Job Description

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is seeking a Research Data Specialist III (RDS III). In this role, you will help CSAC and its stakeholders to use data to improve financial aid for California students.


As a RDS III on the Data, Analysis and Research Team, part of the Research, Analysis, and Program Innovation Division, you will conduct independent research and quantitative analysis. You will also model policy change scenarios; oversee and manage large-scale surveys of student populations; respond to both internal and external data requests; and assist with budget preparation and expenditure projections.


You will use your expertise to provide technical guidance and to answer questions with data to facilitate the development of new programs and policies.
You will find additional information about the job in the

Duty Statement

.


Working Conditions


Exposure to computer screens and other basic office equipment. Work in a climate-controlled office environment, open office space with artifical lighting. Attend meetings in designated conference rooms and be willing to travel to off-site locations. Current residency in the State of California is required. This position's location is designated in Rancho Cordova, California and may be eligible for hybrid teleworking. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on CSAC's current telework policy. While CSAC supports telework, regular in-person attendance will be required at CSAC's Rancho Cordova location based on operational needs. Teleworking from outside the State of California is strictly prohibited.

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-504823

Position #(s):

270-732-5770-XXX

Working Title:

Research Data Specialist III

Classification:

RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST III
$8,392.00 - $10,505.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time
Department Information


The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. Our mission is to promote education equity by making postsecondary education affordable for all Californians. By joining us, you become part of a passionate and driven organization dedicated to its mission where all areas across the organization are aligned with the common goal of developing technical and analytical skills and leadership abilities, through promoting teamwork and cross-functional teams.

The Research, Analysis, Program Innovation Division (RAPID) is responsible for leveraging actionable data for program implementation, evaluation and innovation.


Within RAPID, the Data, Analysis, and Research Team (DART) is responsible for data management and reporting, research and special studies, Cal Grant projections, statistical analysis, and legislatively mandated reports. The staff is annually responsible for the development of the Cal Grant projections, income and asset ceilings, and Student Expense Budgets. The Specialized Programs Unit exists to support the Commission's stakeholders through customer service and operations. The Specialized Programs Unit focuses on the service of internal and external customers through training, operations, customer service, and project work around institution issues and specialized programs.


Department Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/


Special Requirements





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: 1/25/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP 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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).




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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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:



CA Student Aid Commission
Human Resources Office (USPS)
Attn: HR Office
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:



CA Student Aid Commission
Drop Off
Recruitment, Personnel Services
11120 International Drive, Suite 100
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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. 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:
Think critically and creatively while working with and analyzing large datasets.Outstanding customer service skills. Familiar with the Commission's financial aid programs and/or California higher education institutions. Knowledge of statistical methods and/or financial aid and education research. Interact with high-level policy and legislative audiences. Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical techniques to resolve or provide information regarding complex governmental and managerial problems. You have strong communication skills, including effective presentation skills, written and interpersonal skills.

Benefits


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.

Department Website:

https://www.csac.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:

Rebecca Medina

(916) 464-6447

rebecca.medina@csac.ca.gov


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:

Libby Avalos

(916) 464-7998

EEO@csac.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Additional Application Instructions

A completed application package must include the following:

On the Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678) enter the Position Number, Position Title, and Job Control Number in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section. "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) and total hours worked per week for all employment history listed on the STD. 678. Name, address, and phone numbers of current and former employers and supervisors. "To" and "From" dates (Month/Day/Year) on the resume (if applicable). State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification held (not working titles). All required documents listed in the "Required Application Documents" section. If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you

must

include a copy of your official/informal transcripts for verification. These transcripts must include your name and the name of the school. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If you have a degree from outside of the United States, you must also submit an evaluation of this degree to determine its US equivalency. If you need an evaluation, you can visit this website https://www.naces.org/ to find organizations that provide these services.

All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification must be included in your completed Application Package to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.

Failure to provide the information listed above may disqualify you from consideration for this recruitment.

Resumes, Cover Letters, etc. DO NOT replace the required, completed Examination/Employment Application (STD. 678).

Personally Identifiable Information:

Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any of your documents in your application package.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSAC


Diversity Statement: Here at the CSAC, we want all of our employees to feel respected, valued, appreciated, and equipped to thrive. CSAC encourages employees to work together to fuel the creativity and innovation process necessary to serve our customers well. This commitment fosters and inclusive work environment where all backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are honored as we join in common cause to make college affordable for all California students.


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.