Research Analyst III - County of Orange
Orange County, CA
About the Job
THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WILL BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AND REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS UNTIL THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE MET. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION
This recruitment is being held to establish an Open Eligible List to a fill a vacancy in this class until the next recruitment. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications.
THE DIVISION
The Crime Analysis Unit collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets crime and incident data for evaluation of past performance and to identify criminal activity patterns and trends for operational deployment, tactical intervention, strategic planning, and management analysis.
The Orange County Real Time Operation Center (RTOC) is a state of the art centralized location where law enforcement personnel accumulate and analyze publicly available information and data from several law enforcement databases in real time.
The RTOC is designed to provide the Orange County Sheriff’s Department with the ability to capitalize on a wide range of technologies for a well-organized and effective policing strategy within our county. These efforts allow deputies to respond safely and swiftly to crimes in progress or that have recently occurred. The technology at our disposal allows the analysts to assist deputies in responding to crimes more resourcefully and consciously, with improved operational intelligence and a proactive concentration on community and officer safety.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research Analyst performs research and analysis at an experienced professional level. Under general supervision or direction, the analyst will work with criminal justice systems, various databases, to include but not limited to geographic information systems, analyze publicly safety support, while operating in accordance with the organization's legal and policy constraints. The candidate will possess a U.S. Government SECRET clearance once employed and must maintain their clearance throughout the course of employment.
GENERAL DUTIES
Independently conducts research and analysis in the collection analysis and dissemination of crime data to discover trends, patterns and changes in criminal activity. Leverage technology and data to support and monitor incidents in real time. Utilize databases and software to analyze and interpret crime data to develop crime series, patterns and suspect profiles. Perform Data Management, research and analytical duties to develop and generate various reports and bulletins. Facilitate the transfer of crime information between analysts, units, bureaus and divisions. Communicate and work effectively with co-workers, representatives of other agencies, and the public. Develops curriculum for the Crime Analysis Unit Internship Program and oversees the training of crime analysis interns; assists supervising staff as needed.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SQL Server software databases, ArcGIS, and have knowledge of python (or similar computer programming language) and cell phone analysis software; possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution with course work in Criminal Justice, Social Services, Computer Science, or closely related field. Possession of a Crime and Intelligence Analyst Certificate issued by a recognized institution; one or more years of experience working as a crime intelligence analyst for a government agency. Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance; proficient accessing, applying, and operating standard analytical software independently.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Thorough Knowledge of:
- Principles and methods of research design, including sampling and the testing of hypotheses
- Methods of organizing statistical information into reports, tabulations, charts and graphs
General Knowledge of:
- Principles and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics, including probability theory, sampling techniques, statistical correlation, frequency distribution, reliability and validity criteria and regression analysis
- Principles and theories of a scientific, technical or professional field as they apply to a particular County program, depending on area of assignment, such as, but not limited to, social welfare, public health, urban systems and public facilities analysis, or criminal/juvenile justice systems
- Capability of various research methods to meet management information needs in a large and complex organization
- Computer programming and processing methods to generate, organize and display a wide variety of complex statistics and other research data
Ability to:
- Apply principles of logic and scientific method to define problems involving several concrete and abstract variables and collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
- Organize and design an efficient plan for collecting and summarizing varied and complex field data
- Apply mathematical formulas and make calculations necessary to select and apply appropriate statistical methods for collecting and summarizing varied and complex field data
- Read and understand specialized information and terminology in a particular scientific, technical or professional field, depending on area of assignment
- Independently plan and organize research activity to meet specific needs of a County program, depending on area of assignment
- Speak and write clearly, concisely and logically
- Use tact and persuasion in eliciting information and explaining and advocating research objectives and methods
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with colleagues and client staff
- Initiate, plan and complete work assignments with minimal supervision
Education and Experience:
One year of experience in the Orange County class of Research Analyst II.
Or
Three years of experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledges and abilities. Education or training at the college level directly related to these knowledges and abilities may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience at a rate of one semester unit for each month of experience or one hour of training for each hour of experience.
License/Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver License by date of appointment. The County may waive this requirement when an alternative method of transportation is available which is acceptable to the County.
Click here to learn more about the Minimum Qualifications as well as the physical, mental requirements and the environmental, working conditions.In addition, the ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of and experience in the following core competencies:
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
- Understanding of and experience with statistical analysis, research design, and methods of organizing information into reports using tables, charts and graphs
- Methods of data extraction, quality assurance, and management
- Ability to follow written procedures of existing projects while eventually improving processes for efficiency
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices as it relates to criminal justice
- Utilize SPSS or other statistical software to perform statistical analysis
- Utilize the following software applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Microsoft SQL Server
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with research staff, management, peers, and staff within the department and other agencies
- Involving others as appropriate and gathering information from a variety of sources
- Ability to work collaboratively with research staff and program operations staff while focusing on outcomes and accomplishments
- Interacting professionally with a variety of professionals and responding in a timely manner
ORAL / WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Communicating and interacting effectively with all levels of staff and managers
- Presenting statistical information in a "non-technical" manner to an audience both verbally and in written form
- Writing clearly and concisely; demonstrating proofreading and editing skills, composing informative memos, e-mails, formal correspondence, reports, and other documents
PLEASE NOTE: The competencies listed above will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive, concise, and highlight the areas you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies listed above.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Employees may be:
- Subject to call back requirements during emergency or critical incidents
- Required to work any assigned shift and day of week, including holidays, and upon short notice, if necessary
- Maintain job related certifications
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who may have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a description of the physical and mental abilities that are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed for any questions to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.
Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, fingerprinting and may include a polygraph test. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
Human Resources | Minimum Qualifications
Sheriff Human Resources screens all applications to identify the most qualified candidates for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, the qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Refer/Non-Refer): An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen all application materials and rate for job knowledge, competencies and related experience described above. The more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information).
Structured Oral Panel Interview (Weighted 100%):
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
ELIGIBLE LIST
After all procedures have been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.
Please click here to review the policy.
HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct, and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas which you have developed expertise. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Mary Cortez-Valadez at (714) 834-5834 or email at mcortez-valadez@ocsheriff.gov.
Please click here for tips to complete your application.