Exam Bulletin - Research Data Analyst 2

State of California

Exam Code: EX-1305

Examination Plans Included:

  • RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II: $5,793.00 - $7,256.00 (A) per Month

View the RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II classification specification.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1305

For RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01305

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00105731 - RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II

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.

Experience:

Either 1
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 2
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.)

Position Description

00105731 - 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.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following components:

  • Online Exam : A passing score must be achieved and is weighted 100% of the final score.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. 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
  2. Planning studies and investigations
  3. Trend analysis procedures
  4. Time management techniques to provide for efficient prioritization and completion of projects and assignments
  5. Software to prepare spreadsheet summaries, reports, charts, and tables
  6. Basic arithmetic and statistical techniques to analyze numerical data
  7. Departmental policies and procedures
  8. Design and implement research-related projects
  9. Practices required to ensure and maintain data security, including securely transmitting confidential data
  10. Experimental design procedures
  11. Problem-solving techniques and processes to identify and resolve issues related to the completion of work assignments
  12. Advanced mathematical techniques and descriptive statistical analysis techniques and methods

Ability to:
  1. Research, gather, compile, and analyze structured and unstructured data
  2. Conduct and interpret descriptive statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations
  3. Prepare research and statistical reports
  4. Analyze written and numerical data regarding general governmental problems
  5. Speak and write effectively
  6. Develop and evaluate alternatives, recommendations, solutions, and conclusions or approaches to research problems
  7. Manage a workload consisting of multiple projects and assignments
  8. Complete work under critical timelines to meet project objectives and deadlines
  9. Be objective and flexible to adapt to changes in priorities and work assignments
  10. Gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of others, collaborate, and work in multidisciplinary teams
  11. Query, mine, analyze, and manipulate data
  12. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to individuals and groups related to the area of research
  13. Present ideas and information effectively
  14. Adapt and apply formal research methods and principles to research problems
  15. Design and validate studies and analyze the accuracy of data collected
  16. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to reach sound conclusions and/or make recommendations
  17. Identify improvements and originate and develop new solutions which depart from traditional and existing patterns
  18. Identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project
  19. Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex research and data problems
  20. Consult with and advise administrators or other interested parties on a wide variety of subject-matter areas
  21. Recognize when issues, activities, and/or decisions need to be elevated to management, and communicate information effectively to others

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II Classification will be established for:

  • State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Research Data Analyst 2 Training and Experience Evaluation Preview

Section 1: Tasks

Instructions:
Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question and provide relevant examples. Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.
PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, training, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.
  1. Implementing research methods or hypotheses to answer or address research questions.
  2. Reviewing the processes for collecting quantitative and/or qualitative data to ensure data integrity.
  3. Retrieving data from various internal/external sources (e.g., computer networks, internet, mobile devices, other organizations) to store in a secure database or data warehouse.
  4. Importing and validating data using various software programs (e.g., Excel, Access, SAS, SPSS, SQL, GIS) for data analysis.
  5. Applying descriptive statistical techniques (e.g., mean, median, mode, percentages, frequency) using statistical software (e.g., Excel, SAS, SPSS).
  6. Analyzing and interpreting statistical and other quantitative analysis results to answer relevant research questions.
  7. Developing conclusions based on findings from research in order to address relevant questions or concerns.
  8. Creating graphs, charts, and tables to effectively convey research results.
  9. Writing reports or summaries using appropriate software (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for various purposes (e.g., documenting program requirements and/or projects, responding to requests for information).
  10. Maintaining databases or GIS data containing information from various sources to use in research projects and/or to meet reporting requirements.
  11. Reviewing literature and background information to identify research problems and/or determine appropriate research methods.
  12. Establishing work priorities, scope of assignments and deadlines for work to ensure objectives are met effectively and in a timely manner.
  13. Providing information to internal and/or external requestors obtained from research studies, statistical reports, and other sources.

Testing Departments

  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

State of California
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

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.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State 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.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

State of California reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)