RESEARCH ANALYST II

2014C1

Pay Grade:  23

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is specialized, technical work in compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting a variety of statistical, economic, program or administrative data. Work involves responsibility for a full range of research functions.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Research Analyst I class is which the incumbents perform limited specialized, technical research work.

Differs from the Research Analyst III class in which the incumbents perform more difficult and complex research functions to plan, organize and direct research procedures, methodology and/or phases of a research program.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Gathers statistical, economic, program or administrative data from original sources through the use of surveys, special forms, routine reports, census data, and by interview.

Researches, edits, analyzes, refines, interprets, computes and reports data to determine the effectiveness of and improve various existing programs, develop new programs, or estimate and/or project social, economic, employment, education or health trends.

Plans, designs, implements, monitors and evaluates activities, procedures and projects in order to ensure accurate results; designs and implements management information systems/computer systems including the development of inputs and outputs.

Develops, and/or modifies forms, worksheets, or questionnaires as necessary to facilitate the collection, recording, analysis and/or computation of data.

Disseminates information by responding to specific requests from agency staff and the public.

Prepares and maintains specialized charts, graphs, records, narrative reports, bulletins, or news releases.

May supervise and train lower-level staff in the use of research methodologies and procedures.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of research design methods and procedures.

*Knowledge of standard statistical methods and their applications to analysis and evaluation of social, economic and other data.

*Knowledge of English usage and written communication.

Abilities

*Ability to interact with agency personnel, public officials, and the general public in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with them.

*Ability to analyze and interpret statistical data.

*Ability to read and comprehend technical narrative material including manuals, handbooks and instructional memoranda for application to daily work.

*Ability to organize and clearly express information in concise, written form.

*Ability to communicate information or instructions orally.

*Ability to apply analytical thinking to specific problems.

Ability to use statistical and database software to prepare reports and analyze data.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

One year of experience in collecting, evaluating, studying or reporting on statistical, economic, fiscal/budget, legislative or administrative data. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

NC:   06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05