RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

Employment Development Department; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Employment Development Department (EDD) seeks a Research Data Specialist II to advance data analysis, reporting, and decision support for California's unemployment programs. The role leads complex research projects and collaborates with program staff and IT teams to improve data quality and performance.

Responsibilities include developing reports, dashboards, and data visualizations, identifying trends, and delivering actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis and reporting to support program performance and federal requirements.
• Ability to develop reports, dashboards, and data visualizations to inform decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Leads complex research and data analysis projects that support program performance and reporting.
• Analyzes large datasets, identifies trends, and develops reports and dashboards.
• Provides recommendations to improve operations and reporting accuracy.
• Collaborates with program staff, executive leadership, and IT teams to enhance data quality and implement BI solutions.

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. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-532987

Position #(s): 280-379-5758-002

Working Title: Research Data Specialist II

Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II

$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 A

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: United States

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Work Shift: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Work Week: Monday - Friday

Department Information

The Employment Development Department (EDD) is one of the largest State departments with employees at hundreds of service locations. For more than 70 years, the EDD has connected millions of job seekers and employers in an effort to build the economy of the Golden State. In order to continue our mission, we are constantly looking for the best and the brightest to join our ranks. Working at EDD presents many opportunities. If you strive to make a difference, we invite you to seek a career with EDD.

Department Website: http://www.edd.ca.gov

Job Description And Duties

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE. THE AMOUNT OF TELEWORK IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS BUSINESS NEEDS ARISE. The Employment Development Department (EDD), Unemployment Insurance Support Division is seeking a motivated, analytical, and collaborative Research Data Specialist II (RDS II) to join the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Branch's Unemployment Insurance Support Division (UISD). This is an exciting opportunity to use data and research to improve one of California's largest public benefit programs. Under the general direction of the Manager II, the RDS II leads complex research and data analysis projects that support program performance, federal reporting, modernization efforts, and executive decision-making. The incumbent analyzes large datasets, identifies trends and opportunities for improvement, develops reports, dashboards, and data visualizations, and provides recommendations that help improve operations and ensure accurate reporting. The RDS II works closely with program staff, executive leadership, and Information Technology teams to improve data quality, support system modernization efforts, validate reporting, and develop innovative business intelligence solutions. This position also serves as a technical resource by providing guidance on research methods, data analysis, and reporting practices. If you enjoy solving complex problems, working with data, and making a meaningful impact through research and analytics, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and excellent public service. EDD employees will be required to report to their headquarters office on their assigned in-office days. California Government Code Section 14200 requires employees to reside in California to telecommute. Travel expenses to and from the assigned headquarters are the responsibility of the employee. Effective July 1, 2025, specific Bargaining Units and associated Excluded State employees are subject to a salary reduction between 2% - 4.62% in exchange for hours in the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) per month. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).