What are the responsibilities and job description for the RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I position at California Governor's Office of Emergency Services?
Job Posting: Mitigation Research Specialist
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
JC-536380
Mitigation Research Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 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: 11/4/2026
Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job
Save Job
Job Description and Duties
**This is a 12 month Limited-Term position that may be extended up to 24 months and/or with the possibility of becoming permanent.**
Are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced career? Join the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and be part of an organization that serves as a leader in emergency management and homeland security through dedicated service to all. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team. If you are interested in a challenging opportunity in a high-energy, team-oriented environment, you are encouraged to apply.
From wildfires to pandemics, the State of California is experiencing an unprecedented number of emergencies. If you are looking for a career path where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions of vulnerable Californians, consider joining the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). This organization, guided by the goals of resilience, sustainability, climate adaptation, and equity, serves as a trusted leader in emergency management and has come to be depended on by communities throughout California. To expand our capabilities, we are looking for collaborative individuals devoted to developing innovative solutions that empower the residents of our state.
The Research Data Specialist I, as part of the Hazard Mitigation Assessment Unit will design studies and undertake geospatial, statistical, and qualitative analysis on program interventions to measure success. The incumbent will write reports and studies, recommend the adoption of applications, and determine authoritative data services. The incumbent plans for and performs data creation, preparation and modeling for loss avoidance studies, risk assessment, disaster recovery and other products as necessary. This is an integral role in ensuring that Cal OES is accurately measuring the success of disaster recovery and mitigation actions, continuously updating best practices, and ensuring communities are employing the most effective actions toward building resiliency.
This Team is responsible for identifying and resolving database-related issues, providing enhancements to applications and dashboard products, making recommendations for process improvements and new solutions for effective program management, and delivers analytical products for both program-specific areas and general emergency response and recovery.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is located in the Hazard Mitigation Assessment Unit in Mather, CA.
Hybrid Telework: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Additional in office days may be required based on the business need.
Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-536380
Position #(s):
163-553-5742-904
Working Title:
Mitigation Research Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
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:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Department Information
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.
Cal OES is an emergency response, homeland security, and disaster recovery agency and as a result, is a dynamic and exciting place to work in a team-oriented environment. Cal OES provides training to enhance the understanding of emergency and incident management to all employees.
The Recovery Directorate is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments, special districts, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses and agricultural communities impacted by disasters. The Recovery Directorate ensures state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process.
The Recovery Directorate is comprised of three sections — Recovery Operations, Hazard Mitigation, and Interagency Recovery Coordination. Recovery personnel are responsible for assisting in the management of statewide disaster recovery efforts, as well as assisting agricultural communities, businesses, certain nonprofit organizations, individuals, local governments and special districts impacted by disasters.
In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.
More information may be found here: Recovery Directorate | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov
Special Requirements
Application Package Requirements
To have your application considered for this job opportunity:
- List the Job Code (JC) and Position Number for this position in the “EXAMINATION(S) OR JOB TITLE(S) FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING” section on the State Application, STD. 678.
- List your most current employment history first in the “EMPLOYMENT HISTORY” section on the STD. 678.
- Provide the “From” and “To” dates with the month, day and year, the “Hours Per Week” that you worked and the Total Worked (Years/Months). You may include overtime hours.
- You must complete the “DUTIES PERFORMED” on the State Application (do not note “see attached resume” in this section). Failure to comply and your application is considered incomplete.
- SROA and Surplus are encouraged to apply and must submit a copy of their letter.
Please note consideration shall be given to work experience gained in a part-time or full-time job, regardless of whether the job was a paid or a volunteer position or was within, or outside of, state service.
If using education to qualify please submit a copy of your transcripts. If selected, official transcripts will be required. Foreign education must obtain and submit verification of United States course/degree equivalency.
NOTE: Incomplete applications received may not be considered. Resumes are welcomed but do not take the place of the completed State Application STD 678. Applications received via fax or email will NOT be accepted. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please send certified mail.
**A candidate pool may be established for subsequent vacancies.**
**All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.**
**We encourage applicants to apply electronically.**
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/4/2026Who 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.
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).
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).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Recruitment
Attn: HR Unit - KC
3650 Schriever Ave
Mather, CA 95655
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Human Resources
HR Unit - KC
10370 Peter A McCuen Boulevard
Mather, CA 95655
Please drop off at HR Window; Second Floor. This excludes holidays and weekends.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - Please refer to the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) section at the bottom of this job bulletin for the filing instructions and the SOQ Question(s). Applications submitted without the SOQ may not be considered.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware, and software, including but not limited:
- Geospatial Software: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, and other ESRI platforms for mapping, spatial analysis, and geodatabase management.
- Data Analysis Tools: Python (including Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib libraries), R, and SQL for data processing, modeling, and statistical analysis.
- Visualization Platforms: Tableau, Power BI, and ArcGIS Dashboards for creating interactive dashboards, heatmaps, and data visualizations to aid in decision-making.
- Hazard and Emergency-Specific Software: FEMA’s Hazus, CALAdapt, and flood risk modeling tools to assess impacts, model secondary hazards, and evaluate progress.
- Remote Sensing and Imagery Tools: Satellite imagery processing via Google Earth Engine or other platforms for burn area mapping, vegetation analysis, and change detection.
- Knowledge of data management and data governance principles.
- Knowledge/understanding of data concepts and ability to develop queries for statistical analyses; understanding of data limitations and research methods.
- Analytical skills and the ability to think strategically while remaining focused on goals and objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and experiences.
- Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, be persistent, work in a team, and solve problems as they arise.
- Background in statistics and technical/academic writing.
- Experience working in focus groups and analyzing qualitative data.
- Experience in supporting conducting research independently within or in partnership with other organizations and coworkers.
- Experience designing and coordinating the implementation of research projects within organizational constraints and resource limitations.
- Experience supporting and training staff and community partners that are unfamiliar with research, to collect, manage, and analyze data.
Benefits
Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:
- Free Parking
- On-site Gym and Locker room
- Electric Carport
- Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
- 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
- Flexible Schedules
- Generous paid time off
- Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee or the employee's family
- Investment in careers development
- Located near many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
HR Unit - KC
(916) 845-8321
Recruitments@caloes.ca.gov
HR Unit - KC
(916) 845-8321
Recruitments@caloes.ca.gov
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.
EEO Contact:EEO Officer
(916) 845-8600
EEO@CalOES.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
All applicants must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring manager’s review. Failure to include an SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A resume in lieu of the SOQ responses may disqualify an applicant from consideration. A standard or generic SOQ may disqualify an applicant from consideration.
Please review the Duty Statement and the Desirable Qualifications for this position.
The SOQ should specifically outline how you meet any or all of the desirable qualifications outlined in the Job Posting and Duty Statement.
SOQ Format Instructions:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is Required. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ is not a resume or cover letter. It should be:
- Typed, single-spaced & single-sided
- No more than two (2) page in length
- Arial 12 point font
- Margins not less than one inch
- First and last name at the top of the page
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
1. After reading the duty statement, describe your education and professional experience that makes you a strong candidate for the RDS I position in the Hazard Mitigation Assessment Unit.
2. Describe a project where you independently gathered, compiled and interpreted data. Specifically mention tools you use to ensure the precision of the data and numerical accuracy and any reports you may have created to answer specific questions or identify a trend.
For assistance in uploading documents, including the SOQ, you may want to consider watching the following video from CalHR's Training Catalog: Upload SOQ to your Application Package
Exam & Additional Information
To obtain list eligibility please click on the link below
Research Data Specialist I - Exam 2360
Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction.
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 work place. 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.
Salary : $6,955 - $8,706