Research Analyst II (GIS)

RESEARCH ANALYST II (GENERAL)
This is the full journey level class.  Under general direction, employees at this level perform a variety of tasks including the more independent, responsible, varied and complex technical research and statistical work in a variety of fields; they may provide consultative advice to various governmental entities and agencies, and may act as a leadperson.  Work at this level is often characterized by independent development and employment of research methodology and techniques; and the designing and implementation of research projects.  Usually involves investigation into areas where precedents are lacking or where only a sparse body of knowledge or experience in the area exist.

Incumbents often have lead responsibilities, work on multidisciplinary teams or have primary responsibility for a major project or activity.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Incumbents in this parenthetical are distinguished from other Research Analysts by being able to perform research and statistical studies involving various types of digital spatial data and the techniques and methodologies associated with geographic information systems.  The studies, objectives and conclusions may be based on spatial analysis of:  natural resource management, land use and transportation planning, emergency response planning and health assessments.

Minimum Qualifications:
RESEARCH ANALYST II (GENERAL)

                                         Either I
           Experience:  At least one year of pertinent research experience
           appropriate to the parenthetical specialty performing the duties of
           a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research
           Analyst I, Range C.  (Applicants who have completed six months of
           service performing the duties as specified above will be admitted to
           the examination but they must satisfactorily complete one year of
           this experience before they can be eligible for appointment.)
                                          Or II
           Experience:  Three years of progressively responsible technical
           experience in a research program appropriate to the parenthetical
           specialty including two years above the trainee level engaged in the
           collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of data.
           (Experience in the California state service applied toward this
           pattern must include at least one year of research experience
           appropriate to the parenthetical specialty performing the duties of
           a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research
           Analyst I, Range C.)  (A Master's Degree in Economics, Psychology,
           Sociology, Demography, Geography, or a related research-oriented
           field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.  A
           doctoral degree in the same areas may be substituted for two years
           of the required experience.)  and

           Education:  Equivalent to graduation from college with any major but
           with extensive course work in an area appropriate to the
           parenthetical specialty, such as economics, psychology, sociology,
           demography, geography, anthropology, statistics, or a related
           research-oriented field.

This must include or be supplemented by at least one course in statistical methods.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Demonstrated achievement as evidenced through experience and education which provides ability to independently and successfully perform evaluation and research of geographic data and spatial analysis; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Analyst II (General).

The pertinent experience specified in the Research Analyst II (General) means one year of experience equivalent to Research Analyst I (GIS), Range C.

Knowledge & Abilities:
RESEARCH ANALYST II, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Knowledge of:  Principles and concepts of geography, cartography, and computer mapping; techniques of spatial analysis that involve map overlays and proximity analysis; familiarity with various map products provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, including digital formats; familiarity with map projections and coordinate systems; and all of the requirements specified in the Research Analyst II (General).

Ability to:  Adapt and perform spatial analysis techniques and methods to complex problems involving mapped information.