Job Posting: Research Data Specialist III

State Water Resources Control Board

JC-486039
-
Research Data Specialist III
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

$8,392.00 - $10,505.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/19/2025

Job Description and Duties

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

Are you passionate about data-driven decision-making, performance tracking, and modernizing water resource management? The State Water Resources Control Board’s Office of Information Management & Analysis (OIMA) is seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) to lead the Performance Management Program and support data analytics and visualization efforts.

As an RDS III in the Data Integration & Analysis Unit (DIAU), you will oversee performance tracking, develop key performance indicators, and analyze regulatory effectiveness. You will create interactive dashboards, streamline data integration, and collaborate with program managers, regional boards, and leadership teams to enhance decision-making processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who enjoy problem-solving, working with large datasets, and leveraging technology to improve California’s water resource policies and regulatory programs.

The position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule and in-office days based on operational needs of the position. The office is located at 1001 I Street, 19th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 right in the heart of Downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties: Additional information about the job is available in the Duty Statement.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid Driver License. Please do not include full social security number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

Salary information – CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-486039
Position #(s):
880-270-5770-XXX
Working Title:
Research Data Specialist III
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III
$8,392.00 - $10,505.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
State Water Resources Control Board

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must include the following:

  • RPA# 24-270-021 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the state application when submitting a hardcopy application.
  • Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Research Data Specialist III list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2363.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members.

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/19/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Water Resources Control Board
Human Resources Branch - Danielle Klemencic
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see below for specific requirements.
  • Other - Cover letter is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to work with large datasets, analyze trends, and develop data-driven insights. Experience using data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and working with databases or spreadsheets to organize, query, and interpret information.
  • Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: Ability to identify inefficiencies in workflows, suggest improvements, and implement practical solutions to streamline data management and reporting. Experience automating repetitive tasks or improving data processes is a plus.
  • Regulatory & Policy Knowledge: Familiarity with California water policies, permitting processes, and regulatory programs to support data-driven decision-making.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to present findings, write reports, and explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams with scientists, engineers, IT professionals, or policy experts.
  • Adaptability & Initiative: Interest in learning new tools, approaches, and technologies to support data-driven decision-making. Ability to take initiative in solving problems, improving processes, and supporting team objectives in a dynamic environment.

Candidates who do not meet all the desirable qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

    Benefits

    Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.

    Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

    Contact Information

    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

    Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/
    Human Resources Contact:
    Danielle Klemencic
    (916) 319-8293
    danielle.klemencic@waterboards.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Kiranpreet Kaur
    (916) 327-1276
    kiranpreet.kaur@waterboards.ca.gov

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

    EEO Contact:
    Shyla Hoffman
    (916) 341-5881
    shyla.hoffman@waterboards.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.

    Statement of Qualifications

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than three (3) pages in length, using Arial size 12-point font, and normal margins.

    Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following statements/questions. Include information that highlights or focuses on the Desirable Qualifications listed above.

    1. Data Analysis & Problem-Solving
      Describe a time when you conducted a data analysis project or used data to solve a complex problem. What tools did you use, what challenges did you encounter, and what was the outcome?
    2. Process Improvement & System Optimization
      Provide an example of when you identified inefficiencies in a process or system and successfully implemented improvements. What was the issue, what steps did you take, and what impact did your improvements have?
    3. Technical Knowledge & Application
      This role requires applying technical expertise to support data-driven decision-making. Describe a project where you used engineering, data management, or technical tools to improve a system, process, or workflow. What approach did you take, and what was the result?
    4. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
      Describe a situation where you worked on a cross-functional team (e.g., with engineers, scientists, IT professionals, or policymakers). How did you ensure effective communication and coordination to achieve a common goal?
    5. Adaptability & Initiative
      This position requires the ability to learn new tools, adapt to evolving priorities, and take initiative in problem-solving. Provide an example of how you quickly adapted to a new technology, policy, or challenge in your work.

    Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.

    Note: resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ.

    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.

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

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job