(1) Full-time position
| Salary: | Salary range 54 ($44,712 - $58,656 annually DOQ) |
| Recruitment number: | I1409RA50130PS |
| Location: | Lacey, Wash. |
| Opening date: | September 16, 2009 |
| Closing date: | Open until filled |
The opportunity
The Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) Branch of Employment Security Department (ESD) supports the agency mission and the employment process by providing businesses, individuals and other customers with the labor market information they need to succeed in a changing economy. This Research Analyst 5 position contributes to the achievement of the organization’s mission by conducting research that supports the ongoing operations of the Employment Career Development Division (ECDD) and the WorkSource Standards and Integration Division (WSID).
Major duties
The assigned work activities for this position are:
- Plan, direct, and manage an ongoing survey or program activity involving research and statistical analysis of economic, employment, or labor market conditions. Select methods to collect and analyze data.
- Validate results and document methodologies, processes, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting to ensure reproducibility, standardization and quality of research.
- Prepare and distribute summary reports, fact sheets, articles or other written materials describing economic, employment or labor market research results for use by government officials, the public, WorkForce and economic development councils, training institutions or other customers.
- Create summary tables, graphs and charts to display statistical calculations and results. Change file formats according to user needs and software capabilities.
- As a designated expert for a specific reporting system or field of research, provide customers with technical advice and information about economic, employment or labor market statistics and research results.
- Maintain research data using computer applications.
- Support unit and branch co-workers.
- Increase knowledge and skills related to a specialized area of economic, employment or labor market research.
Required qualifications
Skills and abilities/competencies that are required upon entry to the position:
- Knowledge of principles, theories and concepts of micro- and macroeconomics at the awareness level.Working-level knowledge of mathematics and statistics.Working-level knowledge of economic, employment and labor market information.Working-level knowledge of economic factors that influence or are influenced by changes in the workforce.Mastery-level of analytical skill that uses logic and reasoning to assess data, form logical conclusions, evaluate options and make decisions or recommendations.Working-level of research skill that identifies, collects, organizes and documents data in ways that make the information most useful for assessment, analysis, investigation and drawing conclusions.Working-level of reading comprehension skill that understands written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.Working-level of writing skill that conveys information in writing according to the needs of the audience.Working-level of oral communication skill that conveys information orally according to the needs of the audience, and receive and understand spoken information.Working-level of personal computer skill that uses computer hardware and software to complete assignments.Working-level of customer service skill that builds and maintains customer satisfaction with products and services.
See proficiency matrix for further explanation of competency levels.
Desired qualifications
Skills and abilities/competencies that are preferred or desired upon entry to the position:
- Mastery-level of research skill that identifies, organizes, and doucments data in ways that make the information most useful for assessment, analysis, investigation, and drawing conclusions.
- Mastery-level of economic, employment, and labor market information.
- Working-level knowledge of ESD and LMEA programs, products and services.
- Working-level knowledge of mandates, policies, rules, regulations and laws related to economic research and analysis, including confidentiality requirements.
- Attention to detail - Produce accurate, thorough, quality work products containing few if any errors.
- Confidentiality and Professionalism - Share information only with those authorized, keep commitments made to others, avoid conflicts of interest and use good judgment about the use of confidential data intended for agency administrative and research purposes.
- Knowledge of marketing principles.
- Experience with SAS statistical software or other statistical applications.
- Workoad management skill - Organize assignments, work efficiently, remain focused and handle interruptions effectively.
Education, training and/or experience
One year of experience as a Research Analyst 4 (RA4) or two years of experience as a RA3, or three years of experience as an RA2.
and
College coursework, including: two courses in mathematics, three courses in statistics, two courses in economics or business, two courses in English composition and one course in computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Suite).
or
Bachelor’s degree including: two courses in mathematics, three courses in statistics, two courses in economics or business, two courses in English composition and one course in computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Suite).
and
Four years of experience performing research and using statistical analysis methods in a social science setting.
The following education and experience is also highly beneficial:
A master’s degree in economics, business, public finance, research, social science, mathematics or closely related field.
One year of supervisory experience.
Why we work here
Employment Security employees:
- Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
- Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
- Get a generous, paid time-off package.
- Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
- Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
- Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.
How to apply
Complete and submit:
1) To download an ESD application, click the link below.
ESD Application
2) Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this opportunity
3) Résumé
4) In your letter of interest, please describe each of the required skills and abilities/competencies and how you have obtained the proficiency level of each.
Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.
To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.
- Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
- A signature is not required on the application form.
- Please do not password-protect the application form.
- Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.
The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.
Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government.
The mission of Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global
economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment
insurance system.
Budget, Policy & Communications Division profile
Services include:
- Labor Market and Economic Analysis information for employers and others.
- Financial Management, meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of agency financial resources.
- Office Services, managing the agency's facilities, procurements, mail, records, printing, fleet, and exposure to risk.
- Communications, responsible for internal and external communications throughout the agency.
- Policy and Legislation, providing policy, analytic, research, and management assistance, and leading legislative efforts.
- Budget and Performance, monitoring and managing the agency's budgets and performance.
Other information
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate accepting this position must comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.
Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.
