City and County of San Francisco

Research Assistant (#1802)

$35.65-$43.34 Hourly / $6,179.00-$7,512.00 Monthly / $74,152.00-$90,142.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general direction, the Research Assistant assists in the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data for research purposes. Essential functions include: conducts research studies and follow-up research; collects, tabulates, and analyzes a wide variety of data to determine trends, cycles, and underlying factors; plans and organizes the collection and tabulation of a variety of data; supplies data for updating reports, programs and graphic presentations; may assign and instruct clerical workers engaged in technical computation and word processing tasks; creates reports, and constructs charts, graphs, and tables to summarize results; makes oral presentations; gathers data by interviews and makes contacts with governmental agencies, private businesses, employees and the general public; reviews statistical work and reports for accuracy and continuity; uses graphic techniques to present data; prepares correspondence relating to statistical and research functions; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is an entry-level job code, which is distinguished from code 1820 Junior Administrative Analyst by its primary responsibility for the collection and analysis of research data. Code 1820 Junior Administrative Analyst is essentially responsible for entry-level administrative analysis and recommendations that relate to budget/grants, administrative policy, financial/fiscal policy or contract administration.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Conducts research studies; collects, tabulates and analyzes a wide variety of data; assists in applying statistical methods to determine trends, cycles, and underlying factors.

2. Plans and organizes the collecting and tabulating of a variety of data; supplies data for updating reports, programs and graphic presentations; may assign and instruct clerical workers engaged in technical computation and word processing tasks.

3. Constructs charts, graphs and tables to summarize results and makes recommendations.

4. Gathers data by interviews and contacts with governmental agencies, private businesses, employees, and the general public.

5. Prepares a wide variety of research reports; checks and reviews statistical work and reports for accuracy and continuity; uses graphic techniques to present data; conducts correspondence relating to statistical and research functions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles, methods and practices of research including collecting, planning, organizing and analyzing a variety of data for the preparation of research reports; basic statistical concepts such as mean, median and mode used in research data analysis.

Ability to: establish goals and objectives and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; plan the activities of research projects; monitor the progress, and evaluate the outcome of projected goals and objectives within the timeline directed; verbally communicate clearly and effectively with administration, departmental personnel and the general public, to speak and instruct clearly, to listen and elicit feedback.  The ability to instruct clerical workers engaged in technical computation and word processing; to gather data by interviews to help prepare reports relating to statistical and research functions; to communicate clearly and effectively in writing with supervisors, co-workers, departmental personnel and other city departments; including the preparation of written procedures, reports, memos, and correspondence; to interact tactfully and effectively with supervisors, co-workers, departmental personnel and other city departments.

Experience and Training

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with major coursework in statistics, mathematics, economics, public policy, sociology, psychology, or related fields including coursework in statistics or test measurements; AND

2. One year (2000 hours) verifiable experience in a position in which the primary responsibilities of the position(s) involved research, analysis, and the compilation, investigation, and evaluation of data of psychological, legislative, sociological or economic nature.

SUBSTITUTION: Two years of relevant experience as described under Minimum Qualifications #2 may be substituted for two years of education.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment; ability to work in a standard office environment, which may involve prolonged sitting, bending and operation of typing, word processing and other office equipment; interact with and obtain information from hostile individuals.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 1802; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 1/1/1900;