Job Posting: Record Linkage Specialist / Workforce Data Specialist

Cradle-to-Career

JC-528678
-
Record Linkage Specialist / Workforce Data Specialist
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: 8/28/2026

Job Description and Duties

California’s long-awaited statewide Cradle-to-Career Data System has launched. You can help build a statewide system that brings together existing data with an aim of addressing barriers to opportunity from early learning, through K-12, college, and career.

We are hiring two (2) Research Data Specialist IIIs from this recruitment:

  • A Record Linkage Specialist to develop and implement strategy and code for linking workforce data in the C2C Data System. This role will lead the development of the linking methodology by conducting research on the workforce data domain and related policy and convening external partners to build consensus. 
  • A Workforce Data Specialist to lead data analysis that focuses on workforce data, including topics like job placement and value-added earnings calculations. Activities will include analytic strategy development, code development, code review, data validation, and data export. This role will conduct data analysis and share it with a wide audience, including internal staff and external partners. 
We are looking for leaders who are excited to build something new with a small, entrepreneurial team. Our ideal candidates are passionate about reproducible data analysis, research, design thinking, and collaboration. We are looking for candidates who are experienced in implementing state, federal, and industry standards and best practices. Your work will be challenging, fun, and focused on enabling Californians to build a more equitable future.

About these Roles

As the Record Linkage Specialist, you will link and analyze data for the data system and the creation of analytical products. This includes:
  • Develop methods and strategy for data linkages that support data analysis, including workforce data.
  • Develop and support processes for bringing in new data and new data sources.
  • Collaborate with Data Programs and Data Infrastructure teammates to implement data linkage methods and strategy.
  • Develop effective documentation for analyses and processes, including data linkage methods.
  • Apply principles of user-centered design to ensure data analysis meets the requirements and expectations of its users.
As the Workforce Data Specialist, you will conduct data analysis on workforce data, including analysis of program participant wages and post-program earnings. This includes:
  • Develop methods and strategy for relevant data analysis, including analysis of workforce data.
  • Conduct activities related to reproducible analysis in secure data environments, including C2C’s secure data enclave.
  • Apply principles of user-centered design to ensure data analysis meets the requirements and expectations of its users.
  • Engage in iterative feedback loops with both internal and external stakeholders to refine and improve the work products continuously.
  • Communicate with external partners through multiple methods, including presentations, written reports, and memos.

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

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: http://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check (see Education Code 10873).

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-528678
Position #(s):
424-100-5770-900
Working Title:
Record Linkage Specialist / Workforce Data Specialist
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:
Multiple
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Office of Cradle-to-Career Data (C2C) is a new state investment working to build a statewide data system that will provide tools to help students reach their goals and deliver reliable and actionable information on education and workforce outcomes.

California’s information on early education, K-12 schools, colleges, social services, and employment has historically been separate and disconnected. That’s why California authorized the creation of the Cradle-to-Career Data System. Through a collaborative 18-month planning process, we designed a data system and user-friendly resources focused on the links between early learning, K-12 education, higher education, and workforce data.

Our vision is to foster evidence-based decision-making to help Californians build more equitable futures and empower individuals to reach their full potential. This is your chance to join a brand-new office to build a transformative set of services to help Californians successfully navigate life from cradle to career.
Department Website: https://www.c2c.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

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: 8/28/2026

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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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:

Cradle-to-Career
CalHR
Attn: Class & Hiring Unit
1515 S Street
North Building, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Cradle-to-Career
CalHR
Attn: Class & Hiring Unit
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
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:
Record Linkage Specialist Only: 
  • Abilility to review research questions and recommend variables and record linkages required to accomplish analytic goals.
  • Advanced proficiency in statistical programming languages like SQL, R, and Python to prepare data for analytical use.
  •  Experience using SQL in data warehouses and in enterprise data environments.
  • Knowledge and experience with governance and technical elements of importing data.
  • Preparing and maintaining clear documentation about data analysis strategy and methods, especially as it relates to record linkages and matching.
  • Communicating technical information to a variety of audiences, including technical staff, executive staff, and the public.
  • Design thinking, including rapid prototyping and iterating based on user feedback.
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills; ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across the enterprise.
  • Ability to adjust to changing priorities and quickly respond to urgent matters
  • Reproducible research principles, including collaborative coding using version control systems like Bitbucket.
Workforce Data Specialist Only: 
  • Building pipelines in SQL, R, Python, or a related programming language to prepare data for analytical use.
  • Conducting data analysis using SQL in an enterprise data environment, including producing summary statistics, communicating findings, and collaborative development activities.
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills; ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and influence stakeholders across the enterprise.
  • Ability to adjust to changing priorities and quickly respond to urgent matters.
  • Design thinking, including rapid prototyping and iterating based on user feedback.
  • Communicating technical information to a variety of audiences, including technical staff, executive staff, and the public.
  • Reproducible research principles, including collaborative coding using version control systems like Bitbucket.
  • Knowledge and experience with governance and technical elements of importing data.

Benefits

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.c2c.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Izzy Isquierdo
(916) 909-3290
Izzy.Isquierdo@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lesley Taylor
(916) 208-8493
lesley.taylor@c2c.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:
RA Coordinators
(916) 324-3235
RACoordinators@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.

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

  • Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
  • U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement. 
Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

Take the online Research Data Specialist III exam to become list eligible for this position.

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