Job Posting: Examination and Research Specialist

Peace Officer Standards and Training

JC-536406
-
Examination and Research Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 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: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is recruiting for the position of Research Data Specialist I in the Strategic Communications and Research Bureau.

The Research Data Specialist I (Examination and Research Specialist) is responsible for conducting job analyses, developing and validating employee selection tests, developing skills and scenario tests, and implementing and managing online testing systems that support entry-level tests and pre-employment assessments. Pre-employment assessments are primarily focused on entry-level knowledge examinations for peace officer and dispatcher selection, and scenario and skills testing for basic training. These projects will require working with individuals from varying backgrounds who may have differing opinions and/or levels of understanding. The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively and professionally with internal staff, external stakeholders, and subject matter experts.

Competitive candidates possess well-developed verbal and written communication skills; are dependable, tactful, methodical, and team oriented; possess strong analytical, statistical, and advanced research skills, preferably in personnel selection or a closely related field; demonstrate experience independently developing and applying research methodologies to complex issues; are proficient in interpreting and validating data and making data-driven recommendations; and capable of managing time and resources, working independently on major projects, and meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

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

Working Conditions

This position is located at POST headquarters in West Sacramento, CA. The office is located in a two-story building with a business park setting.

Regular and consistent attendance is critical to the successful performance of this position.  

This position is Hybrid and may be eligible for telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536406
Position #(s):
421-007-5742-003
Working Title:
Examination and Research Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 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:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift:
40 hours per work week
Work Week:
Monday - Friday

Department Information

The Commission on Peace Office Standards and Training (POST) is a small, friendly, state agency located in West Sacramento with easy freeway access and plenty of FREE parking.

For more information about the Commission on POST, please visit our website at https://post.ca.gov/

NOTE: Salaries do not reflect the 2025 PLP pay reduction. Information on recent changes to the Memorandum of Understanding can be found here: Bargaining / Contracts - CalHR.

Special Requirements

A fingerprint check is required.

A complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. The SOQ must be typed on an 8 ½ X 11 paper using 12-point Arial font, including the applicant’s full name and date at the top of the page. The SOQ must not exceed 2 pages in length. By submitting your application for this position, you affirm the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Failure to submit an SOQ and/or submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

In your SOQ, address each of the following areas separately. For each response, identify the employer(s), position(s), and specific duties, responsibilities, or projects that demonstrate your qualifications for this position. The experience described must be supported by the information listed in your application and/or resume.

1. Describe your professional experience in pre-employment testing, personnel selection, workforce assessment, or other areas relevant to the duties and responsibilities of this position.

2. Describe your professional experience using statistical analysis or data to address work-related issues, support recommendations, identify trends, or improve processes.

Application Instructions

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: Until Filled

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:

Peace Officer Standards and Training
Commission on POST
Attn: Human Resources
860 Stillwater Road, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95605-1630

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Peace Officer Standards and Training
Commission on POST
Human Resources
860 Stillwater Road, Suite 100
West Sacramento, CA 95605-1630
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.
  • School Transcripts
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see the Special Requirements section of this advertisement for detailed information regarding the required Statement of Qualifications.
  • Other - Minimum Qualifications (MQs): When using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If you have a degree from outside of the United States (US), you must submit an evaluation of this degree to determine the US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website to find organizations that provide these services. If you are not providing an evaluation of your degree, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).
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.

Benefits

California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary 
https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx   

Contact Information

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

Human Resources Contact:
Ashley Hodel
(916) 970-4632
ashley.hodel@post.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:
LaToya Garland
(916) 266-2324
latoya.garland@post.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.

Application Process

This position is being advertised as until filled. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application cut-off dates are as follows: November 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026.

Please note: If you are having trouble submitting your application electronically, please contact the Human Resources contact listed on this advertisement. 

Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. 

Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

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