Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Research Analyst-State of WA

State of Washington
Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board invites applications for the position of:
Research Analyst 5 WTB (01752)
SALARY: $3,726.00 - $4,888.00 Monthly
OPENING DATE: 02/25/15
CLOSING DATE: 03/16/15 05:00 PM
DESCRIPTION:
RESEARCH ANALYST 5

AGENCY PROFILE
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTB) is a performance accountability and policy advocacy agency for the statewide employment and training system and its goals. Its mission is the advancement of a “highly skilled workforce that will sustain Washington’s economic vitality.” The Workforce Board was given the role of driving workforce system improvement through relevant and rigorous research and evaluation, and through evidence-based policy development.
The WTB research unit provides critical data and analysis used by the Governor’s office and Legislature to inform policy decision-making.

DUTIES:
POSITION PROFILE
This position and the research team interact with private contractors on specialized research projects. Because of the incumbent's expertise, they may be called upon to make presentations to the Board, presentations at conferences, write segments of articles for publication and respond to questions from the general public.
The position requires the technical and analytic skills to complete research projects, and the communication skills to explain those results in relation to the policy process. This position requires expertise in the use of data and an understanding of how particular details affect final outcomes.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
As part of a team design major research studies for other agency units including the Consumer Protection Unit and the Workforce Investment Act Unit.
Consult with unit managers on proposed design and data and reporting needs.
Test accuracy of data received from external sources.
Analyze large data sets from multiple sources to inform research including selection of research problems to study.

Develop research methodology for projects and for evaluating program effectiveness. Develop statistical sampling procedures used in conjunction with research designs and surveys.
Produce critical periodic employment and training reports used in decision-making for funding and program goals and objectives.

Developing with a team projections of supply and demand for skilled labor, both at the aggregate level (RRCW.28C.18.100) and for specific occupational labor markets as required. Manage and update databases for analyzing and developing options for performance measurement and targets.
Analyze and develop options for programs such as Workforce Investment Act programs for youth, adult and dislocated workers, Carl Perkins Act programs for secondary and
postsecondary career and technical education and training, and State programs as required by RCW 28C.18.090, including Worker Retraining at Community and Technical colleges.
Participate in interagency workgroups in consultation with stakeholders, to develop and review projects and products such as those listed above.

Work Environment
This position works in a standard office environment. The typical workweek is Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This position may be required to work additional hours outside the "normal" work schedule during peak times such as the legislative session. Occasional travel may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
CANDIDATE PROFILE
WTB is most interested in candidates that are detail-oriented, understand all steps in a research project and are highly proficient in Access and Excel. The successful candidate will meet or exceed the following:

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree including two (2) college-level course in statistics or higher level mathematics
Two years experience with relational databases
Demonstrated experience leading a team or project
Demonstrated experience writing summaries and making presentations on data analysis

Preferred Qualifications:
Two years experience analyzing employment and training data

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
How to Apply
In addition to completing the online applications and supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
A letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
A list of at least three (3) professional references with current telephone numbers.
Failure to include the items requested above may disqualify your application from consideration.
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) which contains a "union security" provision. This means that, as a condition of employment, you must either join the union and pay union dues or pay the union a representation or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.
A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.
By submitting materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Prior to any new appointment into Department of Enterprise Services, a background check
will be conducted.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
Note: Applicants claiming veteran’s preference points must attach the documentation with each on-line application. If you do not provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these preference points, the points will not be awarded.
For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Dave Wallace at (360) 709-4613 or Dave.Wallace@wtb.wa.gov.

The Workforce Training and Education Board is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.