Research Data Specialist

Job Description and Duties
The Governor's Office of Planning & Research (OPR) seeks to fill a Permanent, Full Time Research Data Specialist I position within the Climate Services Branch.


Under the direction of the SPPD Climate Services Program Manager, the Coastal Resilience Specialist will serve as a technical expert to support OPR's activities related to coastal resilience policy development as part of OPR's Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP). ICARP established through Senate Bill 246, is charged with developing a cohesive and holistic response to the impacts of climate change by coordinating state and local adaptation efforts. This position is a member of the ICARP Team, which works to integrate climate change into planning and investment decisions through the development of statewide plans, decision-support tools, actionable climate science, guidance, technical assistance, and grant programs while also advancing racial and social equity within state funding programs and programs related to climate change.
As a member of the Climate Services Team, the Coastal Resilience Specialist will support ICARP's role in policy and programmatic alignment across state agencies and in support of local implementation needs. This position will also support ICARP's provision of research-driven data tools, scientific guidance, technical assistance, and other resources to support adaptation and coastal resilience, and oversee the State's Adaptation Clearinghouse.



This position is eligible for telework in accordance with the OPR Telework Policy. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The positions at OPR may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria set forth in the OPR Telework Policy and/or future program need.

All OPR employees must reside in California upon appointment.

OPR is located in Sacramento, directly across from the State Capitol.



Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods.



Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.).

Daily use of personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.



Occasional overnight travel up to 15% may be required.


Job Code #: JC-425628
Position #(s): -XXX
Working Title: Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resilience Specialist Classification: RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I $6,555.00 - $8,455.00


Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: In Office
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Work Shift: 8am-5pm
Work Week: Mon-Fri
Department Information
The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency. OPR assists the Governor and the Administration in planning, research, policy development, and legislative analysis. OPR formulates long- range state goals and policies to address land use, climate change, population growth and distribution, urban expansion, infrastructure development, groundwater sustainability and drought response, and resource protection. OPR's budget programs include State Planning and Policy Development, Strategic Growth Council, California Volunteers, Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communication, Racial Equity Commission, and Youth Empowerment Commission. OPR is a fast-paced, creative work environment that requires staff to have strong collaboration skills, an ability to quickly respond to changing policy needs, and a positive attitude and sense of humor. Proven commitment to creating a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences.



To learn more about OPR, please visit our website:



Please note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.


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: 4/14/2024 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:

Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Attn: Human Resources Office-RPA SPPD 23039
1400 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Governor's Office of Planning and Research
Human Resources Office- RPA SPPD 23039
1400 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
09:00 AM - 04:00 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required. Statement of Qualifications - In addition to completing your online job application, you must provide a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the hiring managers' review. Please see the Statement of Qualifications section for instructions and questions for the SOQ. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. 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:
Technical knowledge of coastal resilience policy frameworks, laws, regulations, and programs, particularly those related to sea-level rise. Expertise in local planning processes and requirements, particularly climate and land use planning Existing relationships with relevant state and federal agencies, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and academic researchers Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including developing effective technical reports, briefing documents, policy recommendations, and presentations. Ability to develop creative solutions to complex and potentially sensitive problems. Strong organizational, time management, analytical, and project management skills to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects with short- and long-term deliverables. Benefits
OPR employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.



Some added benefits OPR offers include:



11 paid holidays



Alternate work schedules



Flexible work hours



Hybrid schedule



Nearby cafes and restaurants



Walking distance to public transit
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE


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 Office

California Relay Service: (TTY), (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Disclosure Requirements
This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) within 30 days of appointment and once per year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.


Statement of Qualifications
Application packages received without an SOQ or those that do not respond to the specific questions below will not be considered. The SOQ must be typed, titled "Statement of Qualifications", and each response must be numbered and list all relevant experience, education, and training, including places of employment, dates, and duties performed. The SOQ must not exceed two pages in length and must not have font smaller than 12 point.


SOQ Question 1: Describe your experience managing, analyzing, or visualizing quantitative, qualitative, or geospatial data in a climate change adaptation and resilience related project, including tools or platforms used, audience, intended outcomes, any evaluation of impact.


SOQ Question 2: Describe your experience in building and maintaining effective partnerships across different government agencies, research institutions, and community stakeholders, including any science communication, translation, outreach, or policy development.


SOQ Question 3: In the context of climate adaptation and resilience, how do you define and prioritize equity, and what measures would you take to guarantee that initiatives and policies are developed and implemented in a way that does not disproportionately impact marginalized communities and instead promote inclusivity and justice?


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.