Research Data Specialist

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


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


Under the general direction 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 to 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.
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. Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification. RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III Additional Documents
Job Application Package Checklist Duty Statement Position Details
Job Code #: JC-431389
Position #(s): ********
Working Title: Research Data Specialist III Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III $7,911.00 - $9,902.00 A
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Facility: State Water Resources Control Board
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.
Department Website:
Special Requirements
In order to be considered for this position, you must include the following:
RPA# ******** 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) Must have Research Data Specialist III list, transfer, or reinstatement eligibility and be reachable on the certification list. Here is the link to the exam: This is an exam bulletin for Research Data Specialist 3 (ca.gov).
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:
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.
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: 6/10/2024 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list 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).
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 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:

State Water Resources Control Board
Attn: Human Resources Branch - Alexandra Ruiloba-Olah
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

State Water Resources Control Board
Human Resources Branch - Alexandra Ruiloba-Olah
1001 I Street, 18th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
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 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 see below for specific SOQ requirements. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting. 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:
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, negotiation and writing skills and the ability to research and interpret drinking water standards. Strong communication skills and the ability to work as a team member are critical. Experience coordinating with different stakeholder groups is also desirable.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.


Water Board employees may be eligible for benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most permanent, full-time employees, and some permanent, part-time employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment.
Contact Information
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: Human Resources Contact:
Alexandra Ruiloba-Olah


Hiring Unit Contact:
Wendy Killou


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:
Shyla Hoffman

California Relay Service: (TTY), (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Statement of Qualifications
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted along with the State Application and serves as documentation of candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. It should be typed, no more than two (2) pages in length, using Arial, 12pt, and normal margins.


Indicate your total years of experience if applicable when answering the following statements/questions:
1. What interests you about this position?


2. Describe your background and work experience, if any, with respect to environmental regulatory work.


3. Describe your experience with business processes, streamlining work activities, organizational skills, and increased productivity.


4. Describe your ability to develop and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships.


5. Describe your experience / ability to disseminate highly technical knowledge in a manner that is understood by a wide range of stakeholders.

Applications received without the SOQ addressed as stated will not be considered.



Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as a response to the SOQ. 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.