GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The RESEARCH ANALYST 4 designs, implements and evaluates major research studies and statistical projects making interpretations and developing conclusions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the fourth level of a four-level series. This level is distinguished from the lower levels by increased responsibility for complex research design and regular application of complex analytical techniques, concepts and methodologies. At this level, employees may act as an agency spokesperson on research matters, are involved in major issues analysis, and serve regularly as consultants to top management and administration. Employees at this level serve as project leaders for major studies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research Planning, Design, and Analyses. Typical tasks: consults with users to identify needs of a major study; identifies purpose of and methods to be used in the research study; develops procedures that describe the series of steps to be taken by analysts; designs forms and sample surveys to collect raw data; combine knowledge of literature, national trends and State data to analyze programs, services, and client outcomes; analyzes survey data and verifies validity by calculating the factors, reviewing prior studies and methods; develops questionnaires, survey instruments and/or data files to construct data sets for analysis and future study; participates with data processing staff in planning, designing and implementing new data systems; writes computer report generator language programs such as Easytrieve Plus and FOCUS; uses computer report generator language software packages such as Easytrieve Plus, TPL - Table Producing Language, and SAS - Statistical Analyses Systems to retrieve, edit and tabulate data from various data bases and files with the use of computer input devices; writes programs to utilize appropriate statistical procedures based on the assumptions and hypothesis in the research design; studies and analyzes tables, graphs, and charts, and other statistics to arrive at conclusions about the data; develops research grant applications.
2. Report Preparation. Typical tasks: reviews narrative and statistical information gathered; writes reports such as statistical studies, narrative reports, articles for publication including summary tables, graphs, and charts; writes reports interpreting and analyzing interactions, movements and changes in the world, (Federal, State and local scene); may interview with the news media as agency spokesperson regarding current situations and forecasts; may test in court hearings to present and explain information, methodology and conclusions; trains and guides lower level analysts in report writing; summarizes reports by explaining the significance of trends; prepares statistical forecasts and explains their significance to a program.
3. Technical Consultation. Typical tasks: confers with top level agency management business groups, legislative bodies, associations, unions, news media, State and local officials regarding current data, trends, projections, or impact of existing or proposed studies; prepares written responses and provide technical expertise and specialized information on request; represents the agency as an expert when consulting with and developing plans for State and local groups (e.g., advisory committees, planning boards, Chambers of Commerce); delivers presentations to various units of the agency, community groups, and others to report research findings, current statistics, or forecasts.
4. Project Coordination. Typical tasks: designs research project and plans, assigns, checks and coordinates the work of other research analysts and support staff engaged in gathering, compiling and analyzing information and data.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have frequent contact in person or by telephone with data processing staff to obtain their assistance in the development and implementation of new data systems for research projects in order to collect and analyze the information efficiently. They have frequent in person telephone, or written contact with top level agency personnel, other agencies, business groups, legislative bodies, associations, unions, and news media to respond to information requests or to seek information for research projects. They also have frequent contact with various staff of the agency, community groups and others when serving as an agency representative or expert in delivering presentations of research findings, current statistics, or other pertinent information or data.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from an administrative superior who assigns work orally or through written instructions. Work is reviewed through reports and discussions at completion of each project. Employees in this class work with a high degree of independence often at a separate location. Assignments may be generated by self-initiative or independent judgment on the needs and requests of data users.

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

• Three years of research experience applying research methods, procedures, and techniques in the (agency specific) field; applying statistical and forecasting principles and procedures; planning and designing research projects; writing technical research reports and/or documents; and using statistical computer software packages; OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.