Job Posting: Research Data Specialist III

Government Operations Agency

JC-531714
-
Research Data Specialist III
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

$8,392.00 - $10,820.00 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: 10/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Secretary and Undersecretary of the Government Operations Agency, the Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) independently performs complex data analysis and analytical studies in support of GovOps oversight of government programs across its departments, boards, and offices. Working closely with the Secretary, Undersecretary, and Deputy Secretaries, the RDS III analyzes statewide initiatives such as procurement reform, state budgets, program modernization, and operational efficiency; identifies program and policy insights; and presents findings and recommendations to executive stakeholders. The RDS III serves as a data and analytics subject expert, prepares analysis for executive and external reporting, and advances data-informed decision-making across GovOps. This position works independently and does not supervise or serve in a lead capacity over other staff.

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.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-531714
Position #(s):
337-100-5770-900
Working Title:
Research Data Specialist III
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III
$8,392.00 - $10,820.00
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:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Government Operations Agency (GovOPS) is responsible for administering state operations including procurement, information technology, and human resources. The mission of GovOps is to improve management and accountability of government programs, increase efficiency, and promote better and more coordinated operational decisions.

Please note, CalHR provides contracted Human Resources services for California Government Operations Agency (GovOPS) and is not an E-Verified employer.
Department Website: https://www.govops.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of two (2) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font.

1. Describe your experience utilizing advanced data tools (ie: Python, SQL, and PowerBI) to analyze large datasets. Provide a specific example of a time you created a dashboard, visual, or report that summarized complex operational data. How did your findings influence a specific decision or policy adjustment?

2. Describe a situation where you had to evaluate a program's performance or operational efficiency. What methodology did you use to gather and analyze the data, and how did you communicate your results to stakeholders to support reform or improvement?

3. Describe a time you managed a complex or sensitive project with minimal supervision. How did you ensure your analysis was accurate and aligned with high-level strategic goals, and how did you present your findings to executive-level staff to ensure they were "data-informed"?

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

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: 10/12/2026

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:

Government Operations Agency
CalHR
Attn: Classification and Hiring
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Government Operations Agency
CalHR
Classification and Hiring
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.
  • School Transcripts
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.
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:
  • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining executive-level dashboards and interactive visualizations using PowerBI (or similar tools) to turn complex data into actionable insights.
  • Proficiency in SQL and scripting languages like Python for data extraction, manipulation, and automation of large, cross-departmental datasets.
  • Experience establishing and maintaining data protocols, ensuring data integrity, and conducting quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) on large datasets.
  • Proven ability to synthesize highly technical or voluminous data into concise, non-technical briefing papers, executive summaries, and policy recommendations for high-level stakeholders.
  • Experience performing operational efficiency studies, budget analysis, or performance measurement within a government or complex organizational setting.

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.govops.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Alexandra Scheuer
(916) 658-3177
Alexa.Scheuer@calhr.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Jessica Altvatter
(916) 651-9024
jessica.altvatter@govops.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 Examination to become list eligible for this position.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.

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