience engaged in the collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of data. (Experience applied toward this requirement must include one year of experience performing duties at a level of responsibility equivalent to a Research Data Specialist II.)

Research Data Supervisor I

Experience:

Either I

One year in the California state civil service performing pertinent data research-oriented duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Data Analyst II; or

II

Four years of professional data research-oriented experience must have included responsibility for the determination of research data gathering and reporting design and methodology for a complete research project. (Research experience applied toward this pattern must include at least one year performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Analyst II.)

Research Data Supervisor II

Experience:

Either I

One year in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Data Supervisor I, or the Research Data Specialist I; or

II

Experience: Five years of professional data research-oriented experience which must have included responsibility for the determination of research data gathering and reporting design and methodology of a complete research project. (Research experience applied toward this pattern must include at least one year of experience performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Supervisor I, or the Research Data Specialist I.)

Research Data Manager

Experience:

Either I

One year in the California state civil service performing data research-oriented duties in a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Research Data Supervisor II, or the Research Data Specialist II; or

II

Six years of professional data research-oriented experience which must have included responsibility for the determination of research data gathering and reporting design and methodology of a complete research project. (Research experience applied toward this pattern must include at least one year of experience performing duties with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Supervisor II, or the Research Data Specialist II.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Research Data Analyst I

Knowledge of: Data analysis methods and techniques including gathering and collection of structured and unstructured data, as well as general principles, concepts and terminology used in research; planning studies and investigations; trend analysis procedures; time management techniques to provide for efficient prioritization and completion of projects and assignments; software to prepare spreadsheet summaries, reports, charts, and tables; basic arithmetic and statistical techniques to analyze numerical data; and departmental policies and procedures.

Ability to: Research, gather, compile, and analyze structured and unstructured data; conduct and interpret descriptive statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations; prepare research and statistical reports; analyze written and numerical data regarding general governmental problems; speak and write effectively; develop and evaluate alternatives, recommendations, solutions, and conclusions or approaches to research problems; manage a workload consisting of multiple projects and assignments; complete work under critical timelines to meet project. objectives and deadlines; be objective and flexible to adapt to changes in priorities and work assignments; and gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of others, collaborate, and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Research Data Analyst II

Knowledge of: All of the above and design and implement research-related projects; practices required to ensure and maintain data security, including securely transmitting confidential data;  experimental design procedures; problem-solving techniques and processes to identify and resolve issues related to the completion of work assignments; and advanced mathematical techniques and descriptive statistical analysis techniques and methods.

Ability to: All of the above and query, mine, analyze, and manipulate data; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups related to the area of research; present ideas and information effectively; adapt and apply formal research methods and principles to research problems; design and validate studies and analyze the accuracy of data collected; analyze quantitative and qualitative data to reach sound conclusions and/or make recommendations; identify improvements and originate and develop new solutions which depart from traditional and existing patterns; identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project; reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex research and data problems; consult with and advise administrators or other interested parties on a wide variety of subject-matter areas; recognize when issues, activities, and/or decisions need to be elevated to management, and communicate information effectively to others.

Research Data Specialist I

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles and concepts applied in research and statistical settings; principles and concepts appropriate to data and research techniques and methodologies; operations research methods; current data analytics processes, including the utilization of business intelligence software programs; broad principles of algorithms, data structures, and data management; application of computerized models to research data, statistical and other methods used in the analysis; survey methods and analytical techniques; organizational analysis including data presentation and interpretation; principles and procedures of forecasting, and of research planning, design, methodology; problem solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments.  

Ability to: All of the above and plan and carry out large scale research and data projects; prepare and present reports and data models; adapt and apply complex research methods and principles to research problems of an applied practical nature; identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project; identify data needs of complex analyses and evaluate adequacy of existing data to meet these needs; develop procedures for collection and integration of data sources; design and test complex data base structures for storage and manipulation; access and process data located on large databases, servers, mainframes and/or desktop computers; design and conduct a complex research project and/or validating studies; conduct program evaluation studies including the systematic analysis of program requirements, goals, and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness; analyze and evaluate the impact of programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies; develop documents related to data processing and analysis procedures for research projects and assignments to be used as a future resource; determine how a system or process works and how utilizing new inputs, operations, and environmental conditions would affect outcomes; function as a technical lead for complex projects to ensure timely completion; provide technical assistance to professional personnel; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others, and with stakeholders; communicate with internal and external stakeholders with diplomacy and tact, especially concerning difficult and sensitive issues.

