Salary : $77,028.00 – $103,572.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2023-04649
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Data Architecture, Testing, & Analysis
Opening Date: 06/12/2023
Closing Date: 6/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our Ideal Candidate is someone passionate about engaging with diverse populations and stakeholders to find human-centered resolutions to complex challenges. We’re looking for someone skilled in statistical programming software with experience in research and evaluation methods, data analysis, and who possesses professional communication skills and exceptional customer service. If you are looking for a challenging and dynamic opportunity focused heavily on research and innovation, we encourage you to apply!
Joining our team means working in a welcoming environment that recognizes and values the contributions of all team members, regardless of their background or identity. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse skills and experiences who share our commitment to inclusion and collaboration!
The Data Architecture, Transformation and Analytics (DATA) Division of ESD supports the agency mission and the employment process by providing businesses, individuals, and other customers with the labor market information they need to succeed in a changing economy. The Operations Research Specialist (ORS) position contributes to the achievement of the organization’s mission by leading the process of data validation to assess the accuracy and quality of data, conducting comprehensive program evaluation, delivering products and services at the local and state level, providing technical support to clients, and operating as the informational and communications link between the department, customers, and general public.
Duties
Per , employers periodically report standard occupational classifications (SOC) or job titles of workers. This position develops, directs, and performs the process of data validation of SOC codes and job titles and improves the data reporting processes to ensure that the data submitted to ESD by employers are accurate, adhere to high quality standards and are useful for the objectives set by the bill: education and training program planning, evaluating the effectiveness of education and training programs, and guiding students on their career pathways.
Some of what your duties may look like:
- Direct and/or perform research to evaluate and validate accuracy of standard occupational classification (SOC) and job title data reported by employers.
- Define scope of research, project goals, objectives, methods, and plans.
- Oversee the implementation of solutions based on the research findings (e.g., oversee and/or lead the process of providing feedback to employers and ESD divisions).
- Direct the development, identification, and adoption of a model to obtain the most-likely SOC codes based on provided job titles.
- Manage validation process; set project goals and timelines, prepare data sharing agreements, and coordinate the work of others.
- Engage with the internal and external stakeholders during validation and reporting processes and provide key stakeholders with regular updates.
- Design and conduct quantitative evaluation research (e.g., using randomized controlled trials or applying quasi-experimental methods) to improve workforce programs, policies, and delivery of workforce services in the state of Washington.
- Prepare final reports, conclusions, and recommendations based on the research findings.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in economics, econometrics, statistics, data science, mathematics, computer science, or a related social science discipline with strong quantitative analysis.
- At least three (3) years of demonstrated ability to develop, organize, and direct multiple complex research projects, including: design, administration, and analysis of surveys and survey data; and/or research analysis applying quasi-experimental and experimental research methods on complex data sets. A PhD may substitute for two (2) years of the desired experience.
Candidates will have demonstrated experience in the following areas:
- Demonstrated proficiency to use statistical programming platforms or applications (R, Python, SAS, STATA) to create data sets for econometric or statistical analysis and conduct econometric or statistical analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret research results, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and write technical and plain language reports.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others.
- Demonstrated ability to interact confidently and effectively with stakeholders, customers, researchers, and other audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead coordination of complex research projects.
Additional Requirements of Employment:
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.
- Must be able to travel as needed.
Please submit your Cover Letter, Resume, and a writing sample that demonstrates your independent research project skills in data analysis with your through the “Add Attachments” field. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see attachments” may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
Our agency’s mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that’s why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Thomas.DiGiorgio@esd.wa.gov or the Talent Acquisition Team.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Candidates who are offered a job with ESD must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
I understand that in order to be considered for this position I must include a resume, cover letter and a writing sample that demonstrates my independent research project skills in data analysis with this applicant packet.
- Yes
- No
02
Are you a current or former Washington state employee?
- Yes
- No
03
Please describe how your experience and/or education qualifies you as an Operations Research Specialist. Please include your experience with:1) Research and Evaluation – Describe your participation in at least one research project focused on program data and quantitative analysis.2) Professional Communication – Describe your demonstrated experience in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing as it relates to one or multiple research projects involving program data and quantitative analysis.
04
Please describe a time when you independently, or collaboratively, performed a complex data and statistical analysis, involving data collection, data manipulation, and analytical modeling.
Required Question