Research Program Specialist (Demography) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established January 5, 1978

Scope for Research Program Specialist (Demography) Class

Incumbents in this parenthetical specialty are distinguished from other Research Program Specialists by being required to determine the scope and parameters of research criteria and perform research and statistical studies involving: the assessment of demographic patterns such as the composition and magnitude of the population and future population trends; the projections of educational enrollment; and the compilation and assessment of census data relating to enrollment projections. The study conclusions are utilized in the estimation of current and future population for the purpose 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.

Minimum Qualifications for

Research Program Specialist (Demography) Class

Research Program Specialist I

Experience and education which provides the ability to independently and successfully perform complex demographic research duties; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Program Specialist I (General) class.

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

Research Program Specialist II

Experience and education which provides the ability to independently and successfully perform complex demographic research duties; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Program Specialist II (General) class.

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

Research Program Specialist III

Five years of progressively responsible technical research experience above the trainee level engaged in the collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of demographic data. (A Doctoral Degree in Demography, Sociology, Economics or Urban Planning 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. Degrees in sociology, economics, and urban planning should have an emphasis on demography or a related research-oriented field.) [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 Program Specialist II (Demography).] and Graduation from college with any major but with extensive course work in demography, sociology, economics or urban planning. Degrees in sociology, economics, and urban planning should have an emphasis on demography or a related research-oriented field.

Knowledge and Abilities for

Research Program Specialist (Demography) Class

All Levels:

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 projection; United States Census Bureau practices, data and publications; all of the requirements specified in the Research Program Specialist (General).

Ability to: Adapt and apply formal research methods and principles to research problems of an applied practical nature; determine the scope of research to be undertaken and appropriate research methodology; select and interpret data; analyze and design data systems; communicate effectively to individuals and groups related to the area of demographic research; prepare and present technical demographic reports.

Special Personal Requirements for

Research Program Specialist (Demography) Class

All Levels:

Demonstrated ability to act independently; initiative; flexibility; and tact.

Desirable Qualifications for

Research Program Specialist (Demography) Class

All Levels:

Experience, above the trainee level, in the collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of demographic data; graduation from college with any major but with extensive course work in demography. This must include at least six semester hours of demography studies.