Research Data Specialist II

Knowledge of: All of the above and state, federal and departmental regulations; benefit-cost analysis; complex database design and structure to understand and complete research projects and assignments; and project management principles in order to design projects (e.g., define schedules, tasks, milestones, deliverables).

Ability to: All of the above and translate legislatively mandated program evaluation requirements into methodically rigorous study designs; translate departmental policy into action programs and/or test the impact of policy changes; evaluate the adequacy and merit of proposed research and evaluation study designs and techniques; provide expert consultation on the feasibility impact or potential of a variety of operations, projects or proposals to the department and to other organizations; analyze and evaluate the impact of changes to existing programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies; use creativity when independently designing research projects; and write clear and concise studies and reports; design and develop research methodologies required to ensure the collection and analysis of appropriate, meaningful, and unbiased data; conduct and interpret descriptive and/or inferential statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations; analyze situations accurately and take effective action at the appropriate time; and provide mentoring to staff.

Research Data Specialist III

Knowledge of: All of the above and advanced automated processes for capturing data and applying quality control procedures to design and implement complex research projects; current leadership techniques and their application to ensure effective oversight of project team members; project management principles to monitor project progress, and conduct final project evaluation; and function as lead for complex large scale research projects.

Ability to: All of the above and present complex quantitative and qualitative data visually using charts, graphs, tables, and other appropriate methods in order to complete reports and/or develop presentations; design and implement advanced automated processes utilizing statistical software for capturing data and applying quality control procedures to design and implement research projects work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously to finish assignments on time and within budget; develop and prioritize short-range and long-range plans and schedules that coordinate with operating goals and objectives of the department; and facilitate meetings and discussions in a manner that ensures participants remain focused on the intended topic and encourages active participation.

Research Data Supervisor I

Knowledge of: All of the Research Data Specialist I and supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to oversee the work activities of employees to ensure the unit operates; departmental policies and regulations regarding confidentiality; applicable laws;; public administration, including management and supportive staff services such as budget, personnel, program planning and evaluation, program management, or related areas; employee supervision, development, evaluation and training; governmental functions and organization at the state and local level as they affect departmental research functions; problem-solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments; leadership principles and methods to motivate and maintain the productivity of work unit staff members in accomplishing program objectives; a supervisor's and manager's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment; and of personnel management, supervision, and training.

Ability to: All of the Research Data Specialist I and plan, organize and manage a research function; review and edit written reports; use interdisciplinary teams effectively in the conduct of studies; manage workload and assignments of others in order to meet work unit and project objectives and deadlines;  objectively identify all facts and implications related to a situation before drawing conclusions and determining courses of action; delegate work to staff to ensure work projects are completed on time and within budget; review the work of subordinate staff and provide constructive feedback from the perspective of a supervisor; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Research Data Supervisor II

Knowledge of: All of the Research Data Specialist II and Research Data Supervisor I and the supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to oversee the work activities of employees to ensure the division/branch operates; and principles of workflow to plan a variety of programs, and project activities, timelines, and milestones effectively.

Ability to: All of the Research Data Specialist II and Research Data Supervisor I and manage a complex program; establish and maintain project priorities; and develop and effectively use all available resources; perform oversight on projects ensuring that end products or services are delivered on schedule, within the established budget, and in compliance with applicable laws; and utilize project management techniques to manage the progress of programs and project activities to ensure that project timelines and schedules are appropriately established, modified, and adhered to.

Research Data Manager I

Knowledge of: All of the above and strategic planning principles and concepts in order to lead or participate in unit/branch strategic planning sessions; and state budgeting processes to meet mandatory and regulatory requirements.

Ability to: All of the above.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

 All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code​ of Regulations, title 2, se​ction 172.​

Class History