RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water is seeking a Research Data Specialist II to support data quality, respond to customers, and help sustain efficient information flows in the Quality Assurance Data Support Unit. The position is based in Sacramento with a hybrid telework option.

This permanent, full-time role emphasizes integrity, initiative, and teamwork; salary ranges reflect CalHR rules and adjustments for PLP 2025, with consideration for education/experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with GIS creation and data management.
• Proficient in data analysis and data analytics.
• Experience with data programming and database management.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide data support and QA for drinking water programs.
• Respond to internal/external inquiries with timely, accurate information.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure data quality and reporting.

Skills

GIS creation

Data analysis

Data programming

Regulatory interpretation

Stakeholder coordination

Public speaking

Analytical thinking

Writing skills

Job description

Research Data Specialist II
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$7,640.00 - $9,847.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/2/2026

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water has an opening for a Research Data Specialist II in the Quality Assurance Section – Data Support Unit. The position is located at 1001 I Street, 17th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 right in the heart of downtown next to light rail stations and other public transportation.

Duties: Under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) and consistent with good customer service practices and the goals of the State and Regional Board’s Strategic Plan, the incumbent is expected to be courteous and provide timely responses to internal/external customers, follow through on commitments, and solicit and consider internal/external customer input when completing work assignments. Applicants can refer to the attached Duty Statement for additional information about this position.

Additional information: Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your application package.

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

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment. Proof of residency may be required.

Salary Information - CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II $7,640.00 - $9,847.00 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: Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine (9) Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) (collectively the Water Boards) work to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Water Boards value diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. We foster an environment where employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees is essential to inspiring innovative solutions. Together we further our mission to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations. Join the Water Boards to improve the lives of all Californians.

In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:

• RPA# 26-402-041 in the “Examination or Job Title(s)” section of the State application when submitting a hardcopy application.
• Photocopies of degree and official transcripts (if needed to establish eligibility).

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States that does meet accreditation standards must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due during final minimum qualification evaluation of candidate(s). A link of accepted evaluation agencies can be found here: https://www.naces.org/members .

Electronic submittal of applications and attachments through jobs.ca.gov is preferred. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD. 678), including work experience, dates, hours worked, contact names and phone numbers of supervisors on the state application. Applicants who fail to submit a completed STD. 678 may be disqualified.

In the hiring interview, the panel will consider education, experience, personal development, personal traits and fitness for the job. In appraising experience, more weight may be given to the breadth of pertinent experience and evidence of the candidate's ability to accept and fulfill increasing responsibilities than to the length of his/her experience. For additional information, you may refer to the class specification.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with GIS creation and management.
• Experience with data analysis and/or data analytics.
• Experience with data programming, database management, data collection, and/or data compilation.
• Experience with interpreting laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experience coordinating with different stakeholder groups.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and writing skills.
• Ability to effectively research and interpret drinking water standards.

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:

Aja Marsh
[phone]
[e-mail]

Hiring Unit Contact:

Wendy Killou
[phone]
[e-mail]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY),