This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for applicants residing in California, in accordance with Government Code Section 14200 and the Department's current telework policy. A hybrid schedule typically includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office a minimum of two days per week; however, the specific number of in-office days and the overall telework schedule are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Department based on operational needs, policy changes, or direction from State leadership. Employees may be required to report to their designated work location with minimal notice. Telework does not alter the terms and conditions of employment, essential job functions, or compliance with departmental policies .
Join the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) as a Research Data Specialist III (GIS) and help safeguard California's communities. Lead advanced geospatial and statistical research that evaluates wildfire mitigation efforts, informs energy safety policy, and strengthens statewide infrastructure resilience.
The Research Data Specialist III (GIS) serves as the agency's lead expert in geospatial analytics, data-driven research, and statistical evaluation to support California's energy infrastructure safety and wildfire mitigation oversight. Operating within the Data Analytics Division, this role leads the design and execution of complex GIS-based studies, advanced modeling, and performance assessments of utility wildfire mitigation plans. The incumbent provides authoritative consultation on data methods, policy evaluation, and geospatial intelligence, helping transform utility and environmental data into actionable insights that drive safety, compliance, and resilience across California's energy systems.
Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents
Position Details Job Code # :
JC-497834
Position #(s) : 681-400-5770-001
Working Title :
Research Data Specialist lll
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 : Work Location :
Sacramento County
Telework : Hybrid
Job Type : Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
The mission of the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) is to advance long-term utility infrastructure safety through data-driven, wildfire mitigation evaluation and compliance, excavation standards and education, in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, and in support of improved utility infrastructure, safety culture, and innovation.
To take a look at Energy Safety as a destination employer, view this YouTube video
Energy Safety participates in E-Verify. If you apply for and are selected for a position, Energy Safety will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information upon appointment. To confirm you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov / e-verify
Department Website :
Special Requirements Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree / transcripts and / or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
Individuals who are new to state service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with any state agency. Click here to learn more about examinations available online.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
SROA / SURPLUS Applicants : You must check the SROA / Surplus as your claimed method of eligibility and attach your SROA / Surplus letter as an additional document.
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 : 12 / 1 / 2025
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.
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 :
Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Mailing
Attn : Class & Pay
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at :
Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
HR - Drop Off
Class & Pay
715 P Street, 15th Floor
Sacramento , CA 95814
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 :
Please include a 1-2 page(s), 12-point font, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that describes your exper ience as it relates to this position / Duty Statement. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ.
Failure to include and complete the SOQ may result in disqualification for interview.
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 :
Be an experienced data and analytics leader with a proven record of delivering large-scale analytical or AI / ML initiatives with strong statistical background.
Demonstrate expertise in SQL, Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS, or modern data and AI platforms.
Exhibit strong interpersonal, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Possess the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
Show curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for applying technology to solve real-world challenges.
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package, some benefits include :
Some added benefits include : Flexible Work Hours, Telework Opportunities, Health, Dental & Vision Benefits, Paid Sick & Vacation, Retirement, Basic Group Term Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 11 Paid Holidays, 401(k) & 457 plans, Military Leave, Student Loan Forgiveness, Long Term Care, Group Legal Services, and Reimbursement Accounts.
Click here to view all the benefits available to state employees!
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website :
Hiring Unit Contact :
Recruitment Team
(916) 902-5927
careers@energysafety.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 : EEO Officer
(916) 902-6001
EEO@energysafety.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 Instructions
If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 681-400-5770-001 and the Job Control # JC-497834 in the "Examination or Job Title for which you are applying" section on the STD. 678.
Note : If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.
Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
Eligibility Information
To be appointed you must satisfy one of the following requirements :
In some special circumstances, candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position, but who do not have one of the types of eligibility listed above, may be hired. However, this is rare, and the preferred method of appointment is through eligibility as described above.
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.
Research Specialist • Sacramento, CA, United States