RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III

Are you passionate about data-driven decision-making, data governance, and improving access to information? The State Water Resources Control Board's Office of Information Management & Analysis (OIMA) is seeking a detail-oriented and innovative Research Data Specialist III (RDS III) to lead complex data integration, analytics, stewardship, and governance initiatives that support statewide water quality and water resource programs.

As an RDS III in the Data Integration & Analysis Unit (DIAU), you will develop data-driven solutions that improve accessibility, quality, and usability of information across the Water Boards. You will collaborate with program managers, engineers, scientists, information technology professionals, and leadership teams to support data integration, reporting, governance, and enterprise information management efforts. You will also help advance data stewardship practices, improve data discoverability, and support modernization of regulatory information systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who enjoy problem-solving, working with large and complex datasets, and leveraging technology to improve data accessibility, transparency, and decision-making across California's water programs.

The position is eligible for hybrid work schedule and in-office days based on operational needs of the position. The office is located at 1001 I Street, 19th Floor, Sacramento, right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay., The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ Special Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

RPA# 25-270-017 in the "Examination or Job Title(s)" section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application. Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

Must have Research Data Specialist III list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list.

Here is the link to the exam: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=2363

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified., A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than 3 pages in length, using Arial size 12pt font, and normal margins.

Indicate your total years of experience when answering the following questions. For all below, include an example(s) highlighting experience with the Desirable Qualifications listed above.

Data Analytics & Decision Support

Describe a complex data analysis, reporting, or business intelligence project that you led or significantly contributed to. What tools and methodologies did you use, what challenges did you encounter, and how did your work support decision-making or improve outcomes?

Data Governance & Information Management

Describe your experience supporting data governance, data stewardship, metadata management, data quality, data cataloging, records management, or enterprise information management initiatives. What was your role and what were the results?

Data Integration & Process Improvement

Provide an example of a project where you integrated data from multiple systems, improved data accessibility, or streamlined a data-related business process. What approach did you take and what benefits were achieved?

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Describe a situation where you worked with multiple stakeholders, such as program staff, engineers, scientists, information technology professionals, management, or external partners, to achieve a common objective. How did you ensure effective communication and coordination?

Leadership, Adaptability & Innovation

Describe a situation where you identified an opportunity for improvement and took initiative to implement a new process, technology, methodology, or solution. How did you manage challenges, adapt to changing priorities, and measure success?

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: Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to work with large and complex datasets, analyze trends, and develop data-driven insights. Experience using data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), databases, spreadsheets, SQL, or other analytical tools to organize, query, analyze, and interpret information. Data Governance & Information Management: Experience supporting data governance, data stewardship, metadata management, data quality, data cataloging, records management, or enterprise information management initiatives. Knowledge of best practices related to data accessibility, transparency, standardization, and discoverability is highly desirable. Data Integration & Process Improvement: Experience integrating data from multiple systems and identifying opportunities to improve business processes, workflows, and reporting. Ability to develop practical solutions that improve data quality, efficiency, interoperability, and access to information. Regulatory & Program Knowledge: Familiarity with California water quality, drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, groundwater, permitting, or other environmental regulatory programs. Experience supporting data-driven decision-making within public sector or regulatory organizations is desirable. Collaboration & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings, prepare reports, and explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Experience working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, information technology professionals, data managers, and program staff. Leadership, Adaptability & Initiative: Ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities, and adapt to evolving business and technology needs. Demonstrated initiative in solving problems, implementing improvements, learning new technologies, and supporting organizational goals in a dynamic environment.

3.73.7 out of 5 stars Sacramento County, CA Hybrid work $8,392 - $10,505 a month - Full-time, Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx and Health Benefits | CalPERS