RESEARCH ANALYST III2015C1
DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, technical work in compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting complex and varied statistical, economic, program or administrative data. Work involves planning, organizing and directing research procedures, methodology and/or phases of a research program. 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 C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. 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 B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Research Analyst II class in which the incumbents perform less difficult and complex research functions. Differs from the Research Analyst IV class in which the incumbents perform specialized professional work in planning and directing a research program. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Plans, organizes, and directs assigned phases of a program designed to determine the effectiveness of various programs and to develop new or improve existing programs through the research, analysis, and reporting of statistical, economic, program or administrative data. Develops procedures and methodology to be used in gathering, analyzing, and reporting data; determines sources for obtaining data and designs questionnaires; corrects, adjusts, and interprets data. Recommends and formulates administrative and research policies and correlates program policies and practices with federal and state requirements. Directs and participates in complex and extensive research studies; prepares or coordinates the preparation and maintenance of necessary records and reports. May supervise subordinate staff. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles and methods used in the collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical, economic, and administrative data. *Knowledge of research design methods and procedures. *Knowledge of English usage and written communication. Abilities *Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of a staff of professional and clerical employees. *Ability to use and adapt technical formulae in reducing, analyzing, and interpreting data. *Ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques. *Ability to exercise judgment in collecting statistical, economic, and administrative data and in preparing interpretative reports. *Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, administrative officials, and the public. *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: Two years 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.
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