GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The RESEARCH ANALYST 2 gathers, compiles and analyzes qualitative and quantitative information and statistical data, and presents this information or data in narrative or schematic form. The Research Analyst 2 assists in the planning and organizing of research projects.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a four-level series. This class is distinguished from the lower level by having responsibility for projects that require advanced statistical analysis while under the general supervision of a higher level research analyst or supervisor. This class is distinguished from the higher level by the absence of responsibility for planning research studies, devising procedures for special research projects, preparing statistical forecasts, and by providing team leadership to lower level analysts in performing research activities. Employees in this class work with a higher level of technical expertise and substantial independent judgment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research Development and Analysis. Typical tasks: gathers and compiles raw data from a variety of sources; contacts agencies and other sources for information; participates in the development of survey research instruments; conducts surveys and analyzes results; compiles and extracts data from computer printouts and works with data entry staff to coordinate the coding and input of computerized data; writes computer report operator language programs such as Easytrieve Plus and Focus; uses computer report generator language software packages such as Table Producing Language (TPL), and Statistical Analyses System (SAS), to retrieve, edit, and tabulate data from various data bases and files with the use of computer input devices; assists analysts and data processing staff in designing and implementing systems development projects; provides pertinent information and statistics to data processing personnel; develops, displays, and maintains data in graphs, summary tables, and charts.
2. Research and Statistical Consultation. Typical tasks: receives requests from agency personnel, other agencies, business groups, legislative bodies, associations, and the general public about subjects within the employing agency's jurisdiction and provides informational or statistical response; conducts routine inquiries with businesses, governmental officials, and others in the collection and interpretation of data; extracts data from computer; organizes and analyzes relevant data in printouts, tables, graphs, and charts; prepares answers for requestor; may review reports, papers, memos and articles of staff to ensure proper use of data and offer statistical consultation.
3. Report Preparation. Typical tasks: reviews narrative and statistical information received from internal and external sources; confers with agencies and others to interpret research information received; writes reports such as statistical studies, narrative reports, articles for publication, including summary tables, graphs, and charts; summarizes data into various formats and writes short reports, simple research monographs and/or sections of major reports.
4. Project Review. Typical tasks: may assist higher-level analyst by overseeing project work of lower-level research analysts, data processors, and clerical staff for accuracy and completeness; may assist higher-level research analyst by training lower-level research analysts or support staff in the conduct of surveys and other job functions.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have periodic telephone or written contact with survey respondents to ask specific questions relating to an informational or statistical project. Employees have periodic contact in person or by telephone with data processing personnel to provide pertinent information and statistics for major systems development projects. They also have periodic in-person, telephone, or written contact with agency personnel, other agencies (Federal and State), business groups, legislative bodies, associations, and the general public to respond to information requests or data needs or to seek information for research projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a research analyst, a supervisor, or an administrative superior who assigns work verbally or through written instructions. Work is reviewed upon completion for accuracy and timeliness. Employees in this class from time to time will receive guidance in specific areas where needed while work is in progress. Employees in this class follow agency policies and procedures to determine the proper methods of performing duties. Computer manuals are used when working with computerized equipment and software packages.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• College level courses in statistics (at least six quarter hours); research methods and techniques (e.g., research design, sampling, surveying, etc.); and computer software application or packages (e.g., Statistical Analyses System, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.); OR 
• Three years of experience assisting with the gathering, compiling, analyzing, and reporting of research information and statistical data plus assisting with the drafting of this information into narrative or statistical reports,; OR  
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.