RESEARCH ANALYST IV2016C1
DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, professional work in planning and directing a research program which is moderate in scope, or conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of highly complex administrative or management systems. Work involves compiling, analyzing and reporting statistical, economic, program, or administrative data for the purpose of developing policy options. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - Level D: "Under general direction…" Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence. 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 E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. 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 C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. 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 III class in which the incumbents perform specialized, technical research work in directing research procedures, methodology and/or phases of a research program. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Constructs research models using advanced mathematical and computer techniques to test various policy alternatives before final determinations are made; develops formula and specifications for computer analysis programs. Directs the collection of data required to evaluate programs and organizational processes; assists in designing evaluation research by providing major conceptual input; prepares written reports of analyses and recommendations. Prepares research reports for use at legislative hearings. Testifies before legislative committees regarding findings on the fiscal impact of proposed legislation. Determines the feasibility and operational impact of proposed data processing applications in the development of management information systems. Provides technical assistance to agency staff to develop an increased capacity and interest in using the results of research; assists in developing in-service training for research service users; assists agency officials in developing skill in defining policy alternatives in terms suitable for testing and analyses. Collaborates with agency officials to assist in developing, planning and formulating an overall reporting, research and analysis program which is comprehensive in scope. Develops and maintains working relationships with agency officials to become knowledgeable of key problems and issues; maintains a continuing dialogue with federal officials, community and university professionals to foster mutual research interest and activities. Serves as a project manager; directs activities to develop plans and criteria to evaluate program progress and results. 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. Knowledge of mathematical and computer modeling in conducting research. Knowledge of economic forecasting techniques. 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 group data to obtain accurate measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and to conduct studies of correlation. *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 plan and direct the activities of a major research project. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Three of years 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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