Job Posting: CDS Data Specialist

Department of Education

JC-536411
-
CDS Data Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 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: 11/2/2026

Job Description and Duties

Personal Leave Program 2025

 

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. 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 range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.


Under the general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, the Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) serves as the Department's lead subject matter expert for the Department’s authoritative source for tracking, maintaining, and managing directory information for local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools. The incumbent independently performs highly complex research, data management, data quality assurance, reporting, and system support activities related to the collection, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination of Directory data.
The RDS II is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of Directory data used by Department programs, educational agencies, policymakers, stakeholders, and federal reporting entities. The incumbent leads data collection design and implementation efforts, performs advanced data analysis, develops and maintains reporting solutions, evaluates the impacts of legislative and policy changes on data collection systems, and provides expert consultation regarding the use, access, interpretation, and management of Directory data.
The RDS II works collaboratively with Department staff, LEAs, schools, software developers, and external stakeholders to support statewide educational data management initiatives and ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and programmatic requirements.

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

Working Conditions

TELEWORK OPTION

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. Currently, the hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and working a minimum of two days per week in the office. 

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-536411
Position #(s):
174-550-5758-005
Working Title:
CDS Data Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
Educational Data Management Division

Department Information

The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of nearly six million children and young adults, thousands of schools, and a broad network of educators, families, policymakers, and community partners. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and childcare programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.

Special Requirements

CDE is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Additionally, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

For more information click here: E-Verify

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: 11/2/2026

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.

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:

Department of Education
Human Resources Division-Mail In
Attn: C&P PC 2446 /JC-536411
1430 N Street, Ste. 1802
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Department of Education
Department of Education Drop-Off
Attn: C&P PC 2447 /JC-536411
1430 N Street (Lobby Drop-Off Box)
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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of “Statement of Qualifications, Your Name,” be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:

    Describe your qualifications and experience as it relates to the specific duties of this position. Provide detailed examples, including your role, actions taken, and results achieved. Your response should be typed, no more than two pages in length, using 12-point Arial font with one-inch margins.

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:
• Experience managing, maintaining, and analyzing large, complex databases and data collection systems.
• Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL) for data extraction, analysis, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and reporting.
• Experience conducting complex data analysis and interpreting data to identify trends, anomalies, risks, and policy implications.
• Experience providing technical consultation and serving as a subject matter expert to program staff, educational agencies, and stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting statewide data collection systems and conducting user acceptance testing for system updates/enhancements.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and independent decision-making in resolving complex issues.

Benefits

The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee’s bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

·       Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance

·       Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days

·       401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)

·       Employee Assistance Program

·       Commute Program


More benefit information can be found on CalHR’s website: Benefits Summary

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
Shana Yeary
(916) 319-0955
syeary@cde.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:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
(916) 445-9174
oeoinfo@cde.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.

Important Application Instructions

  • How to Apply for state jobs: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Landing/Jobs/Steps.aspx
  • Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
  • DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
  • Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
  • For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with “see resume” in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
  • For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
  • If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
  • If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies: Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635)
  • Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
  • Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
  • For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: Work4CA:How to Get a State Job Series.

Examination Information

Please note: A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.

To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: Examinations Bulletins - Exams & Jobs (CDE Intranet) or at the link below:

Research Data Specialist I
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2360

Research Data Specialist II

https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2361

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
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