Job Posting: Policy Researcher

Public Employees Retirement System

JC-453186
-
Policy Researcher
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

$6,752.00 - $8,452.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

This position will run until filled with the following cutoff dates for review: 10/20/2024, 11/03/2024, 11/17/2024, and every two weeks until filled.

Anticipated Interview Dates: In person interviews are anticipated to be held the week of November 04, 2024.

Telework Information: This position is designated as office-centered and works primarily onsite at the Sacramento, CA Headquarters at least three weekdays per week.

Do you enjoy working in a collaborative team environment where challenging and rewarding work is the norm? Do you have a passion for research and data analytics? Are you interested in leveraging large, real-world datasets to inform decision-making? Are you open to change and finding creative ways to implement continuous process improvements? If you answered yes to these questions, then we encourage you to apply for this exciting office-centric job opportunity!

The Policy Research & Data Analytics (PRDA) Division provides research, guidance, and data analytics to inform retirement-related issues and business decisions. PRDA employs research data techniques to assess the impact of potential retirement policy changes and sustainability of benefits and services, and continuously improve business processes.

Under the general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, Enterprise Policy Research Unit, the Research Data Specialist (RDS) I is responsible for independently designing and leading multiple research projects and assignments. The RDS I should have advanced knowledge of and experience using a variety of research, analytical, and statistical methods and techniques used in data analysis and to be able to provide comprehensive research. The RDS I manage workload consisting of multiple projects and assignments, completes work under critical timelines to meet project requirements, and writes clear and concise studies and reports. The RDS I exercise a high degree of independence, initiative, flexibility, and tact in performing the duties listed below and may perform other team assignments as required and appropriate for this level.

How did you hear about this position? Tell us in this brief survey.

Educational Document Request:
Please include a copy of your transcript(s) (preferably official) and/or college degree that demonstrates your ability to meet the minimum education requirements. Official Transcripts are required upon FINAL eligibility checks, if needed.

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

Working Conditions

  • This position is designated as office-centered and works primarily onsite at the Sacramento, CA -Headquarters at least three weekdays.
  • Workstation is on the 5th floor accessible by stairs and elevator, in a standard office building with artificial light and adjustable office chairs. 
  • Prolonged reading, typing and data analysis on a laptop, keyboard, and computer screen.
  • Various time-critical assignments are part of the typical workload.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-453186
Position #(s):
275-185-5742-021
Working Title:
Policy Researcher
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,752.00 - $8,452.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the nation’s largest public pension fund, providing retirement and health benefits to public employees, retirees, and their families. Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, we are a destination employer with an international reputation for leadership and innovation. At CalPERS, we’re committed to people – the people we serve, our team members, and the larger community around us. CalPERS is situated near the Napa Valley, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and other desirable destinations, and we offer competitive benefit packages, compensation, and opportunities for advancement.

If you are interested in becoming part of a diverse and inclusive workforce where talent, experience, and expertise are valued, CalPERS invites you to apply for this employment opportunity. To find out more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, visit our website!

To take a look at CalPERS as a destination employer, view this YouTube video.

Special Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) listed on the Classification Specification should be included in your application package to clearly demonstrate how you meet the MQs for this position. If you are using education to meet MQs, please include your transcripts with your application package. If selected, official transcripts will be required prior to job offer. The Classification Specification is located on this Job Posting under "Minimum Requirements."

Please Note: You may need to pass an examination to establish list eligibility prior to a final offer of employment. To find and take an exam, visit CalHR’s CalCareers website.

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. 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:

Public Employees Retirement System
Postal
Attn: JC-453186/SY
Human Resources Division, Recruitment
P. O. Box 942718
Sacramento, CA 94229-2718

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Public Employees Retirement System
Drop-Off
HRSD, SSU JC-453186/SY
400 Q Street, Lincoln Plaza North
1st floor drop box by security desk
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:
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills sufficient to perform the duties described in this duty statement
  • Expert knowledge of computer and statistical programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, Power BI, and PowerPoint; SAS; etc.) for data analysis, report writing, and slide presentations
  • Excellent writing skills and ability to compose clear and concise reports summarizing research findings and make recommendations
  • Ability to act independently and take initiative and be proactive in planning and scoping out projects assigned 
  • Project management skills sufficient to lead enterprise-wide projects of varying complexity and work on multiple projects simultaneously with varying deadlines

Benefits

CalPERS team members are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most team members. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.

Some added benefits CalPERS offers include:
  • Alternate Work Schedules
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Onsite childcare facility
  • Onsite fitness center
  • Onsite café and nearby restaurants
  • Free onsite parking available Mondays and Fridays, subject to change
  • Free offsite parking available with shuttle service Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Hiring Unit Contact:
CalPERS HRSD, Selection Services
(916) 795-2444
Recruitment@calpers.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:
CalPERS EEO
(916) 795-3675
EEO@calpers.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 Information

Live Scan
Candidates not currently employed at CalPERS are required to submit to a criminal history review process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.

CalPERS Disclosure Requirements
If employed, you may be subject to rules imposed by Personal Trading Regulations and Conflict of Interest Code that apply to CalPERS team members, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)

Please do not include any confidential information on any documents in your application package. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include, but is not limited to, your social security number, date of birth, marital status, personal photos, a copy of your driver’s license, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP status.

Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without the need for a visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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.