Research Data Specialist I – Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE); Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) seeks a Research Data Specialist I to support the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center in Sacramento County. The position is permanent, full-time, and based in-office.

Responsibilities include processing data for research driven analysis and contributing to threat intel integration. New hires may be subject to the Personal Leave Program adjustments; salary ranges reflect posted figures before PLP

Qualifications

• 12 semester or 18 quarter units in data-driven field, such as economics, mathematics, statistics, data science or related discipline; at least one course in statistical methods.
• All job applicants must provide employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume.

Responsibilities

• Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Education

12 semester or 18 quarter units in data-driven field (incl. at least one course in statistical methods)

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-535360

Position #(s): 541-061-5742-002

Working Title: Research Data Specialist I – Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center

Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

$6,955.00 - $8,970.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: In Office

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California’s fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 14,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.

When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. CAL FIRE offers well-paying careers and opportunities for advancement. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!

Job Description And Duties

Please Note: Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application is recommended.

Please see the Duty Statement link, found in the Additional Documents section, for more information.

Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Special Requirements

Please upload transcripts showing evidence of 12 semester or 18 quarter units course work in any combination of a data driven research-related field, such as economics, mathematics, psychology, sociology, demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, data science or a research-related field; this must include at least one course in statistical methods.

All job applicants must provide their employment history on the application form (State Application STD 678) rather than attaching a resume to the form, otherwise the application may be considered incomplete.

• Do NOT include ANY confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver’s license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.


• Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Person nel Board.

The minimum qualifications can be found in the RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I classification specifications.