http://jobs.spb.ca.gov/wvpos/more_info.cfm?recno=501766
CLASSIFICATION: RESEARCH
PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
TENURE/TIME BASE: PERMANENT
FULL TIME
BUREAU: CALIFORNIA RESEARCH
BUREAU
MONTHLY SALARY: RPS I -
$4833 - $5874
SUMMARY: The Research Bureau was created in 1991 within the
California State Library to provide policy research, analysis, and information
services that are timely, objective, nonpartisan and confidential. The Bureau’s
staff responds to and anticipates issues which are subject to legislative
resolution, and address policy issues of statewide importance in an
interdisciplinary, integrative manner. The Research Bureau works exclusively
and directly for members and committees of the California Legislature, the
Governor’s Office, and other elected state Constitutional officials, in support
of their responsibilities in proposing and evaluating legislation and public
policy.
DUTIES:
The RPS I position in the
Bureau requires the services of highly skilled and motivated individuals who
are responsible for carrying out complex research projects and activities under
close general supervision.
Research, Organize, Present,
Respond. Under the general guidance of an Assistant Director of the Bureau,
• Plans, conducts, collaborates
on the more difficult research studies and program evaluations requested by
public officials.
• Reads, understands, and is
able to apply large amounts of relevant research.
• Uses microcomputer software
to carry out statistical and/or quantitative research.
• Evaluates the accuracy and
validity of statistical data and analyses.
• Conducts research on multiple
topics as requested by public officials.
•
Compiles and synthesizes large amounts of
both qualitative and quantitative information.
• Interprets qualitative and
quantitative information within a public policy context.
• Prepares and makes formal
presentations based on research.
• Organizes and facilitates
research seminars, forums, panels, and meetings.
• Provides expert consultation
services to administration, department, staff, legislative bodies, commissions,
and agencies.
• Advises clients on issues
related to policy development and formulation.
• Writes correspondence in
response to requests from public officials.
• Prepares CRB research
publications.
• Writes draft legislation at
the request of a client.
• Participates on task forces
and advisory committees.
• Participates in collaborative
projects and project management efforts with CRB and CSL staff members.
• Develops contacts within the
policy and research communities.
• Attends appropriate
conferences, hearings, and meetings that provide contacts and policy-related
information.
• Follows developments in
specific fields through contacts and appropriate readings.
• Employs best management
practices in documenting and archiving project-related materials.
• Other duties as assigned
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ability to work successfully
with high-level officials of the executive and legislative branches.
• Ability to interact
discretely and professionally with elected officials and their staff.
• Interest in the process of
formulating public policy.
• Ability to communicate
effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability and experience
handling multiple, simultaneous projects with varying deadlines.
• Ability to act independently
and show initiative.
• Ability to respond flexibly
to changing assignments in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to conduct research
in a stressful, high visibility environment.
• Ability to accept and provide
appropriate criticism.
• Ability to evaluate
situations effectively and take appropriate action.
• Ability to work overtime as
needed.
• Ability to travel and attend
meetings at short notice.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Knowledge of research methods
and techniques, including development and application of computerized models to
research data; statistical and other methods used in the analysis and
projection of data; survey methods and analytical techniques and operations
research methods.
• Experienced writing about
research findings and work for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experienced making public
presentations.
• Experienced using personal
computers and software packages.