Exam Bulletin - Research Data Supervisor II

State of California

Exam Code: EX-2370

Examination Plans Included:

  • RESEARCH DATA SUPERVISOR II - Open

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

Classification Details

RESEARCH DATA SUPERVISOR II: $7,791.00 - $9,680.00 per Month

View the RESEARCH DATA SUPERVISOR II classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

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 SUPERVISOR 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):

    2370

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

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02370

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.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00105737 - RESEARCH DATA SUPERVISOR 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.

and

 Experience:

Either 1

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 2

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.)

Position Description

00105737 - 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.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

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

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

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

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
  13. Principles and concepts applied in research and statistical settings 
  14. Principles and concepts appropriate to data and research techniques and methodologies 
  15. Operations research methods 
  16. Current data analytics processes, including the utilization of business intelligence software programs 
  17. Broad principles of algorithms, data structures, and data management 
  18. Application of computerized models to research data, statistical and other methods used in the analysis 
  19. Survey methods and analytical techniques 
  20. Organizational analysis including data presentation and interpretation 
  21. Principles and procedures of forecasting, and of research planning, design, methodology 
  22. Problem solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments
  23. State, federal and departmental regulations 
  24. Benefit-cost analysis
  25. Complex database design and structure to understand and complete research projects and assignments 
  26. Project management principles in order to design projects (e.g., define schedules, tasks, milestones, deliverables)
  27. Supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to oversee the work activities of employees to ensure the unit operates 
  28. Departmental policies and regulations regarding confidentiality 
  29. Applicable laws 
  30. Public administration, including management and supportive staff services such as budget, personnel, program planning and evaluation, program management, or related areas 
  31. Employee supervision, development, evaluation and training 
  32. Governmental functions and organization at the state and local level as they affect departmental research functions 
  33. Problem-solving techniques and processes to facilitate the identification and resolution of issues related to the completion of work assignments 
  34. Leadership principles and methods to motivate and maintain the productivity of work unit staff members in accomplishing program objectives 
  35. 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
  36. Personnel management, supervision, and training
  37. Supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to oversee the work activities of employees to ensure the division/branch operates
  38. Principles of workflow to plan a variety of programs, and project activities, timelines, and milestones effectively
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
  22. Plan and carry out large scale research and data projects 
  23. Prepare and present reports and data models
  24. Adapt and apply complex research methods and principles to research problems of an applied practical nature 
  25. Identify required data, information, materials, and resources needed to complete/perform a project 
  26. Identify data needs of complex analyses and evaluate adequacy of existing data to meet these needs
  27. Develop procedures for collection and integration of data sources 
  28. Design and test complex data base structures for storage and manipulation
  29. Access and process data located on large databases, servers, mainframes and/or desktop computers 
  30. Design and conduct a complex research project and/or validating studies 
  31. Conduct program evaluation studies including the systematic analysis of program requirements, goals, and outcomes to ensure program effectiveness 
  32. Analyze and evaluate the impact of programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies 
  33. Develop documents related to data processing and analysis procedures for research projects and assignments to be used as a future resource 
  34. Determine how a system or process works and how utilizing new inputs, operations, and environmental conditions would affect outcomes 
  35. Function as a technical lead for complex projects to ensure timely completion 
  36. Provide technical assistance to professional personnel 
  37. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others, and with stakeholders 
  38. Communicate with internal and external stakeholders with diplomacy and tact, especially concerning difficult and sensitive issues
  39. Translate legislatively mandated program evaluation requirements into methodically rigorous study designs 
  40. Translate departmental policy into action programs and/or test the impact of policy changes 
  41. Evaluate the adequacy and merit of proposed research and evaluation study designs and techniques 
  42. Provide expert consultation on the feasibility impact or potential of a variety of operations, projects or proposals to the department and to other organizations 
  43. Analyze and evaluate the impact of changes to existing programs, procedures, business processes, and/or policies 
  44. Use creativity when independently designing research projects  
  45. Write clear and concise studies and reports 
  46. Design and develop research methodologies required to ensure the collection and analysis of appropriate, meaningful, and unbiased data 
  47. Conduct and interpret descriptive and/or inferential statistical analyses using appropriate software to test research hypotheses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations 
  48. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action at the appropriate time
  49. Provide mentoring to staff
  50. Plan, organize and manage a research function 
  51. Review and edit written reports 
  52. Use interdisciplinary teams effectively in the conduct of studies 
  53. Manage workload and assignments of others in order to meet work unit and project objectives and deadlines  
  54. Objectively identify all facts and implications related to a situation before drawing conclusions and determining courses of action 
  55. Delegate work to staff to ensure work projects are completed on time and within budget 
  56. Review the work of subordinate staff and provide constructive feedback from the perspective of a supervisor
  57. Effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment
  58. Manage a complex program
  59. Establish and maintain project priorities 
  60. Develop and effectively use all available resources 
  61. Perform oversight on projects ensuring that end products or services are delivered on schedule, within the established budget, and in compliance with applicable laws 
  62. 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

    Eligible List Information

    A Servicewide Open eligible list for the RESEARCH DATA SUPERVISOR 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 Supervisor II Training and Experience Exam Preview

    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 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. Identifying new and/or existing research (e.g., news, legislation, web searching, data, conferences, professional journals, background information) to advance understanding of the relevant areas of study.
    2. Overseeing the design and implementation of research methodologies or hypotheses to answer or address questions pertaining to specialized research areas.
    3. Overseeing and ensuring appropriate data collection techniques to minimize biased outcomes in data analysis studies.
    4. Providing input on the development of procedures for the collection of qualitative and/or quantitative data from new and existing sources.
    5. Preparing data using various software programs (e.g., SAS, SPSS, SQL, Access, Excel, GIS) for analysis of studies, program development, and/or evaluation.
    6. Generating descriptive statistics (e.g., means, standard deviation, bar graphs, charts, tables) using statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS, Excel, Access, GIS) for use in completing or directing studies.
    7. Analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data using various software programs (e.g., SAS, SPSS, SQL, Access, Excel, GIS) to answer questions relevant to research studies and program evaluation projects.
    8. Interpreting the results of qualitative and/or quantitative statistical tests to answer questions relevant to research studies and program evaluation projects.
    9. Providing consultation in database development, data management, data collection and/or application development to ensure proper design, collection, and reporting of data.
    10. Providing technical expertise and recommendations in specialized research areas to staff, management, and outside agencies to assist in the development and analysis of programs and projects.
    11. Developing and providing educational or informational materials to internal and/or external stakeholders (e.g., federal, state and local agencies, regulated community, community groups) to clarify program elements, requirements, and/or research findings. 
    12. Monitoring the work of subordinate employees to ensure that it meets quality, quantity, and timeliness standards.
    13. Providing informal training to staff for successful performance to update and maintain a competent workforce.
    14. Providing coaching to subordinate staff relating to job performance and productivity as well as professional development.
    15. Training staff in data collection, analyses, data interpretation, and reporting using various methods (e.g., on the job training, presentation, peer feedback, formal training) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
    16. Making formal presentations to advise management, departmental staff, legislative bodies, governmental entities, commissions, agencies and/or advocacy groups on findings related to specialized areas of research.
    17. Determining and/or reviewing staff/team member work priorities, scope of assignments, and establishing deadlines to ensure objectives are met effectively and in a timely manner.
    18. Addressing issues related to work projects or assignments to mitigate problems and improve outcomes.

    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)