Incumbents in one of these classifications, where a Master’s Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 2% of their monthly base pay. Those where a Doctoral Degree is required to meet the minimum qualifications, shall receive an educational pay differential equivalent to 3% of their monthly base pay. Individuals with both a Master’s and Doctoral Degree will be given the best benefit in relation to salary shall only be eligible for only one amount.
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as a member of the Research and Analytics Branch (RAB), functioning as a public health statistician, leading activities which include analysis of complex datasets to drive strategic decisions, quality control, and transformation of data from multiple sources, and the management of vital statistics data. Designs, implements, and maintains scalable and secure data systems and pipelines, while also collaborating with other teams to ensure data quality, availability, and usability.
The Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) leads the design and development of Vital Records data processing systems, ensuring they are maintainable, reusable, secure, reliable, and documented. Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data throughout the data lifecycle. Leads and mentors Research Data Specialists and Analysts, providing guidance and support.
Researches data issues and anomalies and develops quality improvement strategies. Works closely with the RAB team, and other stakeholders to understand researcher and business needs and translates them into technical solutions. Implements and enforces data governance policies and procedures to ensure data security and compliance. Identifies areas for improvement in data engineering practices and drives innovation to enhance Vital Records data.
Provides subject matter expertise in Federal, State, and local initiatives related to advanced data analytics. The incumbent supports CDPH program data analysis efforts across the department; provides analytics services training/education; and ensures standards-based approaches to data sharing, information exchange, privacy, and security of public health data and information. The RDS III will also represent the Branch at various data committees, task forces, and workgroup meetings.
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Research Data Manager, Chief of RAB.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.