CDS Data Specialist

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., 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., 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., * 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.

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.

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

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.